Criminal Justice and Corrections at Kent State University at Trumbull

Kent State Trumbull's criminal justice program sits squarely in the middle tier—graduates earn below both national and Ohio medians in the first year ($33,980 versus $37,856 and $36,612 respectively), landing at the 40th percentile statewide. While these aren't impressive starting figures, the modest debt load of $25,937 keeps the program from being a financial burden. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.76 is reasonable, and graduates show solid earnings progression, reaching $41,097 by year four—a 21% increase that brings them closer to competitive territory.

The real question is opportunity cost. In Ohio alone, multiple programs deliver substantially better outcomes: Herzing-Akron graduates nearly double Kent State Trumbull's first-year earnings at $67,229, while Baldwin Wallace and Ashland both surpass $42,000. These aren't elite private schools with crushing debt—they're comparable institutions where criminal justice degrees translate into better-paying positions.

For a family needing to minimize debt and stay local, Kent State Trumbull won't derail your child's finances. The numbers work if this is the most practical option geographically or financially. But if commuting to Akron or another campus is feasible, exploring those alternatives makes sense. This program prepares graduates adequately but doesn't position them competitively within Ohio's law enforcement and corrections job market.