Criminologyat University of Northern Iowa
Graduates earn $43,914/yr in their first year — about 19.0% above the national Criminology average. Base-case 10-year earnings $516K; scenarios range from $475K to $519K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Northern Iowa
The University of Northern Iowa's strong showing in Criminology isn't just about direct law enforcement; it reflects a program that likely cultivates a broader analytical skillset. Your education here positions you well for diverse roles within Iowa's robust public sector, from state correctional facilities and social service agencies to local law enforcement, and even entry into legal support or research. The program's reputation within the state likely facilitates strong internship and recruitment pipelines with agencies like the Iowa Department of Public Safety or local county governments, providing practical experience that often translates into higher early career salaries.
However, the field's susceptibility to AI means foundational tasks like data analysis and report generation could evolve. To future-proof your career, actively seek out opportunities within the program to develop advanced quantitative analysis, data visualization, or policy development skills, allowing you to move into more strategic, less automatable roles.
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 University of Northern Iowa'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 University of Northern Iowa stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Northern Iowa
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Northern Iowa, 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 University of Northern Iowa
How does University of Northern Iowa's Criminology program score?
This program scores 53/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Criminology graduates.
How vulnerable is Criminology to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Criminology careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 50% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.