Criminology at California State University-San Marcos
San Marcos, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
51
Optimistic
51
Base Case
38
Pessimistic
Earnings
$34,694/yr (-6% vs median)
AI Risk
High (50% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (122,700 openings/yr)
ROI
17.1x earnings multiple (6.7x out-of-state)
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 | $532K | $528K | $484K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 17.2x | 17.1x | 15.6x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 6.8x | 6.7x | 6.2x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 34% | 30% | 22% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 51 | 51 | 38 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$30,956
Out-of-state: $78,476 (6.7x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,810
5.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,589
57% growth from Year 1
About California State University-San Marcos
With 96% of applicants admitted, California State University-San Marcos prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 14,174 in San Marcos, CA. Pell Grant recipients make up 44% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.
See all programs and financial aid at California State University-San Marcos →Top Career Paths
Managers, all other
$136,550/yr
Psychologists, all other
$117,580/yr
Sociologists
$101,690/yr
Compare & Explore
Criminology at Other Schools
Other Majors at California State University-San Marcos
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
What does a 51/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Criminology at California State University-San Marcos?
At 51/100, California State University-San Marcos's Criminology program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study Criminology at California State University-San Marcos?
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 University-San Marcos one of the best schools for Criminology?
Among 111 Criminology programs, California State University-San Marcos's #21 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →