Criminal Justice and Corrections at New Jersey City University

New Jersey City University's Criminal Justice program starts graduates at just $34,027—below both national and state averages—but delivers impressive 35% earnings growth by year four. While that climb to $45,881 matters, the starting salary trails most New Jersey programs, including Strayer ($43,405) and Kean ($39,408), which could mean tougher early years for loan repayment.

The $21,500 debt load is lighter than typical for this field, giving graduates some breathing room despite modest starting pay. At 40th percentile among New Jersey programs, this sits firmly in the middle of the state pack. The question is whether the eventual earnings catch-up justifies starting several thousand dollars behind peers at other state schools. The 0.63 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't alarming, but those first few years post-graduation will require careful budgeting.

For families prioritizing low debt and eventual salary growth over immediate earnings, this works. But if your child needs stronger starting income—perhaps to help with family expenses or to establish financial independence quickly—the higher-earning programs at Kean or Felician deserve serious consideration. The high Pell Grant percentage (52%) suggests many students here successfully balance cost with outcomes, though you'll want to ensure your child understands the trade-off of patience over quick returns.