Criminal Justice and Corrections at Florida Atlantic University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
FAU's Criminal Justice program stands out for one key reason: remarkably low debt. At $18,750 in median student debt, graduates owe roughly $7,000 less than the Florida median and nearly $8,000 below the national average. This places it in the 95th percentile nationally for low debt—an impressive feat that significantly improves the program's overall value despite modest starting salaries.
The earnings picture shows both challenges and promise. First-year graduates earn $35,647, which falls below both state ($39,406) and national ($37,856) medians for criminal justice programs. However, strong 35% earnings growth pushes four-year earnings to $48,229, bringing graduates much closer to competitive salary ranges. Among Florida's 36 criminal justice programs, FAU ranks in the 40th percentile—middle of the pack but reasonable given the debt advantage.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53 is quite manageable, meaning graduates can realistically handle their loan payments on entry-level salaries. While FAU won't match top-performing programs like Herzing Orlando ($67,229), it offers a solid path into criminal justice careers without the financial burden that often accompanies this field. For families prioritizing affordability while maintaining reasonable earning potential, FAU's combination of low debt and steady career growth makes it a practical choice.
Where Florida Atlantic University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all criminal justice and corrections bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Florida Atlantic University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Florida Atlantic University graduates earn $36k, placing them in the 35th percentile of all criminal justice and corrections bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Florida
Criminal Justice and Corrections bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Florida (36 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida Atlantic University | $35,647 | $48,229 | $18,750 | 0.53 |
| Herzing University-Orlando | $67,229 | $58,875 | $28,399 | 0.42 |
| Saint Leo University | $47,853 | $49,948 | $30,500 | 0.64 |
| Strayer University-Florida | $43,405 | $50,636 | $56,937 | 1.31 |
| Indian River State College | $43,351 | $39,116 | $12,000 | 0.28 |
| DeVry University-Florida | $43,091 | $46,188 | $54,985 | 1.28 |
| National Median | $37,856 | — | $26,130 | 0.69 |
Other Criminal Justice and Corrections Programs in Florida
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Florida schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Herzing University-Orlando Winter Park | $13,420 | $67,229 | $28,399 |
| Saint Leo University Saint Leo | $28,360 | $47,853 | $30,500 |
| Strayer University-Florida Tampa | $13,920 | $43,405 | $56,937 |
| Indian River State College Fort Pierce | $2,764 | $43,351 | $12,000 |
| DeVry University-Florida Orlando | $17,488 | $43,091 | $54,985 |
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 Florida Atlantic University, approximately 35% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 369 graduates with reported earnings and 354 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.