Criminal Justice and Corrections at National American University-Rapid City

The debt load here tells a troubling story: $34,769 borrowed for an associate's degree is more than double what graduates of similar criminal justice programs in South Dakota typically carry. While peer programs in the state suggest first-year earnings around $41,230—roughly in line with Southeast Technical and Lake Area Technical—the debt at National American University-Rapid City sits at nearly 85% of that first year's salary. Most criminal justice associate's programs nationally carry just $14,230 in debt, meaning graduates elsewhere start their careers with far more breathing room.

That debt burden becomes even more concerning when you see the four-year earnings figure drop to $34,593. Criminal justice careers don't always follow a steady upward trajectory, particularly at the associate's level where positions often have compressed salary scales. If earnings peak early or plateau, graduates could spend years managing payments that consume a significant portion of their take-home pay. With 57% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are already stretching financially—adding $20,000+ more debt than necessary creates real hardship.

Compare carefully before committing. Other South Dakota schools produce similar career outcomes with half the debt or less. Unless this specific program offers unique connections or guaranteed placement opportunities that justify the premium, the financial burden likely outweighs any credential advantage.