Criminal Justice and Corrections at Michigan State University

Michigan State's criminal justice program outpaces both state and national earnings benchmarks, but the real story is what happens after that first year. While graduates start at $40,390—above the Michigan median of $39,857—they see their earnings jump 44% to $58,230 by year four. That trajectory matters more than the starting salary, placing this program ahead of 60% of Michigan criminal justice programs despite cheaper in-state alternatives like Ferris State existing. The debt load of $26,000 is manageable at 0.64 times first-year earnings, though it roughly matches what most Michigan criminal justice students carry.

The gap between MSU and Siena Heights University ($67,009 starting earnings) is striking, but compare sample sizes and institutional missions before assuming Siena's outcomes are replicable. More telling: MSU graduates appear to access career advancement opportunities that boost mid-career earnings substantially. This pattern suggests the degree opens doors to supervisory roles, federal positions, or specialized law enforcement tracks that value a flagship university credential.

For families weighing MSU against regional alternatives, the higher four-year earnings justify choosing the flagship—assuming your student can graduate with debt near this median. The 84% admission rate makes this accessible, and the strong post-graduation earning trajectory rewards patience through those lower-earning early years.