Criminal Justice and Corrections at Loras College
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
At $47,413 in first-year earnings, Loras graduates in this program earn more than 95% of criminal justice programs nationally—a standout figure that puts them $10,000 ahead of the typical graduate in this field. They're also outpacing most Iowa competitors, trailing only the University of Dubuque by about $1,000. With a debt load of $27,000 (matching the state median), the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57 is quite manageable for a field where graduates often struggle with debt burdens exceeding 70% of their first-year salary.
The catch? This data represents fewer than 30 graduates, which means these numbers could shift dramatically year to year. A small cohort where a few graduates land particularly strong positions with Iowa law enforcement or corrections agencies could explain the exceptional earnings. Still, the fact that Loras beats the Iowa median by more than $4,500 suggests their career placement and regional network may genuinely help graduates secure better-paying positions in the state.
For families concerned about value in criminal justice—a field notorious for modest starting salaries—Loras appears to deliver stronger outcomes than most alternatives. Just recognize that with such limited data, you're betting on a pattern that might not hold as consistently as numbers from larger programs.
Where Loras College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all criminal justice and corrections bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Loras College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Loras College graduates earn $47k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all criminal justice and corrections bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Iowa
Criminal Justice and Corrections bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Iowa (17 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loras College | $47,413 | — | $27,000 | 0.57 |
| University of Dubuque | $46,307 | $55,013 | $27,000 | 0.58 |
| Grand View University | $45,175 | $52,195 | $26,485 | 0.59 |
| University of Northern Iowa | $43,748 | — | $19,500 | 0.45 |
| Simpson College | $42,862 | $49,733 | $27,000 | 0.63 |
| Waldorf University | $42,735 | — | $27,000 | 0.63 |
| National Median | $37,856 | — | $26,130 | 0.69 |
Other Criminal Justice and Corrections Programs in Iowa
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Iowa schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Dubuque Dubuque | $40,065 | $46,307 | $27,000 |
| Grand View University Des Moines | $33,450 | $45,175 | $26,485 |
| University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls | $9,728 | $43,748 | $19,500 |
| Simpson College Indianola | $46,212 | $42,862 | $27,000 |
| Waldorf University Forest City | $25,220 | $42,735 | $27,000 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Loras College, approximately 25% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.