Criminal Justice and Corrections at Greenville University

Four years after graduation, this program reports median earnings of $39,034—essentially flat from the estimated first-year figure of $39,317. That stagnation is the real concern here. While the estimated debt load of roughly $26,000 (based on similar IL programs) translates to a manageable 0.66 debt-to-earnings ratio, criminal justice careers typically offer modest starting salaries that depend heavily on securing positions with government agencies or law enforcement. The fact that earnings haven't budged after four years suggests graduates may be struggling to advance into better-paying roles.

The competitive landscape in Illinois tells a cautionary story. Top-performing criminal justice programs in the state—Benedictine, Aurora, University of St. Francis—are producing graduates earning $43,000-$46,000, nearly $4,000-$7,000 more annually than what's seen here. That gap compounds significantly over a career. With 33 programs competing in Illinois alone, where you earn your degree appears to matter for job placement and advancement opportunities.

For families considering this program, the key question is whether Greenville's network and career services can help graduates break into the competitive pipeline for positions that offer advancement. The debt is reasonable, but the earnings ceiling looks low. Unless your child has specific connections to law enforcement or corrections in the region, programs with stronger track records might justify their slightly higher costs through better career outcomes.