Criminology at University of Houston-Clear Lake

University of Houston-Clear Lake's criminology program starts graduates at roughly $36,000—below the national median but solidly above most Texas programs. What makes this worth noting is where graduates land by year four: $54,000, representing 52% earnings growth. That trajectory puts this program in the 60th percentile among Texas criminology programs, outperforming larger names like Saint Edward's and Texas A&M-Kingsville.

The financial picture is particularly strong. At $16,149, graduates carry about $9,000 less debt than the typical Texas criminology graduate—ranking in the 5th percentile nationally for debt burden. That's a meaningful advantage when starting salaries are modest, as it gives graduates breathing room while their earnings ramp up. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45 means most graduates can manage payments comfortably even in that first year.

For families concerned about both affordability and outcomes in criminal justice fields, this program delivers on both counts. The lower starting salary reflects typical entry-level positions in law enforcement or corrections, but the strong earnings growth suggests graduates move into better roles relatively quickly. With 44% of students receiving Pell grants and a reasonable admission rate, this represents accessible education that doesn't saddle graduates with crushing debt while they build their careers. The four-year earnings justify the initial investment, especially compared to pricier Texas alternatives.