Criminology at University of Southern Maine

University of Southern Maine's criminology program dramatically outperforms the national competition, with graduates earning $47,726 in their first year—$10,000 more than the typical criminology bachelor's recipient nationwide and placing them in the 95th percentile among all such programs. The earnings trajectory strengthens from there, reaching $56,423 by year four, an 18% jump that suggests real career progression rather than a quick plateau. With debt of $23,565, graduates face a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.49, meaning they owe less than half their first year's salary.

The 60th percentile ranking within Maine is less impressive but somewhat misleading—USM is the only school in the state offering this degree at the bachelor's level, making state comparison moot. What matters more is the broader context: this program delivers earnings well above what most criminology programs nationally can promise, at an accessible institution where 79% of applicants gain admission. The moderate sample size suggests enough data for confidence without the risks that come with tracking just a handful of graduates.

For parents concerned about the ROI of a criminology degree—often viewed skeptically in career planning circles—this program offers compelling evidence that the right program can deliver strong outcomes. The combination of well-above-average starting salaries, steady growth, and reasonable debt makes this a standout option in the field.