Criminal Justice and Corrections at Arkansas Tech University

Arkansas Tech's Criminal Justice program produces graduates earning about $35,200 in their first year—roughly $3,000 below both the national and state medians for this field. Among Arkansas's 14 criminal justice programs, this ranks near the 40th percentile, meaning 60% of comparable state programs show stronger first-year outcomes. The gap is significant when you consider that in-state options like UA Little Rock and Harding University report graduates earning $5,000-$6,000 more annually.

The $26,000 median debt sits right at national norms, but the 0.74 debt-to-earnings ratio tells a tougher story than programs where graduates clear $40,000+ right away. Starting at $35,200 means managing debt payments will require careful budgeting, particularly in Arkansas where cost of living advantages don't fully offset the earnings gap. With a 96% admission rate, Arkansas Tech provides access, but that accessibility doesn't translate to outsized career outcomes in this particular program.

One important caveat: the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift considerably year to year. Still, if criminal justice is the goal, compare this closely with other in-state options before committing. The difference between $35,000 and $41,000 compounds substantially over a career, and your child would be starting from roughly the same debt level either way.