Criminal Justice and Corrections at Alabama State University

Alabama State graduates with this criminal justice degree face a challenging financial equation: they leave with $32,261 in debt but earn only $32,898 their first year—essentially owing an entire year's salary. While this program serves an important population (72% of students receive Pell grants), it ranks in just the 18th percentile nationally for earnings, meaning 82% of criminal justice programs nationwide produce higher-earning graduates.

Within Alabama, the picture is only marginally better. At the 40th percentile statewide, this program lags behind the state median of $36,216 and trails dramatically behind top performers like Herzing ($67,229) and Columbia Southern ($60,461). Even more accessible options like Troy University ($41,780) deliver substantially higher returns. The modest 4% earnings growth to year four suggests graduates aren't quickly advancing into better-paying positions that would help manage that debt burden.

For families considering this program, the numbers demand serious reflection. Your child would likely face tight financial constraints in those critical early career years, with limited room for rent, loan payments, and building savings on a $33,000 salary. If criminal justice is the goal, other Alabama programs offer significantly better financial outcomes. If Alabama State is the choice for other compelling reasons—location, support systems, family connections—understand that this degree may require additional credentials or geographic mobility to reach a sustainable income level.