Criminal Justice and Corrections at Drury University

Drury's criminal justice certificate puts graduates right at Missouri's median earnings of $41,286, but they're paying significantly less to get there. At $8,265 in debt—half the national median of $13,355—this program offers one of the lowest debt burdens you'll find, ranking in the 88th percentile nationally. That 0.20 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe roughly two months' salary, an exceptionally manageable starting point for a field not known for high initial pay.

The challenge is that Drury graduates earn about $7,000 less than the national median for these certificates, landing in the 33rd percentile nationally. Missouri's criminal justice market appears softer overall, with even the state's top programs like Jefferson College ($61,641) showing the wide variation possible. Still, Drury matches the state median exactly, suggesting they're delivering typical outcomes for the region—just at a much lower price point than most programs nationally.

For families weighing options, this comes down to geography and debt tolerance. If your student plans to work in Missouri law enforcement or corrections, they'll face a modest salary ceiling regardless of where they train, making Drury's low debt load a practical advantage. The certificate won't turbocharge earnings, but it won't saddle them with burdensome payments either. For career changers or those testing the field, the financial risk here is minimal.