Criminal Justice and Corrections at Eastland-Fairfield Career and Technical Schools

At just under $8,000 in debt for earnings above $53,000, this short criminal justice program delivers one of the best debt-to-earnings ratios you'll find—though the small graduating class means these numbers could shift year to year. The program outperforms both the state median ($45,852) and national median ($48,388), placing it in the 60th percentile among Ohio's 42 criminal justice programs. That's a respectable middle-of-the-pack showing, though top Ohio programs like Owens Community College produce graduates earning 20% more.

The modest 5% earnings bump from year one to year four suggests this credential opens doors to entry-level positions rather than careers with steep advancement trajectories. Still, a 0.15 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates could reasonably pay off their loans within months if they prioritize it. For students seeking quick workforce entry in law enforcement or corrections—particularly those from lower-income backgrounds (43% receive Pell grants)—this represents a low-risk pathway.

The caveat matters here: with fewer than 30 graduates in the data, one cohort's experience might not predict the next. But the fundamentals are sound—minimal debt, above-average starting pay, and immediate employability make this a practical option for students certain about careers in criminal justice.