Analysis
Based on comparable criminal justice programs in Missouri, Evangel's graduates likely earn around $36,900 in their first year—right at the state median but significantly trailing the top performers. Park University's program, for instance, produces earnings of $49,300, roughly $12,400 more annually. That gap matters when you're carrying an estimated $26,000 in debt, a figure that aligns with both state and national norms for this field.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71 sits in manageable territory, meaning graduates would dedicate roughly nine months of first-year income to their education debt—not catastrophic, but also not a bargain. Criminal justice bachelor's degrees typically don't command premium salaries, and the earnings estimates here suggest Evangel's program follows that pattern. With 36% of students receiving Pell grants, affordability matters especially for those starting with less financial cushion.
The core challenge is that we're working with estimates drawn from peer programs rather than Evangel's actual graduate outcomes. If you're considering this program, you need to understand that graduates from similar Missouri schools range from around $37,000 to nearly $50,000 in first-year earnings. Where Evangel falls in that spectrum remains unclear. Before committing, contact the university directly for career placement data and alumni outcomes specific to their criminal justice graduates—information that would reveal whether this program delivers closer to the Missouri median or lags behind.
Where Evangel University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all criminal justice and corrections bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri
Criminal Justice and Corrections bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (26 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $27,192 | $36,879* | — | $26,000* | — | |
| $16,400 | $49,305* | $44,746 | $18,299* | 0.37 | |
| $24,326 | $46,195* | $47,907 | $25,750* | 0.56 | |
| $53,244 | $45,709* | $50,011 | $23,694* | 0.52 | |
| $33,122 | $42,555* | $59,300 | $23,187* | 0.54 | |
| $9,800 | $39,808* | $42,651 | $20,149* | 0.51 | |
| National Median | — | $37,856* | — | $26,130* | 0.69 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with criminal justice and corrections graduates
Financial Examiners
Emergency Management Directors
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary
Compliance Officers
Environmental Compliance Inspectors
Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers
Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
Regulatory Affairs Specialists
Customs Brokers
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Police Identification and Records Officers
Intelligence Analysts
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Evangel University, approximately 36% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 18 similar programs in MO. Actual outcomes may vary.