Criminal Justice and Corrections at Bethune-Cookman University

Bethune-Cookman's Criminal Justice program serves a predominantly first-generation student population (77% receive Pell grants), but the estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.68 puts graduates in a manageable financial position compared to many bachelor's programs. Based on comparable programs across Florida, students here would likely borrow around $26,800 to enter a field where similar programs produce first-year earnings near $39,400—a debt load that translates to roughly eight months of gross income.

The concerning detail is the reported fourth-year earnings of $32,259, which drops significantly below both the estimated first-year figure and state benchmarks. This backward trajectory is unusual and suggests either limited career progression in the roles graduates secure or challenges in the local Daytona Beach job market for criminal justice professionals. Meanwhile, top performers in Florida like Herzing University-Orlando ($67,200) and Saint Leo University ($47,800) demonstrate that program quality and connections make substantial differences in this field.

For families considering this program, the initial debt burden appears reasonable, but the fourth-year earnings decline demands explanation. Before committing, ask the school directly about career placement rates, what types of positions graduates actually secure, and why earnings appear to stagnate or decline rather than grow. The program might work for students with strong local connections or clear pathways into specific agencies, but the earnings pattern suggests graduates aren't advancing into better-paying roles as expected.