Criminal Justice and Corrections at Canisius University

Canisius graduates start significantly behind their peers—earning nearly $4,000 less than the national median and below most New York programs—but something shifts after year one. By year four, median earnings jump to nearly $50,000, a 47% increase that suggests graduates are moving into better-paying roles or climbing organizational ladders more successfully than typical.

The $27,000 debt load sits right at state and national averages, making the first-year earnings gap the real concern. At 80% of starting salary, debt is manageable if you're confident your child will stick with the field through those early lean years. Within New York, this program ranks near the middle (40th percentile), trailing both public options like SUNY Delhi and nearby Hilbert College. The admission rate above 80% and moderate Pell enrollment suggest Canisius is accessible but not particularly selective.

For families comfortable with a slower start in exchange for strong mid-career trajectory, this works—but only if your child commits to career advancement in criminal justice rather than plateauing at entry-level positions. If starting salary matters more than future growth, look at programs with stronger year-one outcomes.