Criminology at Valparaiso University

Valparaiso's criminology graduates start at just $30,653—landing in the bottom 10% nationally for this field—though the small sample size means these figures could shift significantly with more data. While that first-year number looks rough, earnings jump 54% by year four to $47,268, eventually surpassing both Indiana's state median and the national benchmark. This trajectory suggests graduates may be entering positions that require experience or additional credentials before reaching competitive pay.

The $27,000 debt load sits slightly above state and national medians but remains manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio under 1.0. The real question is whether families can navigate that difficult first year when earnings barely cover basic expenses. Within Indiana, this program ranks around the 40th percentile—middling performance when Indiana State graduates are starting nearly $10,000 higher.

For families committed to criminology at a private Indiana institution, understand you're paying for Valparaiso's broader experience rather than field-leading career outcomes. The strong earnings growth suggests the degree does provide value over time, but that first year will likely require financial support or side income. If maximizing immediate earning potential matters most, Indiana's public options deliver better starting salaries at lower cost.