Criminal Justice and Corrections at Lincoln University

Lincoln University's Criminal Justice program graduates earn just $28,847 one year after completing their degree—that's $8,500 below Pennsylvania's median and $9,000 below the national average for this field. While earnings do jump significantly to $47,530 by year four (a 65% increase), that four-year trajectory means graduates are essentially making entry-level wages for years while carrying $35,000 in debt. To put this in perspective, Pennsylvania has 52 schools offering this degree, and Lincoln ranks in just the 25th percentile for earnings. The top programs in the state start graduates at nearly double Lincoln's first-year figure.

The debt situation amplifies the concern. With first-year earnings barely above $28,000, graduates face debt exceeding their annual salary. Even after the strong earnings growth, many will spend their early career years struggling to manage loan payments on what remains a modest income. Criminal justice careers often require additional certifications or graduate work for advancement, which could mean taking on more debt before those year-four earnings materialize.

For families considering this path: the 66% Pell grant rate suggests Lincoln serves students who may have fewer financial safety nets, making that debt load particularly risky. If your child is set on criminal justice in Pennsylvania, several state schools deliver significantly better starting salaries. Unless there are compelling reasons to choose Lincoln specifically—location, campus culture, specific career connections—the financial math here doesn't favor this program.