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Criminology at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

Arcata, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
43 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
43
Optimistic
43
Base Case
33
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,123/yr (-21% vs median)
AI Risk High (50% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (122,700 openings/yr)
ROI 16.1x earnings multiple (6.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #49 of 111 Criminology programs Top 50%

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 $512K $510K $470K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 16.2x 16.1x 14.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.5x 6.4x 5.9x
Probability of Field Employment 34% 30% 22%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 43 33

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$31,652
Out-of-state: $79,172 (6.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$52,668
-66% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,475
6.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,299
66% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $29,123/yr fall 21% below the $36,749 national median for Criminology. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 16.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Criminology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $16,475 against $29,123/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #49 ranking among 111 Criminology programs places California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $29,123-to-$48,299 earnings arc over five years reflects a 66% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt has a 99% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 5,491 students in Arcata, CA. With 46% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt →

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 State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering ($55,589) Forestry ($52,810) Plant Sciences ($44,038) Computer Science ($37,153) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($36,586) Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics ($36,444) Political Science and Government ($36,079) Social Work ($35,693)

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 43/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Criminology at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt?
At 43/100, 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 State Polytechnic University-Humboldt?
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.
Is California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt a good choice for Criminology despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →