Analysis
A bachelor's in criminal justice at Morris College comes with an estimated debt load of $28,500—slightly above both state and national medians for the field—while peer programs in South Carolina suggest first-year earnings around $36,747. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.78 sits in manageable territory, but the fact that 82% of students here receive Pell grants means many families are starting from a position where every dollar of debt matters more.
The earnings estimate aligns with the state median, but it's worth noting that several South Carolina programs with reported data show significantly stronger outcomes, with top performers placing graduates in the mid-$40,000s to low-$50,000s. Criminal justice is a competitive field where starting salaries often depend heavily on the specific agency, location, and whether graduates pursue federal versus local law enforcement. Similar programs in the state typically lead to positions in corrections, probation, or local police departments—roles where salary growth can be steady but initial pay is modest.
For families weighing this investment, the key question is whether Morris College's approach—serving a predominantly Pell-eligible population with relatively standard debt loads—translates into the career placement support needed to match stronger performers in the state. The estimated numbers suggest a reasonable path to repayment if graduates secure steady employment, but the gap between Morris's projected outcomes and top state programs indicates room for concern about competitive positioning in the job market.
Where Morris College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all criminal justice and corrections bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in South Carolina
Criminal Justice and Corrections bachelors's programs at peer institutions in South Carolina (20 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $16,224 | $36,747* | — | $28,500* | — | |
| $21,450 | $50,519* | $52,561 | $26,773* | 0.53 | |
| $33,580 | $45,583* | $42,489 | $28,500* | 0.63 | |
| $12,570 | $45,235* | $50,808 | $24,966* | 0.55 | |
| $13,920 | $43,405* | $50,636 | $56,937* | 1.31 | |
| $24,650 | $39,415* | — | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $37,856* | — | $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 Morris College, approximately 82% 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 14 similar programs in SC. Actual outcomes may vary.