Criminal Justice and Corrections at Herzing University-Akron

For a program serving a predominantly low-income student body (78% receiving Pell grants), Herzing's criminal justice associate's comes in with manageable debt at $18,188—just slightly above the state median of $16,799 but well below the national median. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47 means graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in about six months of gross income, which represents a relatively safe borrowing level for a two-year credential.

The earnings trajectory here deserves attention. While first-year earnings from similar Ohio programs suggest around $38,500, this program's graduates appear to reach $50,132 by year four—a meaningful jump that outpaces both the state median and puts them competitive with some of Ohio's top-performing programs. That's roughly $11,600 more than the national median for this degree, though it's worth noting that several Ohio University campuses show stronger initial placement in the mid-$40,000s.

If your child is drawn to law enforcement or corrections work and Herzing's location and schedule work logistically, the numbers suggest reasonable value. The debt load won't follow them for years, and the mid-career earnings indicate real growth potential. Just recognize you're working with estimates for year one based on peer schools—the actual starting salary could vary depending on which specific agencies or departments are hiring when they graduate.