Compare 37 Criminology. programs in the South. Average earnings: $42,900.
Criminology programs produce graduates earning between $41,275 and $60,214—an $19K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 37 ranked programs in the South, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
University of Delaware's Criminology program leads with graduates earning $60,214, followed closely by University of Maryland-College Park at $60,067. The average across all programs is $42,900, yet these public flagships outperform expectations while maintaining accessible admissions rates of 65% and 45% respectively.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. University of Maryland-College Park graduates borrow $19,000 and face just a 6.9% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. For families, University of Houston-Clear Lake leads with a 15.1% family burden—proof that the best choice depends on who's paying.
Highest program earnings: $60,214
Strong outcomes ($60,214) with 65% acceptance
6.9% payment burden | Excellent
15.1% family burden | Manageable
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University Of DelawarePublic | $60,214 | 132 | $24,572 | Good | $43,000 | High |
| #2 | $60,067 | 353 | $19,000 | Excellent | $35,200 | Challenging | |
| #3 | Mount St. Mary's UniversityPrivate | $59,772 | 24 | $25,391 | Good | $42,721 | High |
| #4 | $56,907 | 46 | $20,121 | Good | $23,000 | Challenging | |
| #5 | $54,123 | 46 | $17,831 | Excellent | $14,731 | Manageable | |
| #6 | $52,213 | 28 | $26,000 | Manageable | $27,371 | High | |
| #7 | University Of FloridaPublic | $49,912 | 154 | $15,000 | Excellent | $18,837 | Challenging |
| #8 | West Virginia UniversityPublic | $49,643 | 138 | $22,500 | Good | $32,980 | High |
| #9 | University Of LynchburgPrivate | $47,332 | 33 | $27,000 | Manageable | $31,450 | High |
| #10 | The University Of TampaPrivate | $45,871 | 112 | $24,211 | Manageable | $53,549 | High |
| #11 | $45,554 | 51 | $26,000 | Manageable | $42,541 | High | |
| #12 | $45,443 | 425 | $17,988 | Good | $15,541 | Challenging | |
| #13 | $44,843 | 57 | $18,000 | Good | $21,495 | High | |
| #14 | Old Dominion UniversityPublic | $44,575 | 239 | $24,000 | Manageable | $18,866 | High |
| #15 | Howard Payne UniversityPrivate | $44,153 | 18 | $26,793 | Manageable | $21,127 | High |
| #16 | St. Mary's UniversityPrivate | $42,206 | 22 | $25,563 | Manageable | $16,723 | High |
| #17 | $41,811 | 142 | $23,970 | Manageable | $15,047 | High | |
| #18 | $41,747 | 101 | $19,500 | Manageable | $22,737 | High | |
| #19 | William Peace UniversityPrivate | $41,509 | 9 | $22,250 | Manageable | $40,688 | High |
| #20 | $41,275 | 37 | $22,934 | Manageable | $14,224 | High | |
| #21 | $41,193 | 32 | $17,750 | Manageable | $13,000 | Challenging | |
| #22 | Southern Wesleyan UniversityPrivate | $40,834 | 15 | $26,000 | Challenging | $16,072 | High |
| #23 | $40,797 | 67 | $22,142 | Manageable | $25,567 | High | |
| #24 | $40,742 | 69 | $22,095 | Manageable | $18,310 | High | |
| #25 | Florida Southern CollegePrivate | $39,860 | 12 | $25,000 | Challenging | $33,294 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
