Criminal Justice and Corrections at Indiana University-East

Indiana University-East's Criminal Justice program produces graduates who immediately out-earn 91% of similar programs nationwide—a remarkable outcome that deserves attention. With first-year earnings of $45,204 against debt of $28,686, graduates face a manageable 0.63 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning they could theoretically pay off loans in about eight months of gross income. The debt load itself sits below the 75th percentile nationally, so students aren't borrowing excessively for these outcomes.

The complication is geography and trajectory. Within Indiana, this program lands squarely in the middle of the pack at the 60th percentile, suggesting the strong national ranking reflects the state's generally robust criminal justice salaries rather than exceptional program performance. More concerning is the earnings decline to $44,403 by year four—one of the few weak spots in an otherwise solid profile. This likely reflects the reality that criminal justice careers often start strong but require additional credentials or career pivots for advancement.

For families weighing this against other Indiana options, the math still works. While Calumet College and Vincennes University graduates earn $10,000+ more initially, IU-East's combination of reasonable debt and strong starting salary makes it a defensible choice, particularly for students who value the regional university experience. Just ensure your child understands that career growth may require strategic planning beyond the bachelor's degree.