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Criminology at National Louis University

Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
35 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
36
Optimistic
35
Base Case
25
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,170/yr (-18% vs median)
AI Risk High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (122,700 openings/yr)
ROI 9.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #83 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 $443K $448K $425K
Earnings Multiple 9.0x 9.1x 8.6x
Probability of Field Employment 34% 30% 22%
DegreeOutlook Score 36 35 25

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$49,380
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$64,628
-31% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,036
8.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $30,170 per year, Criminology graduates from National Louis University earn below the $36,749 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

At 9.1x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 50% task exposure — and the 4% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $21,036 debt-to-$30,170 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #83 out of 111 programs, National Louis University's financial outcomes for Criminology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About National Louis University

With 93% of applicants admitted, National Louis University prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 4,100 students in Chicago, IL. 57% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at National Louis 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

Compare this program → View all 111 schools offering Criminology →

Criminology at Other Schools

University of Wisconsin-Stout ($49,004) Assumption University ($48,600) University of Southern Maine ($47,726) Saint Anselm College ($46,814) Lakeland University ($45,276) University of Wisconsin-River Falls ($45,113) Barry University ($44,015) University of Northern Iowa ($43,914)

Other Majors at National Louis University

Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods ($59,084) Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services ($46,954) Health and Medical Administrative Services ($46,203) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($45,096) Hospitality Administration/Management ($42,196) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($40,484) Social Work ($37,205) Psychology, General ($35,798)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Criminology trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does National Louis University's Criminology program score?
This program scores 35/100 — on the lower end for Criminology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
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 National Louis University?
Lower starting pay at National Louis 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 →