Criminal Justice and Corrections at Idaho State University

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.66 puts this program in reasonable territory—based on comparable criminal justice programs nationally, graduates could expect to manage roughly $25,000 in debt on first-year earnings of around $38,000. That's a manageable burden, though criminal justice careers often require patience as salaries build through promotions and years of service rather than strong entry-level pay.

What's worth noting is that Idaho State appears competitive with its in-state peers. Similar programs at Lewis-Clark State and Boise State produce first-year earnings in the $38,000-$40,000 range, suggesting the estimated figure here aligns with what criminal justice graduates actually earn in Idaho's job market. The state's law enforcement and corrections agencies represent steady employers, though starting salaries rarely break $45,000.

The practical reality: your child would likely spend their first few years earning less than $40,000 while making monthly loan payments around $280. Criminal justice careers offer stability and benefits that raw salary figures don't capture, but this isn't a path to quick financial returns. If your child is committed to public safety work and comfortable with modest starting pay, the debt load here shouldn't derail their plans—just don't expect the bachelor's degree alone to command significantly higher wages than what peers with associate degrees might earn in similar roles.