Criminal Justice and Corrections at Augusta University

With first-year earnings under $30,000 and debt exceeding $30,000, Augusta University's Criminal Justice program ranks in the bottom 5% nationally—a troubling starting point for graduates entering law enforcement or corrections. While earnings improve to $38,450 by year four, that's still below both the national median ($37,856) and Georgia's median ($37,330). Among Georgia's 37 criminal justice programs, this ranks in just the 25th percentile, well behind competitors like Thomas University ($52,991) and even the state average. The debt load here is slightly better than Georgia's median, but that's cold comfort when paired with such weak earnings.

The 31% earnings growth suggests some graduates find better opportunities over time, but even at the four-year mark, they're earning less than typical program graduates make in year one. For families considering this degree, the math is stark: graduates will likely spend years managing debt that exceeds their annual salary while earning significantly less than peers who attended other Georgia schools. Criminal justice careers can be rewarding, but starting $8,000 below the state average creates financial stress that compounds over time. Unless there are specific program connections or career pathways unique to Augusta that justify these outcomes, families should examine Georgia's higher-performing options first.