Criminal Justice and Corrections at DeSales University

DeSales University's Criminal Justice graduates earn nearly $8,000 more than the national median for this field—ranking in the 92nd percentile nationally. That's a significant premium for a program that typically produces modest salaries. The first-year median of $45,505 puts graduates ahead of 92% of their counterparts across the country, suggesting strong regional employer connections or career placement. Earnings grow to $53,433 by year four, a healthy 17% increase that indicates genuine career progression rather than stagnation.

Within Pennsylvania, the picture is more moderate. DeSales ranks at the 60th percentile among the state's 52 programs, trailing schools like Peirce College and Chestnut Hill but comfortably above the state median. This makes sense given Pennsylvania's competitive law enforcement and corrections market—being merely "above average" in-state still translates to exceptional performance nationally. The $27,000 debt load matches the state median exactly and sits just above the national median, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59.

For families considering this program, DeSales offers a strong value proposition: graduates enter careers earning substantially more than typical criminal justice majors nationwide, with debt they can realistically manage on those salaries. The 79% admission rate makes this accessible to most students, and the moderate sample size suggests consistent outcomes. If your child is committed to criminal justice work in the Mid-Atlantic region, this program delivers results well above national expectations.