Criminal Justice and Corrections at Indiana Institute of Technology-College of Professional Studies

Indiana Tech's online Criminal Justice program carries a concerning burden: graduates leave with $39,034 in debt—nearly triple the national median and 53% more than other Indiana programs. While first-year earnings of $34,328 land near national averages, they fall below Indiana's median and rank in just the 40th percentile statewide. More troubling, earnings actually drop 14% by year four, suggesting graduates struggle to advance beyond entry-level corrections or security positions that often top out quickly.

The debt load is the real issue here. At 1.14 times first-year earnings, it sits in the 5th percentile nationally—meaning 95% of similar programs saddle students with less debt. For comparison, Purdue Global's criminal justice graduates earn $50,881 with likely similar debt, while Vincennes University produces the same outcomes as Indiana Tech but presumably at community college prices. With over half of students receiving Pell grants, this program serves a population that can least afford to carry nearly $40,000 in debt into fields where salaries decline rather than grow.

Unless your child has compelling reasons to pursue this specific program—like significant transfer credits or employer tuition assistance—Indiana offers notably better value in criminal justice education. The combination of above-average debt and below-average state outcomes makes this a risky investment for an associate's degree in a field where many employers prioritize experience over credentials.