Analysis
USF's criminology program offers solid value despite appearing unremarkable on paper. While first-year earnings of $37,108 land just below the national average, graduates perform notably better than most Florida programs—ranking in the 60th percentile statewide compared to a median of $35,096. This suggests USF provides stronger career preparation than most in-state alternatives.
The debt picture tells an encouraging story. At $20,302, graduates borrow about $2,300 less than the state median and nearly $5,000 less than the national average. Combined with reasonable starting salaries, this creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55. Strong earnings growth of 23% over four years demonstrates that criminology careers typically build momentum after that initial entry-level period.
For parents weighing options, USF criminology delivers reliable value—particularly when compared to pricier private alternatives like Barry University that may not justify their premium. The program produces graduates who can reasonably manage their debt while building toward solid mid-career earnings. Given criminology's inherent earnings limitations, this represents a practical path into the field without excessive financial burden.
Where University of South Florida Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all criminology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of South Florida graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of South Florida | $37,108 | $45,443 | +22% |
| University of Florida | $35,096 | $49,912 | +42% |
| University of Florida-Online | $35,096 | $49,912 | +42% |
| The University of Tampa | $34,137 | $45,871 | +34% |
| Florida Southern College | $39,713 | $39,860 | +0% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Criminology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (10 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of South FloridaTampa | $6,410 | $37,108 | $45,443 | $20,302 | 0.55 |
 Barry UniversityMiami | $33,450 | $44,015 | $39,147 | $27,000 | 0.61 |
 Florida Southern CollegeLakeland | $42,360 | $39,713 | $39,860 | $26,000 | 0.65 |
 University of FloridaGainesville | $6,381 | $35,096 | $49,912 | $19,500 | 0.56 |
 University of Florida-OnlineGainesville | $3,876 | $35,096 | $49,912 | $19,500 | 0.56 |
 The University of TampaTampa | $33,424 | $34,137 | $45,871 | $25,000 | 0.73 |
| National Median | — | $37,476 | — | $25,000 | 0.67 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with criminology graduates
Sociologists
Psychologists, All Other
Neuropsychologists
Clinical Neuropsychologists
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
Loss Prevention Managers
Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of South Florida, approximately 30% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 399 graduates with reported earnings and 422 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.