Criminal Justice and Corrections at American Public University System
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
American Public University System's Criminal Justice program stands out as an exceptional value in a field often criticized for weak earnings outcomes. With first-year graduates earning $57,409—ranking in the 95th percentile both nationally and within West Virginia—this program dramatically outperforms typical expectations for criminal justice degrees, which nationally average just $37,856.
The financial picture is equally impressive. At $19,000 in median debt compared to the national average of $26,130, students graduate with significantly less financial burden while earning substantially more. This creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33, meaning graduates can theoretically pay off their loans with about four months of income. Among West Virginia's criminal justice programs, APUS graduates earn nearly $25,000 more annually than the state median of $34,463, and even outpace the second-best program in the state by over $13,000.
The online format and strong industry connections appear to be key differentiators, allowing APUS to prepare students for higher-paying federal and private sector roles rather than traditional local law enforcement positions. With robust sample sizes backing these numbers and steady earnings growth to $61,351 by year four, this program offers one of the strongest returns on investment available in criminal justice education.
Where American Public University System Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all criminal justice and corrections bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How American Public University System graduates compare to all programs nationally
American Public University System graduates earn $57k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all criminal justice and corrections bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in West Virginia
Criminal Justice and Corrections bachelors's programs at peer institutions in West Virginia (15 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Public University System | $57,409 | $61,351 | $19,000 | 0.33 |
| Strayer University-West Virginia | $43,405 | $50,636 | $56,937 | 1.31 |
| West Virginia State University | $39,056 | $33,861 | $25,860 | 0.66 |
| Fairmont State University | $36,179 | $43,086 | $25,557 | 0.71 |
| Marshall University | $32,747 | $38,737 | $25,873 | 0.79 |
| West Virginia Wesleyan College | $31,400 | — | $27,000 | 0.86 |
| National Median | $37,856 | — | $26,130 | 0.69 |
Other Criminal Justice and Corrections Programs in West Virginia
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across West Virginia schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strayer University-West Virginia Scott Depot | $13,920 | $43,405 | $56,937 |
| West Virginia State University Institute | $9,049 | $39,056 | $25,860 |
| Fairmont State University Fairmont | $8,454 | $36,179 | $25,557 |
| Marshall University Huntington | $8,942 | $32,747 | $25,873 |
| West Virginia Wesleyan College Buckhannon | $33,494 | $31,400 | $27,000 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At American Public University System, approximately 25% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 334 graduates with reported earnings and 364 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.