Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69 signals a manageable financial start for this criminology program. Based on comparable criminology bachelor's programs nationally, graduates here are estimated to enter the field earning around $37,476—right at the national median—and climb to $47,332 by year four. That $10,000 jump suggests decent early-career progression, though criminology salaries nationwide tend to plateau in the low-to-mid $40,000s for many entry-level roles in law enforcement, corrections, or victim services.
The estimated $26,027 debt load sits just above the national median for criminology programs and slightly below what similar Virginia schools report. University of Lynchburg's 27% Pell grant enrollment and 82% admission rate suggest it serves a broad student base, and the debt figure—while not trivial—remains within reasonable bounds for a private university bachelor's degree. The four-year earnings data, which is actual rather than estimated, provides reassurance that graduates do see salary growth after that initial period.
For parents weighing this investment, the key question is career trajectory: criminology bachelor's holders often need additional credentials or pivot to related fields like social services or private security to push past that $50,000 ceiling. The debt here won't cripple your child's options, but understand that peer programs suggest similar starting points with modest early growth—this isn't a fast track to high earnings.
Where University of Lynchburg Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all criminology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Lynchburg | — | $47,332 | — |
| Gonzaga University | $38,028 | $69,525 | +83% |
| Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia | $43,283 | $66,640 | +54% |
| Old Dominion University | $37,255 | $44,575 | +20% |
| Virginia Union University | $30,291 | $38,384 | +27% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Virginia
Criminology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Virginia (5 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $35,540 | $37,476* | $47,332 | $26,027* | — | |
| $12,262 | $37,255* | $44,575 | $25,000* | 0.67 | |
| $14,880 | $30,291* | $38,384 | $31,450* | 1.04 | |
| National Median | — | $37,476* | — | $25,000* | 0.67 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with criminology graduates
Sociologists
Psychologists, All Other
Neuropsychologists
Clinical Neuropsychologists
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
Loss Prevention Managers
Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Lynchburg, approximately 27% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 111 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.