Criminologyat North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Graduates earn $35,076/yr in their first year — about 5.0% below the national Criminology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $573K; scenarios range from $517K to $583K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at NC State
Studying Criminology at NC State places you in a program with strong regional ties, often funneling graduates into vital roles across North Carolina's public safety and justice systems. Your earnings trajectory here reflects the nature of these careers, which, while deeply impactful and stable, often operate within structured public sector salary scales, differing from private industry averages. You'll find graduates contributing to local law enforcement, state agencies, and community support organizations throughout the Triangle area and beyond, leveraging the program's strong connections.
The noted AI risk isn't about specific job elimination, but rather the evolving landscape of administrative and data-intensive tasks within the field. Roles involving routine data collection, initial report generation, and even some analytical support are increasingly being augmented by AI tools. To best position yourself, actively seek internships with agencies like the Raleigh Police Department or NC State Bureau of Investigation, and focus on developing complementary skills in advanced data analysis, policy development, or specialized forensics that AI cannot easily replicate.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to NC State's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Criminology
How NC State stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at NC State
Other highest-scoring programs offered at NC State, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Criminology offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Criminology trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Criminology at NC State
What does a 54/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Criminology at North Carolina State University at Raleigh?
At 54/100, North Carolina State University at Raleigh'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 North Carolina State University at Raleigh?
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.