Criminal Justice and Corrections at Arkansas State University-Beebe

A $12,000 debt burden for an associate degree in criminal justice seems manageable on paper—representing just four months of typical first-year earnings based on comparable Arkansas programs. But there's a troubling data point here that demands attention: while peer programs suggest starting earnings around $36,000, this program's own graduates report median earnings of just $24,273 four years out. That's a significant gap that either reflects different career paths or delayed advancement compared to other criminal justice programs in the state.

The debt estimate comes from national patterns since this program's specific figures aren't reported, and the first-year earnings are drawn from just three similar Arkansas programs. What we can say with certainty is that graduates four years into their careers are earning well below what's typical for entry-level positions in this field—roughly $12,000 less than what other Arkansas programs report at the one-year mark. That backward trajectory is unusual and suggests graduates may be working in related but lower-paying roles, or facing local market constraints in the Beebe area.

For parents weighing this investment, the key question is whether their child needs an associate degree at all for their criminal justice goals. Many law enforcement agencies hire with just a high school diploma, and if the career path leads to earnings in the mid-$20,000s four years out, that $12,000 in debt looks less appealing. If a degree is required, comparing outcomes with nearby programs that report stronger earnings trajectories would be prudent.