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 Illinois

Criminal Justice and Corrections masters's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (12 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Governors State University$43,980
University of Chicago$100,258$97,056
Lewis University$96,146$82,622
Western Illinois University$49,381$69,025
Loyola University Chicago$45,302
National Median$51,130

Other Criminal Justice and Corrections Programs in Illinois

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Illinois schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of Chicago
Chicago
$66,939$100,258
Lewis University
Romeoville
$37,882$96,146
Western Illinois University
Macomb
$14,952$49,381
Loyola University Chicago
Chicago
$51,716$45,302

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 Governors State University, approximately 52% 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.