Criminal Justice and Corrections at Clayton State University

Clayton State's Criminal Justice program produces concerning early earnings that lag far behind alternatives in Georgia. While graduates here earn $30,200 in their first year and $40,917 by year four, the state median sits at $37,330—and neighboring programs like Herzing University-Atlanta and Reinhardt University show graduates earning $60,000+ annually. This program ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally and 25th percentile statewide, placing it among the weakest performers for this degree.

The $31,000 debt load roughly equals first-year earnings, creating immediate financial pressure that other Georgia programs avoid. Yes, earnings grow 36% by year four, but graduates still trail the typical Criminal Justice graduate in Georgia by over $3,000 annually after four years of career progression. For context, this growth trajectory merely brings graduates to baseline expectations rather than demonstrating exceptional career advancement.

The university serves a predominantly working-class student population (52% receive Pell grants), which makes the weak earnings outcomes particularly troublesome. When most in-state alternatives deliver substantially better financial returns—and when your graduate's starting salary barely exceeds $30,000 while carrying equivalent debt—this program represents a risky investment. Parents should examine whether their student could access one of Georgia's stronger Criminal Justice programs or consider different career paths that better justify the debt burden.