Est. Earnings (1yr)
$37,476
Est. from national median (111 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$26,027
Est. from national median (52 programs)

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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
University of LynchburgLynchburg$35,540$37,476*$47,332$26,027*—
Old Dominion UniversityNorfolk$12,262$37,255*$44,575$25,000*0.67
Virginia Union UniversityRichmond$14,880$30,291*$38,384$31,450*1.04
National Median—$37,476*—$25,000*0.67
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with criminology graduates

Sociologists

Study human society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions that people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. May study the behavior and interaction of groups, trace their origin and growth, and analyze the influence of group activities on individual members.

$101,690/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Psychologists, All Other

All psychologists not listed separately.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Neuropsychologists

Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical Neuropsychologists

Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in criminal justice, corrections, and law enforcement administration. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other

All life, physical, and social science technicians not listed separately.

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.