Criminal Justice and Corrections at Franklin Pierce University

Franklin Pierce graduates earning $39,031 in their first year might prompt initial concern, but the real story emerges by year four: earnings jump 45% to reach $56,648, outpacing the national median by nearly $19,000. That's a trajectory worth noting, especially given the manageable $27,000 debt load that amounts to just 69% of first-year earnings. While this program sits at the 40th percentile among New Hampshire's eight criminal justice programs—trailing Southern New Hampshire and Keene State by a few thousand dollars—it still performs solidly against the national pool at the 57th percentile.

The caveat here is that other NH options offer stronger starting salaries, which matters if your child needs immediate income to service debt or support themselves. Southern New Hampshire graduates earn $6,800 more right out of the gate. However, Franklin Pierce's growth curve suggests graduates find their footing relatively quickly, perhaps reflecting strong career development support or access to positions with advancement potential.

For families comfortable with a slower launch in exchange for reasonable debt, this program works—the four-year earnings ultimately justify the investment. But if your child is likely to stay in New Hampshire, comparing financial aid packages with the state's higher-earning programs would be prudent, since starting salary differences can compound over time in ways that affect everything from loan repayment to quality of life in those critical early career years.