Criminal Justice and Corrections at Arkansas Northeastern College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
anc.eduAnalysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 suggests manageable borrowing for this certificate, though there's substantial uncertainty here given both figures are national estimates. Arkansas criminal justice programs typically produce first-year earnings of $40,468 and debt loads of $7,100—considerably lower than what similar programs nationwide suggest for this credential. Without actual outcomes from Arkansas Northeastern College, parents are navigating with limited visibility.
The estimated $48,388 first-year salary would place graduates near the national median for criminal justice certificates, which sounds reasonable until you consider that Arkansas-specific programs report earnings about $8,000 lower. Whether this program follows the state pattern or aligns more closely with national figures matters significantly—that difference represents nearly 20% of first-year income. The estimated $15,414 debt, while not catastrophic, is more than double what peer programs in Arkansas typically generate.
For a certificate program that should provide relatively quick entry into law enforcement or corrections work, these estimates suggest moderate financial risk. The key unknown is whether Arkansas Northeastern College's graduates actually achieve earnings closer to the national benchmark or fall to state levels, where the debt-to-earnings picture becomes tighter. Before committing, determine whether the college has employment partnerships with local agencies and what percentage of completers actually secure relevant positions—concrete placement data matters more here than estimated averages.
Where Arkansas Northeastern College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all criminal justice and corrections certificate's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Arkansas
Criminal Justice and Corrections certificate's programs at peer institutions in Arkansas (25 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,570 | $48,388* | — | $15,414* | — | |
| $4,584 | $40,468* | — | $7,100* | 0.18 | |
| National Median | — | $48,388* | — | $13,355* | 0.28 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with criminal justice and corrections graduates
Financial Examiners
Emergency Management Directors
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary
Compliance Officers
Environmental Compliance Inspectors
Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers
Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
Regulatory Affairs Specialists
Customs Brokers
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Police Identification and Records Officers
Intelligence Analysts
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 Arkansas Northeastern College, approximately 23% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 165 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.