Compare 13 Criminology. programs in the West. Average earnings: $47,626.
Criminology programs produce graduates earning between $31,963 and $69,525—a $37K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 13 ranked programs in the West, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
Gonzaga University's Criminology program leads with graduates earning $69,525, well above the regional average of $47,626. The University of La Verne follows at $52,520, while University of Nevada-Reno matches that outcome at $52,013 despite its 85% acceptance rate—proving accessible programs can deliver strong results.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Gonzaga graduates borrow $24,454 and face just a 7.1% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. For families considering parent loans, California State University-San Marcos offers the lowest family burden at 19.2%, though that still requires careful planning.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Gonzaga UniversityPrivate | $69,525 | 34 | $24,454 | Excellent | $37,652 | Challenging |
| #2 | University Of La VernePrivate | $52,520 | 55 | $23,500 | Good | $27,977 | High |
| #3 | $52,013 | 163 | $18,922 | Good | $26,150 | Challenging | |
| #4 | $50,638 | 429 | $15,000 | Excellent | $22,665 | Challenging | |
| #5 | $49,760 | 278 | $17,350 | Good | $18,031 | Challenging | |
| #6 | $48,878 | 88 | $19,500 | Good | $17,148 | Challenging | |
| #7 | Regis UniversityPrivate | $48,823 | 10 | $25,000 | Manageable | $17,700 | Challenging |
| #8 | $46,048 | 270 | $19,000 | Good | $23,489 | High | |
| #9 | $44,857 | 16 | $25,949 | Manageable | $23,250 | High | |
| #10 | $42,938 | 55 | $18,000 | Manageable | $18,257 | High | |
| #11 | $40,745 | 430 | $14,505 | Good | $12,050 | Challenging | |
| #12 | University Of DenverPrivate | $40,425 | 31 | $21,844 | Manageable | $27,813 | High |
| #13 | $31,963 | 53 | $21,669 | High | $32,125 | 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 →
