Analysis
University of Massachusetts Global's criminology program punches above its weight nationally, landing in the 91st percentile for earnings among all criminology programs—well ahead of the national median of $37,476. Graduates earn $42,698 in their first year, and that figure jumps to $56,469 by year four, representing unusually strong 32% earnings growth. That upward trajectory distinguishes this program from many criminology degrees that plateau early.
The tradeoff is debt: at $25,725, graduates carry about 50% more than the California median for this major ($17,050), though it's roughly in line with national averages. Within California's criminology programs, this ranks around the 60th percentile for earnings—respectable but not exceptional for the state. You're paying somewhat above typical California rates but still earning more than graduates from UC Irvine or Cal State San Marcos.
The 0.60 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable, especially given the strong earnings momentum. If your child is committed to criminology and values a private university environment with solid career support, this program delivers measurable results. Just recognize that several California public universities offer this degree with significantly less debt, even if initial earnings start slightly lower.
Where University of Massachusetts Global Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all criminology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Massachusetts Global 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 Global | $42,698 | $56,469 | +32% |
| University of La Verne | $34,292 | $52,520 | +53% |
| University of California-Irvine | $34,522 | $50,638 | +47% |
| California State University-San Marcos | $34,694 | $49,760 | +43% |
| California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt | $29,123 | $42,938 | +47% |
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Criminology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (11 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12,520 | $42,698 | $56,469 | $25,725 | 0.60 | |
| $7,739 | $34,694 | $49,760 | $14,810 | 0.43 | |
| $14,237 | $34,522 | $50,638 | $15,865 | 0.46 | |
| $47,000 | $34,292 | $52,520 | $26,000 | 0.76 | |
| $50,670 | $31,963 | — | $17,250 | 0.54 | |
| $6,980 | $31,224 | $40,745 | $10,773 | 0.35 | |
| 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 Global, approximately 23% 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.