Criminal Justice and Corrections at Bluefield State University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
A $30,500 starting salary against $30,250 in debt might sound balanced on paper, but Bluefield State's criminal justice program significantly underperforms its competitors. Starting earnings land in just the 5th percentile nationally—meaning 95% of similar programs produce better outcomes. Even within West Virginia, where this program sits at the 40th percentile, you're looking at $4,000 less than the state median. Compare that to American Public University System's $57,400 or even Marshall's $32,700, both accessible to West Virginia residents.
The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift year to year, but the pattern is troubling enough to warrant serious consideration. Your child would be borrowing nearly a full year's salary for a degree that places them well below what they could earn from comparable in-state programs. Criminal justice careers often have clear salary structures, so starting this far behind creates a compounding disadvantage.
Unless there are specific circumstances tying you to Bluefield State—location, family situation, unique program features—other West Virginia schools offer substantially better value in this field. Even mid-tier state options deliver $6,000-$8,000 more in starting earnings with similar or lower debt loads.
Where Bluefield State 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 Bluefield State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Bluefield State University graduates earn $31k, placing them in the 5th percentile of all criminal justice and corrections bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in West Virginia
Criminal Justice and Corrections bachelors's programs at peer institutions in West Virginia (15 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluefield State University | $30,506 | — | $30,250 | 0.99 |
| American Public University System | $57,409 | $61,351 | $19,000 | 0.33 |
| Strayer University-West Virginia | $43,405 | $50,636 | $56,937 | 1.31 |
| West Virginia State University | $39,056 | $33,861 | $25,860 | 0.66 |
| Fairmont State University | $36,179 | $43,086 | $25,557 | 0.71 |
| Marshall University | $32,747 | $38,737 | $25,873 | 0.79 |
| National Median | $37,856 | — | $26,130 | 0.69 |
Other Criminal Justice and Corrections Programs in West Virginia
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across West Virginia schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Public University System Charles Town | $8,400 | $57,409 | $19,000 |
| Strayer University-West Virginia Scott Depot | $13,920 | $43,405 | $56,937 |
| West Virginia State University Institute | $9,049 | $39,056 | $25,860 |
| Fairmont State University Fairmont | $8,454 | $36,179 | $25,557 |
| Marshall University Huntington | $8,942 | $32,747 | $25,873 |
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 Bluefield State University, approximately 41% 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 16 graduates with reported earnings and 19 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.