Criminal Justice and Corrections at Muskingum University

Muskingum's criminal justice program shows 24% earnings growth over four years, but the modest starting salary of $35,595 leaves graduates at the 40th percentile among Ohio programs—well behind leaders like Herzing University-Akron ($67,229) and Tiffin University ($44,823). Even after four years, when earnings reach $44,274, graduates remain in the middle of the pack statewide. The $27,000 debt load is typical for the field, translating to a manageable 76-cent debt-to-earnings ratio, though that's calculated against a below-average starting point.

The earnings trajectory deserves attention: while growth from year one to year four is positive, criminal justice careers often depend heavily on whether graduates secure law enforcement positions, which can have very different salary ranges than corrections or social service roles. Ohio's competitive job market means location and networking matter considerably. Given that 41% of Muskingum students receive Pell grants, families should calculate whether a mid-performing program justifies even moderate debt when some Ohio alternatives deliver 20-30% higher starting salaries.

The small sample size here is important—fewer than 30 graduates means one or two outlier outcomes could skew these numbers significantly. If your child is set on criminal justice and values Muskingum's campus environment, this program won't derail their finances, but the data suggests they'd start with a meaningful earnings disadvantage compared to several Ohio peers.