Analysis
In Indiana, criminal justice programs produce vastly different outcomesβthe gap between top performers like Calumet College of Saint Joseph ($55,587) and the state median is over $15,000. Martin University's program, based on comparable programs statewide, estimates first-year earnings around $39,991 with debt of $26,162. That debt figure aligns closely with both state and national medians for this credential, but the earnings estimate sits exactly at Indiana's medianβwhich means half of similar programs produce better returns.
The 0.65 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable monthly payments in theory, but context matters here. Several Indiana schools with reported data show their graduates earning $6,000-$16,000 more annually than what peer programs typically produce. For a family where 66% of students qualify for Pell grants, that earnings gap translates to real financial strain. Criminal justice salaries often start modest regardless of school, but the variation within Indiana shows institutional differences matter significantly.
The practical question: Can your family verify actual outcomes for Martin's recent graduates? Since these figures are estimates from similar programs rather than tracked results from this specific school, you're making decisions with limited visibility. If Martin can provide employment data or alumni contacts in law enforcement or corrections, that would help offset the uncertainty these estimates create.
Where Martin University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all criminal justice and corrections bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Criminal Justice and Corrections bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (28 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12,830 | $39,991* | β | $26,162* | β | |
| $22,650 | $55,587* | β | $23,856* | 0.43 | |
| $6,886 | $46,644* | $46,026 | $21,030* | 0.45 | |
| $27,150 | $46,038* | $59,489 | $24,657* | 0.54 | |
| $10,110 | $45,984* | $43,072 | $40,244* | 0.88 | |
| $8,179 | $45,204* | $44,403 | $28,686* | 0.63 | |
| National Median | β | $37,856* | β | $26,130* | 0.69 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with criminal justice and corrections graduates
Financial Examiners
Emergency Management Directors
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary
Compliance Officers
Environmental Compliance Inspectors
Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers
Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
Regulatory Affairs Specialists
Customs Brokers
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Police Identification and Records Officers
Intelligence Analysts
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 Martin University, approximately 66% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 23 similar programs in IN. Actual outcomes may vary.