Criminal Justice and Corrections at Georgia State University

Georgia State's Criminal Justice program starts slower than most alternatives but shows something important: significant earnings momentum. First-year graduates earn $33,213—about 11% below the state median and notably trailing smaller private schools in Georgia. However, by year four, earnings jump to $44,077, a 33% increase that outpaces typical growth in this field. With debt of $26,812 (actually below Georgia's median for this major), the initial debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.81 improves substantially as careers progress.

The program ranks in the 40th percentile statewide, which means graduates are earning less than most Georgia peers initially. That gap matters when schools like Herzing and Reinhardt place graduates at $60,000+ right out of the gate. However, Georgia State serves a different mission—half its students receive Pell grants, and its 62% admission rate makes it accessible to a broader population. The question for families is whether that strong earnings trajectory can eventually close the gap with higher-performing programs.

For students committed to criminal justice careers and needing an affordable, accessible option, this program works—the debt burden is manageable and earnings do grow. But families should recognize they're accepting below-median starting salaries in exchange for Georgia State's reputation and the hope that the upward trajectory continues beyond year four.