Criminal Justice and Corrections at Liberty University

Liberty's Criminal Justice program delivers exceptional earning power that significantly outpaces national expectations. With first-year earnings of $48,855, graduates earn nearly $11,000 more than the national median for this field—ranking in the 95th percentile nationally. This is a standout result for a program that traditionally offers modest financial returns.

However, the Virginia context tells a more nuanced story. While Liberty graduates still outperform the state median by about $9,500, they rank in just the 60th percentile among Virginia programs, trailing top performers like Shenandoah and Regent by $2,000-3,000 annually. The debt picture is reasonable at $29,728, representing just 61 cents of debt for every dollar of first-year earnings—well below concerning levels.

The concerning element is minimal earnings growth, with only a 5% increase from year one to year four. This suggests limited career advancement potential compared to other fields. Still, with 99% admission rates and strong initial earning power, this program offers accessible entry into a field where Liberty's graduates significantly outperform national peers. For families prioritizing immediate post-graduation income in criminal justice, Liberty provides solid value despite the modest growth trajectory.