Criminal Justice and Corrections at Columbia College

Columbia College's criminal justice graduates earn substantially more than their peers—nearly $10,000 above the Missouri median and ranking in the 80th percentile statewide. Among 955 programs nationally, this one sits in the 95th percentile for earnings, putting it ahead of far better-known universities. Starting at $46,195 and climbing to nearly $48,000 by year four, these graduates are outearning even some of the stronger Missouri competitors like Missouri Baptist and Drury. With 44% of students receiving Pell grants, the college is clearly delivering social mobility alongside strong outcomes.

The debt picture reinforces the value: at $25,750, it's essentially on par with state and national medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56 that graduates can realistically manage. This matters especially in criminal justice, where many career paths involve public service salaries. Columbia College graduates are entering those same fields but with a financial head start that compounds over time.

For parents weighing Missouri options, this program punches well above its weight. Your child would be choosing one of the top-performing criminal justice programs in the state at a debt level that won't handicap their career choices. The earnings advantage alone—$10,000 annually over typical Missouri graduates—pays back the investment quickly.