Criminal Justice and Corrections at Bryant & Stratton College-Parma

At $28,070 in first-year earnings, this certificate delivers barely more than half what graduates typically earn from comparable criminal justice programs in Ohio, where the median is $45,852. More concerning, even other certificate programs in Ohio—like those at Owens Community College or Great Oaks Career Campuses—yield starting salaries above $60,000, more than double what Bryant & Stratton graduates report. This program ranks in just the 10th percentile statewide, meaning 90% of similar Ohio programs produce better outcomes.

The moderate debt load of $14,860 isn't catastrophic on its own, but paired with earnings well below poverty-level wages, the financial picture is troubling. Students here are predominantly Pell-eligible, suggesting they need this credential to deliver meaningful economic mobility—yet first-year earnings barely clear $13.50 per hour. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53 means graduates face debt equal to more than half their annual income right out of the gate.

For families considering this program, the comparison to nearby alternatives is stark. Ohio has 42 schools offering this certificate, and the vast majority—including several community colleges and career centers—produce graduates earning $20,000 to $35,000 more annually. Unless there are compelling personal circumstances tying a student to this specific institution, other in-state options offer substantially better return on investment for the same credential.