Criminal Justice and Corrections at CUNY Queensborough Community College

Queensborough's Criminal Justice program starts graduates at just $26,907—well below both the national median ($33,269) and New York's median ($31,480)—but the story improves dramatically over time. Within four years, earnings jump to $37,193, a 38% increase that moves graduates ahead of the national average. This trajectory suggests delayed career progression, perhaps reflecting the time needed to complete training programs or move from entry-level positions into roles with better compensation.

The $8,884 in typical debt is notably lower than both the national ($14,230) and state medians ($11,674), which helps offset the slow initial earnings. A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33 means graduates can theoretically pay off their loans in four months of gross income—manageable even at the starting salary. Among New York's 54 criminal justice programs, this one lands at the 40th percentile for earnings, meaning roughly 60% of comparable programs produce higher-earning graduates. The top SUNY community college programs start graduates $13,000 higher.

For families banking on immediate income after graduation, this program presents challenges. But for students who can afford patience and potentially need to work while continuing education or training, the low debt burden and strong earnings growth create a workable path. Just understand you're choosing a longer runway to financial stability than many alternatives offer.