Criminology at Coker University

Hartsville, SC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
26 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
26
Optimistic
26
Base Case
18
Pessimistic
Earnings $25,862/yr (-30% vs median)
AI Risk High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (122,700 openings/yr)
ROI 3.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #107 of 111 Criminology programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Criminology graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $499K $498K $462K
Earnings Multiple 3.9x 3.9x 3.6x
Probability of Field Employment 34% 30% 22%
DegreeOutlook Score 26 26 18

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$127,416
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$72,180
43% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
12.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$44,336
71% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $25,862/yr fall 30% below the $36,749 national median for Criminology. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

The 3.9x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 50% task exposure — and the 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $27,000 debt load exceeds a year of the $25,862 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #107 out of 111 programs, Coker University's financial outcomes for Criminology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $25,862 to $44,336 over five years (71% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Coker University

Coker University has a 97% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a smaller student body of 807 in Hartsville, SC. The average net cost of $72,180 over four years represents a 43% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Coker University →

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
Psychologists, all other $117,580/yr
Sociologists $101,690/yr
View all 5 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Criminology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Coker University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Coker University's Criminology program score?
This program scores 26/100 — on the lower end for Criminology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Coker University Criminology graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.0x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
How vulnerable is Criminology to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Criminology careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 50% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Criminology earnings lower at Coker University?
Lower starting pay at Coker University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →