Home › Western Kentucky University › Criminology

Criminology at Western Kentucky University

Bowling Green, KY · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $32,370/yr (-12% vs median)

AI Risk High (50% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (122,700 openings/yr)

ROI 10.0x earnings multiple (4.2x out-of-state)

Ranked #77 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	$451K	$456K	$431K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	9.9x	10.0x	9.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.2x	4.2x	4.0x
Probability of Field Employment	34%	30%	22%
DegreeOutlook Score	38	37	26

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$45,744

Out-of-state: $108,000 (4.2x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$43,664

5% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$25,815

9.6 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (4 Year)

$40,742

26% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $32,370/yr, Criminology graduates from Western Kentucky University land near the $36,749 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

A 10.0x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 5% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Criminology career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $25,815 against $32,370/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #77 ranking among 111 Criminology programs places Western Kentucky University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About Western Kentucky University

With 97% of applicants admitted, Western Kentucky University prioritizes broad access, enrolling 12,267 students in Bowling Green, KY.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Kentucky 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

Criminology at Other Schools

Other Majors at Western Kentucky University

Explore the Trade Alternative

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 37/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Criminology at Western Kentucky University?

At 37/100, 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 Western Kentucky 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 →