Analysis
UMass Dartmouth criminology graduates start behind many state peers but experience something unusual: their earnings jump 43% by year four, ultimately reaching $53,581—well above what graduates from higher-earning MA programs typically achieve mid-career. While first-year earnings lag the state median by about $3,200, this program's trajectory suggests it opens doors to career advancement that may not be immediately obvious from starting salaries alone.
The debt picture strengthens the case considerably. At $27,000, graduates carry manageable debt that sits in the 5th percentile nationally—meaning 95% of criminology programs leave students with more to repay. Combined with that strong earnings growth, the financial fundamentals work clearly in graduates' favor compared to most alternatives.
The real question is whether your child can navigate those early years earning in the mid-30s. If they're willing to invest in building experience—perhaps in entry-level corrections, probation, or law enforcement roles—this program appears to position them well for advancement into better-paying positions. For families prioritizing low debt and strong mid-career prospects over impressive starting salaries, UMass Dartmouth delivers a practical path into criminal justice careers.
Where University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all criminology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth | $37,535 | $53,581 | +43% |
| Gonzaga University | $38,028 | $69,525 | +83% |
| Lasell University | $40,527 | $56,726 | +40% |
| Stonehill College | $40,928 | $55,475 | +36% |
| Framingham State University | $41,431 | $52,600 | +27% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Criminology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (8 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Massachusetts-DartmouthNorth Dartmouth | $15,208 | $37,535 | $53,581 | $27,000 | 0.72 |
 Assumption UniversityWorcester | $49,414 | $48,600 | — | $27,000 | 0.56 |
 Framingham State UniversityFramingham | $11,630 | $41,431 | $52,600 | $25,974 | 0.63 |
 Stonehill CollegeEaston | $54,500 | $40,928 | $55,475 | $25,000 | 0.61 |
 Lasell UniversityNewton | $26,000 | $40,527 | $56,726 | $27,000 | 0.67 |
 Emmanuel CollegeBoston | $46,686 | $36,824 | — | $26,348 | 0.72 |
| 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 Massachusetts-Dartmouth, approximately 36% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 105 graduates with reported earnings and 123 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.