Criminal Justice and Corrections at Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale

Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale graduates with criminal justice degrees earn more than most of their peers—landing in the 60th percentile among Florida programs and 65th nationally—but they're paying nearly double the typical debt load to get there. At $43,850, the debt here significantly exceeds both the state median ($25,500) and national median ($26,130), placing this program in the bottom 5% for affordability nationwide. With first-year earnings of $40,390, graduates face a debt burden roughly equal to their entire first year's salary.

The earnings trajectory offers some relief: by year four, median income climbs to $47,344, a solid 17% increase that puts graduates closer to programs like Saint Leo and Strayer. The program serves a predominantly working-class population—58% receive Pell grants—and delivers above-average outcomes for criminal justice majors, who often face limited earning potential in this field. However, those higher-than-average debts will take years to pay down, even with the income growth.

For families considering this program, the calculation hinges on alternatives. If your child can access one of Florida's lower-cost public options offering similar outcomes, that's the smarter financial move. If Keiser's flexibility and high acceptance rate make it the realistic path to a degree, the earnings are respectable enough to service the debt—just expect several years of tight budgets after graduation.