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Criminology at University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
43
Optimistic
42
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,520/yr (5% vs median)
AI Risk High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (122,700 openings/yr)
ROI 10.9x earnings multiple (3.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #57 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 $475K $477K $446K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.8x 10.9x 10.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.6x 3.6x 3.4x
Probability of Field Employment 34% 30% 22%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 42 29

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$43,856
Out-of-state: $131,708 (3.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$85,592
-95% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
6.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $38,520 track close to the $36,749 national median for Criminology programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 10.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 6% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Criminology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $21,500 against $38,520/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #57 ranking among 111 Criminology programs places University of Iowa in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About University of Iowa

University of Iowa has a 85% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving a student body of 21,691 in Iowa City, IA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Iowa →

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 University of Iowa

Computer Engineering ($79,228) Industrial Engineering ($75,699) Chemical Engineering ($75,340) Statistics ($75,095) Mechanical Engineering ($71,732) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($70,686) Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods ($70,324) Civil Engineering ($70,313)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Criminology trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 42/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Criminology at University of Iowa?
At 42/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Criminology programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Criminology at University of Iowa?
The 50% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →