Criminology at University of Missouri-Kansas City

Criminology graduates from peer programs in Missouri typically start around $37,000—placing UMKC's estimated outcomes squarely in the middle of the state's range. With estimated debt of $24,187, this translates to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.65, meaning graduates would owe roughly eight months of their first-year salary. That's a reasonable burden compared to many bachelor's programs, though it assumes graduates secure employment in their field relatively quickly.

The challenge is that criminology tends to cluster tightly in the mid-$30,000s regardless of institution. Missouri State's graduates earn an estimated $36,185, while those from the University of Missouri-St. Louis start at $38,207—a spread of just $2,000. This suggests that choice of school may matter less than career path and networking, particularly since many criminology positions in law enforcement or social services follow structured pay scales. The national picture reinforces this: three-quarters of programs produce first-year earnings below $40,565.

For families evaluating this investment, the key question is whether your child has a clear plan for what comes after graduation. A criminology degree can lead to steady civil service careers, but it rarely commands premium starting salaries. The estimated debt load here won't be crushing, but it will require discipline to pay down on a public sector salary.