Criminal Justice and Corrections at Harding University

Harding's criminal justice program sits squarely in the middle of the pack—ranking at the 60th percentile among Arkansas programs—but the relatively modest $24,955 debt load makes it more accessible than most alternatives. First-year graduates earn $38,818, just above both state and national medians, while maintaining debt levels about $1,500 below typical programs. That 0.64 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates need roughly eight months of their starting salary to cover their full debt burden, which is manageable for entry-level law enforcement or corrections work.

The 17% earnings growth to $45,300 by year four suggests decent career progression, though graduates should know they're starting behind peers at University of Arkansas Grantham (who earn $50,520) or even UA Little Rock ($40,989). The real consideration here is whether criminal justice is the right major at all—these aren't high-earning careers regardless of where you study. However, if your child is committed to this field, Harding's combination of below-average debt and slightly above-average outcomes represents a reasonable choice.

The caveat: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so individual experiences may vary more than usual. Still, for families prioritizing affordability in this particular career path, Harding keeps the financial risk relatively contained while delivering outcomes that match or slightly exceed what you'd see elsewhere in Arkansas.