Criminal Justice and Corrections at Austin Peay State University

Austin Peay's Criminal Justice program offers a relatively safe bet for Tennessee families, especially considering the school's accessibility. While first-year earnings of $36,749 fall slightly below the national median, they exceed Tennessee's state median by nearly $1,000—putting graduates in the 60th percentile among in-state competitors. With 46% of students receiving Pell grants and a 96% admission rate, this program serves a largely working-class student body and delivers solid middle-class outcomes.

The debt picture reinforces the value proposition. At $25,281, graduates owe about $1,200 less than the state average and $850 less than the national benchmark, while earnings show healthy 24% growth over four years. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.69 means graduates can realistically manage payments—roughly equivalent to a mid-size car loan against a salary that climbs into the mid-$40,000s. The program punches above its weight class given the school's open-access mission.

For families considering more expensive Tennessee options, the comparison matters: Bethel grads earn substantially more, but Austin Peay outperforms similarly accessible state schools like Middle Tennessee State while maintaining lower debt loads. If your child is headed toward law enforcement or corrections work in Tennessee and wants to avoid both crushing debt and competitive admissions, this program delivers what it promises without overreaching.