Criminology at University of Denver

Denver, CO · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
31 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
32
Optimistic
31
Base Case
18
Pessimistic
Earnings $40,667/yr (11% vs median)
AI Risk High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (122,700 openings/yr)
ROI 2.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #99 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 $464K $467K $439K
Earnings Multiple 2.0x 2.0x 1.8x
Probability of Field Employment 34% 30% 22%
DegreeOutlook Score 32 31 18

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$237,360
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$144,148
39% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,000
6.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$40,863
0% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $40,667 per year, Criminology graduates from University of Denver earn slightly above the $36,749 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

An earnings multiple of 2.0x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 50% task exposure — and the 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $22,000 debt-to-$40,667 income ratio translates to about 6 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #99 out of 111 programs, University of Denver's financial outcomes for Criminology trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth is modest: $40,667 to $40,863 over five years (0% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

About University of Denver

With 71% of applicants admitted, University of Denver prioritizes broad access, serving 6,059 students in Denver, CO. After financial aid, the average student pays $144,148 over four years — 39% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Denver →

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 University of Denver

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 University of Denver's Criminology program score?
This program scores 31/100 — 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →