Criminal Justice and Corrections at King's College

King's College's Criminal Justice program starts below average but shows something most programs in this field don't: meaningful income growth. Graduates earn $35,761 initially—about 5% below both national and Pennsylvania medians—but within four years, earnings jump 38% to nearly $49,500. That four-year figure exceeds the state's top-earning program at Peirce College and sits well above typical outcomes for Pennsylvania criminal justice graduates.

The $27,000 debt load matches Pennsylvania's median exactly and sits near the national average, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.76. While first-year earnings lag behind schools like DeSales and York College, the trajectory matters here. Many criminal justice programs see flat or declining earnings over time as graduates cycle through entry-level positions. King's graduates appear to be advancing into better-paying roles—likely in corrections administration, probation, or investigative positions that require experience.

This program works best for students willing to work their way up rather than expecting immediate high earnings. The strong earnings growth suggests King's either attracts motivated students (reflected in the relatively low 27% Pell grant rate) or maintains connections with employers who promote from within. For families concerned about immediate post-graduation employment, the below-average starting salary is real. But for students planning a career in this field rather than just a job, the four-year trajectory shows this degree can lead somewhere.