Criminal Justice and Corrections (Associate's Degree) at Cuyahoga Community College District

Median Earnings (1yr)

$38,595

75th percentile

60th percentile in Ohio

Median Debt

$7,149

50% below national median

Analysis

Cuyahoga Community College turns in an impressive performance for students seeking an affordable entry into criminal justice careers. Graduates carry just $7,149 in debt—half the state median and well below what most Ohio programs require—while earning $38,595 in their first year, which places them solidly in the 60th percentile among Ohio's 57 criminal justice programs. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.19 means graduates owe roughly two months' salary, making this one of the most financially accessible pathways into the field.

The earnings trajectory looks healthy, with a 10% bump to $42,531 by year four. While that trails the top Ohio University campuses by about $5,000, those programs likely serve different student populations and career tracks. For Cleveland-area students who need to work while studying or prefer staying close to home, Cuyahoga delivers competitive outcomes without the debt burden. At 75th percentile nationally, these graduates out-earn three-quarters of associate's degree holders in criminal justice nationwide.

For families watching their budgets, this program offers a practical win: legitimate career preparation in law enforcement, corrections, or court administration without the financial stress that derails many community college students. The modest debt load means graduates have real flexibility in choosing entry-level positions based on fit rather than salary desperation.

Where Cuyahoga Community College District Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all criminal justice and corrections associates's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Cuyahoga Community College District graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
Cuyahoga Community College District	$38,595	$42,531	+10%
Ohio University-Southern Campus	$44,159	$46,411	+5%
Ohio University-Lancaster Campus	$44,159	$46,411	+5%
Ohio University-Chillicothe Campus	$44,159	$46,411	+5%
Ohio University-Main Campus	$44,159	$46,411	+5%

Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio

Criminal Justice and Corrections associates's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (57 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Cuyahoga Community College DistrictCleveland	$3,736	$38,595	$42,531	$7,149	0.19
North Central State CollegeMansfield	$4,624	$47,397	—	$10,782	0.23
Ohio University-Lancaster CampusLancaster	$6,178	$44,159	$46,411	$13,500	0.31
Ohio University-Southern CampusIronton	$6,178	$44,159	$46,411	$13,500	0.31
Ohio University-Chillicothe CampusChillicothe	$6,178	$44,159	$46,411	$13,500	0.31
Ohio University-Main CampusAthens	$13,746	$44,159	$46,411	$13,500	0.31
National Median	—	$33,269	—	$14,230	0.43

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with criminal justice and corrections graduates

Financial Examiners

Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.

$90,400/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Emergency Management Directors

Plan and direct disaster response or crisis management activities, provide disaster preparedness training, and prepare emergency plans and procedures for natural (e.g., hurricanes, floods, earthquakes), wartime, or technological (e.g., nuclear power plant emergencies or hazardous materials spills) disasters or hostage situations.

$86,130/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in criminal justice, corrections, and law enforcement administration. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Compliance Officers

Examine, evaluate, and investigate eligibility for or conformity with laws and regulations governing contract compliance of licenses and permits, and perform other compliance and enforcement inspection and analysis activities not classified elsewhere.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Environmental Compliance Inspectors

Inspect and investigate sources of pollution to protect the public and environment and ensure conformance with Federal, State, and local regulations and ordinances.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers

Monitor and evaluate compliance with equal opportunity laws, guidelines, and policies to ensure that employment practices and contracting arrangements give equal opportunity without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Government Property Inspectors and Investigators

Investigate or inspect government property to ensure compliance with contract agreements and government regulations.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Regulatory Affairs Specialists

Coordinate and document internal regulatory processes, such as internal audits, inspections, license renewals, or registrations. May compile and prepare materials for submission to regulatory agencies.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Customs Brokers

Prepare customs documentation and ensure that shipments meet all applicable laws to facilitate the import and export of goods. Determine and track duties and taxes payable and process payments on behalf of client. Sign documents under a power of attorney. Represent clients in meetings with customs officials and apply for duty refunds and tariff reclassifications. Coordinate transportation and storage of imported goods.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Detectives and Criminal Investigators

Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.

$77,270/yrJobs growth:

Police Identification and Records Officers

Collect evidence at crime scene, classify and identify fingerprints, and photograph evidence for use in criminal and civil cases.

$77,270/yrJobs growth:

Intelligence Analysts

Gather, analyze, or evaluate information from a variety of sources, such as law enforcement databases, surveillance, intelligence networks or geographic information systems. Use intelligence data to anticipate and prevent organized crime activities, such as terrorism.

$77,270/yrJobs growth:

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Cuyahoga Community College District, approximately 32% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 35 graduates with reported earnings and 39 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.