Criminal Justice and Corrections at Campbellsville University

Campbellsville's Criminal Justice program lands in an interesting middle ground: it outperforms most Kentucky programs (60th percentile statewide) while coming in slightly below the national median. More concerning is the backwards trajectory—earnings actually decline 2% between year one and year four, dropping from $36,849 to $36,200. This suggests graduates may be hitting their ceiling quickly, possibly stuck in entry-level corrections or security roles without clear advancement paths.

The debt picture offers some relief. At $21,550, graduates carry about $3,000 less than the national median and $2,500 less than Kentucky's typical burden. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58, most graduates should be able to manage repayment, though the flat earnings trajectory means they won't quickly grow out of that obligation. The program's nearly open admissions (98%) suggests it's accessible, though only 22% of students receive Pell grants—lower than typical for a regional private university.

For families considering this program, the key question is career trajectory. If your child has a specific path in mind—particularly one involving federal positions or advancement to management—this could work as an affordable starting point. But if they're exploring criminal justice broadly, the stagnant earnings and middling outcomes suggest looking at University of Louisville or University of the Cumberlands, where graduates earn $2,000-2,500 more annually with clearer growth potential.