Criminal Justice and Corrections at Ashford University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Ashford University's Criminal Justice program commands premium tuition but delivers exceptional earning power that justifies the investment. Graduates earn $47,869 in their first year—ranking in the 95th percentile nationally and 80th percentile among California programs. This places Ashford's outcomes well above both the national median of $37,856 and California's median of $36,092, with first-year earnings nearly matching top-tier competitors like University of Phoenix-California.
The debt picture tells an equally compelling story. At $37,625, student debt sits in just the 12th percentile nationally (meaning 88% of similar programs carry higher debt loads) and remains manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.79. While California's median debt for this program is notably lower at $15,000, most in-state options also produce significantly lower earnings, making Ashford's premium worthwhile for many students.
The slight earnings decline from year one to year four (-3%) is the only minor concern, though graduates still maintain strong earning power above national and state benchmarks. With robust sample data confirming these outcomes, parents can feel confident that despite higher upfront costs, this program delivers among the strongest financial returns available in criminal justice education.
Where Ashford University 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 Ashford University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Ashford University graduates earn $48k, 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 California
Criminal Justice and Corrections bachelors's programs at peer institutions in California (41 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashford University | $47,869 | $46,544 | $37,625 | 0.79 |
| National University | $64,143 | $55,598 | $28,014 | 0.44 |
| University of Phoenix-California | $47,987 | $44,185 | $46,989 | 0.98 |
| California State University-East Bay | $45,387 | $57,898 | $15,500 | 0.34 |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | $45,022 | — | $14,000 | 0.31 |
| California Lutheran University | $43,122 | $54,280 | $20,000 | 0.46 |
| National Median | $37,856 | — | $26,130 | 0.69 |
Other Criminal Justice and Corrections Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| National University San Diego | $13,320 | $64,143 | $28,014 |
| University of Phoenix-California Ontario | — | $47,987 | $46,989 |
| California State University-East Bay Hayward | $7,055 | $45,387 | $15,500 |
| Point Loma Nazarene University San Diego | $43,550 | $45,022 | $14,000 |
| California Lutheran University Thousand Oaks | $50,670 | $43,122 | $20,000 |
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 Ashford University, approximately 31% 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 445 graduates with reported earnings and 556 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.