Criminal Justice and Corrections at Baldwin Wallace University

Baldwin Wallace's criminal justice program outperforms most similar Ohio programs, though the small graduating class (under 30 students) means individual circumstances heavily influence these figures. Graduates earn $42,407 in their first year—placing them in the 76th percentile nationally and 60th percentile statewide—significantly above both the national median of $37,856 and Ohio's median of $36,612. The $27,000 median debt is right in line with typical borrowing for this field, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64.

The 17% earnings growth to $49,436 by year four suggests graduates find stable career progression, though they remain well behind the top earner (Herzing's $67,229). For criminal justice programs, where earnings can plateau quickly, this upward trajectory matters. The program serves primarily traditional students—only 28% receive Pell grants—at a school with a 77% admission rate, suggesting a solid middle-tier option.

The small cohort size is the critical caveat here. These numbers could shift dramatically year to year based on just a few graduates' outcomes. If your child is seriously considering this program, connect with recent alumni directly to understand typical career paths. For families comfortable with that uncertainty and prioritizing an Ohio-based degree, the combination of above-average earnings and reasonable debt makes this a viable choice in a field where many programs struggle to deliver value.