Criminology at University of Michigan-Dearborn

A criminology bachelor's degree from UM-Dearborn carries an estimated $23,406 in debt—notably lower than the $29,000 typical for similar Michigan programs and well below the $25,000 national median. That debt advantage matters when first-year earnings for comparable programs hover around $37,500, producing a manageable 0.62 debt-to-earnings ratio. This means graduates would owe roughly 62 cents for every dollar earned in their first year, a ratio that suggests the debt burden shouldn't overwhelm entry-level salaries in criminal justice fields.

The earnings picture aligns closely with Eastern Michigan's reported outcomes and the state median, suggesting that criminology programs across Michigan produce similar career prospects regardless of the specific institution. With 44% of UM-Dearborn students receiving Pell grants, the lower debt load could be especially meaningful for families watching every dollar. The school's selectivity (59% admission rate, 1127 average SAT) positions it as accessible but competitive.

For families considering this program, the key advantage appears to be graduating with less debt than you'd likely accumulate elsewhere while achieving comparable earning potential. That's a tangible benefit in a field where starting salaries don't leave much room for heavy loan payments. The estimates here suggest reasonable value, though confirming that UM-Dearborn's specific outcomes match these peer-based projections would strengthen confidence in this investment.