Criminology at University of Northern Iowa

University of Northern Iowa's criminology program outperforms 95% of similar programs nationally, with first-year graduates earning $43,914—nearly $6,500 above the national median and even surpassing the 75th percentile for this field. That's a significant achievement for an accessible state university with a 94% admission rate. Within Iowa, the program ranks in the 60th percentile, performing competitively with the state's median and outpacing even the University of Iowa's criminology graduates by over $5,000.

The $24,683 median debt is right at the state average and barely below the national benchmark, translating to a manageable 0.56 debt-to-earnings ratio. Graduates earn enough in their first year to cover their debt in roughly seven months of gross pay. Earnings grow steadily to $46,343 by year four, suggesting graduates find stable career progression rather than hitting immediate salary ceilings.

For parents weighing criminology programs, UNI delivers exceptional value—particularly for Iowa residents paying in-state tuition. Your child would graduate with earnings that rival or exceed those from more selective institutions, with debt that's completely reasonable given the income potential. This is what a smart public university education looks like: strong outcomes without the price tag of elite schools.