Criminal Justice and Corrections at Lourdes University

Drawing on comparable programs in Ohio, this associate's degree suggests a starting salary around $38,500—right at the state median for criminal justice programs but well above the $33,300 national figure. The estimated $22,100 in debt, however, exceeds both the state median ($16,800) and national median ($14,200) by significant margins. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57 means you're looking at roughly seven months of gross income to cover the loan balance, which is manageable but not exceptional for a two-year credential.

The challenge here is that several Ohio criminal justice programs—particularly the Ohio University campuses—report actual outcomes in the mid-$40,000s, suggesting stronger immediate employment prospects. With only 27% of Lourdes students receiving Pell grants, the school may not be drawing from the most economically vulnerable population, yet the estimated debt load is relatively high for an associate's degree. Criminal justice careers often require additional credentials or years of service before compensation increases substantially.

For families evaluating this program, the key question is whether the estimated debt premium is justified. If your child can attend with significantly less debt—through scholarships, working, or starting at community college—the ROI improves considerably. Otherwise, peer programs in Ohio appear to offer either better earnings potential or lower debt burdens, making direct comparison essential before committing.