Criminal Justice and Corrections at Brookdale Community College

Brookdale's Criminal Justice program starts graduates at below-average earnings—$30,595 is notably less than the national median of $33,269—but the trajectory matters here. Within four years, earnings jump 45% to $44,409, which significantly outpaces typical associate's degree outcomes and suggests graduates are successfully moving into better positions or full-time roles rather than staying entry-level.

The state context is particularly relevant: while this program ranks in only the 32nd percentile nationally, it sits in the 60th percentile among New Jersey programs, where the median is just $28,991. That means Brookdale outperforms most in-state competitors at half the typical debt load for this credential. At $9,721, the debt is manageable enough that first-year earnings can cover it in four months—a reasonable burden for an associate's degree that appears to open doors to career advancement.

For families considering this path, the low debt and strong earnings growth make it a relatively safe investment compared to many criminal justice programs. Your child won't earn impressively right out of college, but they'll have minimal financial risk and clear room to grow. Just recognize they'll likely need to stay in New Jersey to see these outcomes materialize.