Criminal Justice and Corrections at Marist University

Marist's criminal justice program stands out in New York for its earnings trajectory rather than its starting salary. While graduates earn $36,765 in their first year—typical for the field—they see earnings jump to $54,179 by year four, a 47% increase that's substantially better than most criminal justice programs. Among New York's 46 programs, Marist ranks in the 60th percentile, comfortably above the state median of $35,291.

The $26,000 debt load is precisely in line with both state and national norms, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71 that's manageable if not impressive. The real question is whether the strong mid-career growth justifies the modest early earnings—and for students who land in roles with clear advancement paths (federal agencies, corrections management, corporate security), the answer appears to be yes. The 47% earnings increase suggests many graduates are successfully moving into supervisory or specialized roles.

For an anxious parent, the calculus depends on career specificity. If your child is committed to criminal justice and likely to pursue professional advancement, Marist's track record of earnings growth is encouraging. But if they're uncertain about the field, that $36,765 starting salary—paired with private school costs—represents real financial pressure in those early years. The program delivers results for students who stick with the career path, but requires some patience getting there.