Criminal Justice and Corrections at Doane University

Based on comparable criminal justice programs in Nebraska, this degree suggests first-year earnings around $40,128 against an estimated $27,000 in debt—a manageable ratio that's roughly in line with what similar programs produce nationally. The estimated debt figure comes from peer institutions at Doane's level, while the earnings reflect the midpoint for Nebraska criminal justice graduates, putting this program squarely in the middle of the state's outcomes.

The challenge is that criminal justice salaries in Nebraska cluster tightly, with even top programs like UNL producing graduates earning just $42,139. That means there's limited upside compared to less expensive state options that show similar earnings patterns. The estimated debt load isn't alarming—it's close to the $26,130 national median—but paying private school tuition for outcomes that mirror what state colleges deliver deserves scrutiny.

For families weighing this investment, the key question is whether Doane's smaller environment and student support justify the likely higher total cost of attendance compared to state alternatives. The earnings estimates suggest graduates can service this debt reasonably well in their first year, but with criminal justice salaries starting in the low $40,000s across Nebraska regardless of where you study, choosing based on net price rather than prestige makes financial sense. Run the actual aid package numbers before committing.