Criminal Justice and Corrections at Lincoln University

Lincoln University's Criminal Justice program charges students substantially more than most schools while delivering substantially less. With $37,171 in debt—42% above the state median and one of the highest debt loads nationally for this degree—graduates earn just $32,331 initially and see their earnings actually decline to $31,540 by year four. That's $5,300 below Missouri's median for the program and nearly $6,000 below the national average.

The state comparison is particularly telling. While this program ranks in the 40th percentile within Missouri (middle of the pack), top state programs like Park University and Columbia College deliver earnings 50-60% higher with similar or lower debt loads. Even Missouri Western State—a fellow regional public institution—produces graduates earning $8,000 more annually. The 1.15 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe more than a full year's salary, creating immediate financial strain in a field not known for rapid salary growth.

For families considering this program, the math doesn't work. Nearly half of Lincoln's students receive Pell grants, suggesting many come from families with limited financial resources who can least afford to shoulder above-average debt for below-average outcomes. Missouri offers better-performing alternatives at both public and private institutions where criminal justice graduates face more manageable debt and stronger earning potential from day one.