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Criminology at California Lutheran University

Thousand Oaks, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
31 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
32
Optimistic
31
Base Case
20
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,963/yr (-13% vs median)
AI Risk High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (122,700 openings/yr)
ROI 2.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #98 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 $450K $454K $430K
Earnings Multiple 2.2x 2.2x 2.1x
Probability of Field Employment 34% 30% 22%
DegreeOutlook Score 32 31 20

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$202,680
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$105,732
48% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,250
6.9 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $31,963 track close to the $36,749 national median for Criminology programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

At 2.2x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 4% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Criminology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $18,250 against $31,963/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #98 ranking among 111 Criminology programs places California Lutheran University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About California Lutheran University

California Lutheran University has a 89% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a compact campus enrolling 2,374 students in Thousand Oaks, CA. After financial aid, the average student pays $105,732 over four years — 48% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at California Lutheran 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 California Lutheran University

Accounting and Related Services ($72,696) Computer Science ($68,398) Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods ($57,276) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($55,234) Criminal Justice and Corrections ($43,122) Communication and Media Studies ($37,249) Political Science and Government ($36,061) Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($34,989)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Criminology trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 31/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Criminology at California Lutheran University?
At 31/100, 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 California Lutheran University?
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 →