Criminology at University of St Thomas

University of St. Thomas ties for the top criminology earnings in Minnesota with the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, both hitting $41,780 first-year out. That puts this program at the state median but in the 84th percentile nationally—a reflection of Minnesota's stronger-than-average outcomes in this field overall. The $27,000 debt load sits just slightly above state norms, creating a reasonable 0.65 debt-to-earnings ratio that should be manageable for most graduates.

The real strength here shows up four years out, where earnings jump to $56,600—a 36% increase that suggests good career mobility. For comparison, the national criminology median is just $37,476 at the one-year mark, so St. Thomas grads start nearly $4,300 ahead of that benchmark. The higher admission rate (85%) means this isn't an exclusive program, yet it still produces competitive outcomes.

One important caveat: the sample size is small (under 30 graduates), so individual circumstances could swing these numbers considerably. That said, the pattern is encouraging—graduates aren't just finding work, they're advancing. For families weighing private-school tuition against outcomes, St. Thomas delivers solid value in a field where earnings can vary widely by employer and location. This program positions students competitively for Minnesota's criminal justice job market without saddling them with unmanageable debt.