Criminal Justice and Corrections at Brevard College

Brevard College's Criminal Justice program places graduates slightly above both national and state medians—earning $39,000 versus $37,856 nationally and $34,463 across North Carolina. That $4,500 premium over the typical NC program isn't huge, but it's meaningful in a field where starting salaries cluster tightly in the mid-to-high $30,000s.

The debt load here sits right at typical levels ($26,000 versus $26,130 nationally), creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67. Graduates should be able to handle these payments on a criminal justice salary without excessive strain. What's worth noting: Brevard performs solidly despite serving a population where 38% receive Pell grants, suggesting the school provides good value for students from modest economic backgrounds who want to enter law enforcement or corrections work.

The main caveat is sample size—this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes swing these numbers more than they would at larger programs. If your child is serious about criminal justice and prefers a small college environment in western North Carolina, Brevard appears to deliver outcomes comparable to much larger competitors. The $39,000 starting point is realistic for the field, though it won't match what nursing or tech graduates earn.