Criminal Justice and Corrections at Felician University

Felician's Criminal Justice program outperforms most New Jersey programs in its field, placing in the 60th percentile statewide—a meaningful advantage given that the typical New Jersey criminal justice graduate earns just $34,611. At $41,141 in first-year earnings, graduates here earn nearly $6,500 more than the state median and roughly $3,300 above the national average. The $27,000 debt load is reasonable, translating to a manageable 0.66 debt-to-earnings ratio that suggests loans should be serviceable on a single income.

The concerning element is the complete earnings stagnation: graduates earn virtually the same amount four years out as they do immediately after graduation. This flat trajectory is unusual and may reflect the salary structures common in law enforcement and corrections roles, where advancement often requires additional credentials or promotional exams rather than simple tenure. It's worth noting the sample size here is small—under 30 graduates—so individual career paths could skew these figures significantly.

For families considering this program, the value proposition is straightforward: you're paying moderate debt for above-average starting earnings in a competitive state market. Just understand that career growth will likely require deliberate steps beyond showing up to work, and that the first year's salary may represent your financial reality for several years unless you pursue advancement opportunities or supplemental credentials.