Criminal Justice and Corrections at Charter Oak State College

Charter Oak State College's online criminal justice program reports first-year earnings of $68,956—roughly 73% higher than Connecticut's median for the field and nearly double the national benchmark. Among Connecticut's 13 criminal justice programs, this places graduates in the 95th percentile, well ahead of programs at Post University ($49,449) and Quinnipiac ($41,989). At $23,000, the debt level sits just below state and national medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33 that suggests manageable repayment.

The caveat here matters: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, making it vulnerable to outliers. Charter Oak serves working adults through a flexible, competency-based model, so these graduates may already be employed in law enforcement or corrections roles where the degree unlocks salary bumps or promotions. That could explain earnings that significantly outpace traditional campus programs.

If your student fits this profile—already working in a related field, needing a credential to advance—this program's combination of flexibility, moderate debt, and strong reported outcomes deserves serious consideration. But if they're starting fresh without existing connections in criminal justice, recognize these numbers may not reflect what a typical new graduate experiences. The 38% Pell grant rate suggests Charter Oak serves many non-traditional students successfully, but verify whether their career circumstances align with your child's situation.