Criminology at University of Florida-Online

UF Online's criminology program starts graduates at below-average pay—$35,096 puts them in just the 33rd percentile nationally—but the trajectory tells a better story. Within four years, earnings jump 42% to nearly $50,000, a growth rate that outpaces most criminology programs. At $19,500 in debt (well below both the national and Florida medians), graduates face manageable payments even during that challenging first year.

Here's the state context: among Florida's 10 criminology programs, UF Online sits exactly at the median for first-year earnings but carries less debt than most competitors. You're not getting the $44,000 starting salary of Barry University graduates, but you're also not taking on Barry's typical debt load. The trade-off may work if your child can weather modest earnings early while building experience in law enforcement, corrections, or social services—fields where advancement often depends more on tenure than credentials.

The real question is opportunity cost. A 0.56 debt-to-earnings ratio sounds reasonable, but that first year matters when bills come due. If your child has specific career goals in criminal justice and values UF's brand recognition at an online price point, this works. If they're exploring options or uncertain about the field, that sluggish start and below-average initial placement should factor heavily into the decision.