Criminal Justice and Corrections at Franklin University

Franklin University's Criminal Justice program shows graduates earning $50,219 four years out—meaningfully above both Ohio's median of $36,612 and the national benchmark. That 60th percentile state ranking matters for a working-adult focused institution where most students stay local after graduation. The debt load of $28,750 sits comfortably below both state and national medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio that improves considerably as graduates gain experience in law enforcement, corrections, or court administration.

The 32% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests graduates are advancing beyond entry-level positions at a healthy clip, though the starting salary of $38,103 requires some patience. This pattern fits typical criminal justice career trajectories where experience and civil service promotions drive compensation increases. One-third of students here receive Pell grants, indicating the program serves students who need affordable pathways into public safety careers.

The small sample size is worth noting—we're looking at fewer than 30 recent graduates, so individual circumstances could skew these numbers. That said, the consistent performance above state medians across both earnings and debt metrics suggests this program delivers what middle-income families need: manageable debt and career stability in a field with steady demand. For students committed to public service careers in Ohio, this represents a practical investment.