Location: Pullman, WA•In-State Tuition: $12,997•Out-of-State Tuition: $29,073•Admission Rate: 85%
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$37,476
Est. from national median (111 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$23,406
Est. from national median (61 programs)

Analysis

Washington State's criminology program appears to be a reasonable investment based on what peer programs nationally suggest, though the limited graduate sample here means we're working without school-specific outcomes. Similar criminology bachelor's programs across the country typically produce first-year earnings around $37,500 with debt loads near $23,400—a manageable 0.62 ratio that suggests graduates can handle their loans on entry-level criminal justice salaries.

The estimated figures place WSU slightly below what Washington programs typically deliver. Eastern Washington and Gonzaga both report actual outcomes in the $38,000-$40,000 range for first-year earnings, while Washington criminology graduates generally carry about $20,000 in debt. If WSU's actual outcomes mirror these state peers rather than the national estimates, your child would be looking at a stronger financial picture than the data suggests.

The uncertainty here matters because criminology careers vary widely—from corrections officers to victim advocates to federal positions—and local outcomes depend heavily on which pathways graduates pursue. With an 85% admission rate and moderate debt load typical of similar programs, this represents a middle-of-the-road option: probably not the strongest criminology investment in Washington state, but likely not a financial trap either. Push the school for placement rates in specific career tracks before committing.

Where Washington State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all criminology bachelors's programs nationally

Washington State University (estimated ±10%)Other criminology programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in Washington

Criminology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Washington (4 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Washington State UniversityPullman$12,997$37,476*—$23,406*—
Eastern Washington UniversityCheney$8,353$40,228*$48,878$19,295*0.48
Gonzaga UniversitySpokane$53,500$38,028*$69,525$20,994*0.55
National Median—$37,476*—$25,000*0.67
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with criminology graduates

Sociologists

Study human society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions that people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. May study the behavior and interaction of groups, trace their origin and growth, and analyze the influence of group activities on individual members.

$101,690/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Psychologists, All Other

All psychologists not listed separately.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Neuropsychologists

Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical Neuropsychologists

Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in criminal justice, corrections, and law enforcement administration. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other

All life, physical, and social science technicians not listed separately.

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 Washington State University, approximately 26% 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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 111 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.