Criminology at University of Miami

The small sample size is critical here—with fewer than 30 graduates, these numbers could swing dramatically with just a few data points. That said, what we're seeing should concern any parent: first-year earnings of $29,670 fall $5,400 below Florida's median for criminology grads and land in just the 5th percentile nationally. Even the lowest-ranked Florida schools with larger samples are posting numbers $5,000+ higher, suggesting this isn't just statistical noise.

The debt picture offers some relief—$16,500 is manageable, especially compared to the national median of $25,000 for this degree. But debt isn't the real issue when you're earning barely above minimum wage with a diploma from a selective university (19% admission rate, 1416 average SAT). Barry University's criminology grads, for instance, earn $44,015 their first year out—nearly 50% more than what this program shows. That's a gap too wide to ignore, even accounting for sample variability.

If your child is set on studying criminology in Florida, the data suggests looking elsewhere. The University of South Florida and University of Florida both show significantly stronger earnings outcomes. Until University of Miami's criminology program can demonstrate more robust numbers with a larger graduate cohort, treating this as a high-risk choice makes sense—particularly at a private school where total costs likely exceed $250,000.