Analysis
NHTI's criminal justice program punches above its weight nationally but sits in the middle of New Hampshire's competitive landscape. Graduates earn $40,670 their first year—placing them in the 81st percentile nationally, well above the $33,269 national median. That's impressive positioning for an associate degree. However, within New Hampshire, this represents the 40th percentile, trailing Southern New Hampshire University and other state options by a few thousand dollars annually.
The financial package works in families' favor. At $12,000 in median debt—30% of first-year earnings—graduates face manageable loan payments that shouldn't derail other financial goals. More encouraging is the earnings trajectory: income jumps 23% to nearly $50,000 by year four, suggesting graduates gain valuable experience that employers reward. That growth pattern matters in a field where entry-level positions often lead to supervisory roles or specialized units.
For New Hampshire families, this comes down to priorities. If staying local and minimizing debt matter most, NHTI delivers solid value at a fraction of four-year costs. But if maximizing earning potential is the goal, other in-state programs show stronger first-year outcomes. The program works best for students who plan to build careers through experience rather than immediately seeking the highest starting salary.
Where NHTI-Concord's Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all criminal justice and corrections associates's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How NHTI-Concord's Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| NHTI-Concord's Community College | $40,670 | $49,883 | +23% |
| Oakland Community College | $51,827 | $62,425 | +20% |
| Schoolcraft Community College District | $49,224 | $59,586 | +21% |
| Ferris State University | $48,203 | $58,930 | +22% |
| Southern New Hampshire University | $42,957 | $55,243 | +29% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New Hampshire
Criminal Justice and Corrections associates's programs at peer institutions in New Hampshire (8 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7,200 | $40,670 | $49,883 | $12,000 | 0.30 | |
| $16,450 | $42,957 | $55,243 | $22,232 | 0.52 | |
| National Median | — | $33,269 | — | $14,230 | 0.43 |
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 NHTI-Concord's Community College, approximately 28% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 31 graduates with reported earnings and 50 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.