Criminal Justice and Corrections at Lamar University

Lamar's criminal justice program generates stronger first-year earnings than 83% of similar programs nationwide, but graduates carry above-average debt that dampens the overall value proposition. With $31,000 in debt against $43,707 in first-year earnings, the debt burden sits well above both state and national norms for this field, though the 0.71 ratio remains manageable with disciplined budgeting.

The program performs solidly within Texas, landing at the 60th percentile for earnings, though several state competitors achieve better outcomes. What works in this program's favor is consistent income growth—graduates see earnings climb 16% by year four to $50,559, suggesting stable career progression rather than the stagnation common in some criminal justice programs. For a university serving a substantial population of Pell Grant recipients, these outcomes represent genuine mobility opportunities, even if not exceptional.

The question is whether an extra $5,000-6,000 in debt (compared to typical programs) justifies outcomes that are good but not outstanding. Students landing positions in Southeast Texas law enforcement or corrections may find the debt serviceable on these salaries, but those struggling to break into competitive positions could face years of financial strain. If your child has admission offers from Texas A&M-Central Texas or similar programs with comparable earnings but lighter debt loads, those deserve serious consideration.