Criminal Justice and Corrections at Coppin State University

Starting at $31,419 puts Coppin State's Criminal Justice program significantly behind other Maryland options—this is roughly $10,000 below the state median and trails even the state's average by a wide margin. Among Maryland's dozen Criminal Justice programs, this ranks in just the 25th percentile, meaning three-quarters of similar in-state programs produce better early earnings outcomes. For comparison, University of Baltimore graduates earn $49,000 in their first year, nearly $18,000 more than Coppin State graduates.

The program's strength lies in what happens after year one: earnings jump 58% to reach $49,642 by year four, eventually catching up to competitive levels. This trajectory suggests graduates may start in entry-level positions but advance relatively quickly, possibly within state or local law enforcement agencies. The $29,000 debt load is manageable—below both state and national medians—and represents less than a year's salary by the fourth year post-graduation.

Here's the practical reality: your child will likely face a difficult first few years financially, earning well below what peers at other Maryland schools make in similar roles. If they can navigate that initial period (perhaps with family support or careful budgeting), the career trajectory improves substantially. But for families without financial cushion, that rough start matters. If in-state tuition is the primary driver, compare closely with Bowie State, which offers median Maryland earnings from day one.