Criminal Justice and Corrections at Molloy University

Molloy's criminal justice program lands right at the New York state median for earnings, but that's actually not great news—the program ranks below the national median by about $2,500. With first-year earnings of $35,291 against $26,483 in debt, graduates face a 0.75 debt-to-earnings ratio that, while manageable, means they're carrying nearly nine months of their first year's salary in student loans.

The real concern emerges when you look at what's possible elsewhere in New York. Excelsior University graduates earn nearly double what Molloy grads make, and even mid-tier options like Utica and Keuka offer significantly better starting salaries. At 30% Pell Grant enrollment, many Molloy students are choosing this program without the financial cushion that makes a modest starting salary easier to absorb. The debt level itself isn't alarming—it's essentially average for this field—but paired with below-average earnings, it creates a tighter financial squeeze than necessary.

For families considering this program, the question is straightforward: are there compelling reasons to choose Molloy over SUNY Delhi (which costs less and pays more) or other New York alternatives? Criminal justice careers typically offer stability rather than high salaries, so starting behind the curve matters. Unless location or specific program features justify the choice, your child could likely find better value within an hour's drive.