Criminal Justice and Corrections at DeVry University-Arizona

DeVry University-Arizona's Criminal Justice program graduates earn well above the national average—placing in the 80th percentile nationally and beating the state median by $5,000. Starting at $43,091 and growing to $46,188 by year four, these earnings trail only University of Phoenix among Arizona's private schools offering this degree. For a program that serves predominantly Pell Grant recipients (52% of students), these outcomes represent solid career preparation.

The challenge is the price tag. At nearly $55,000 in median debt—more than double the national median and significantly above Arizona's typical $38,878—graduates face a debt burden that exceeds their first-year earnings. That 1.28 debt-to-earnings ratio means repayment will require careful budgeting, even with above-average salaries. State schools like Arizona State achieve similar earnings ($42,187) with substantially less debt, making them worth serious consideration for cost-conscious families.

This program works for students who need the flexibility and support structures of a private institution and can realistically manage the debt load. The earnings trajectory is encouraging and the job placement appears strong. But families should run the actual loan payment calculations—at current federal rates, that $55,000 could mean $600+ monthly payments for ten years. If your child can access Arizona State or other lower-cost alternatives, the earnings advantage here doesn't justify paying double.