Criminology at University of North Carolina Wilmington

UNCW's Criminology program costs students less than typical alternatives while delivering earnings that track closely with North Carolina's median for the field. Graduates carry $22,915 in debt—about $1,500 below the state norm—and earn roughly $34,760 within their first year, putting them squarely at the state's 40th percentile. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67 is manageable, and the 21% earnings growth to $41,747 by year four suggests steady career progression rather than an immediate earnings ceiling.

The challenge is that criminology graduates everywhere face modest starting salaries, and UNCW is no exception. While the program performs at the state median, it still falls short of the national median by about $3,000 annually. Only one North Carolina school—William Peace University—produces significantly higher criminology earnings, though that comes with different admission selectivity and likely cost structures.

For families comfortable with the realities of criminal justice career paths, UNCW offers a reasonable entry point: below-average debt paired with typical-for-the-state earnings. The moderate growth trajectory and manageable debt load mean graduates aren't burdened while building their careers. This isn't a fast track to high income, but it's a stable foundation in a field where passion and career goals matter more than maximizing earnings potential.