Criminal Justice and Corrections at Northeast Community College
Associate's Degree
Analysis
Northeast Community College's criminal justice program stands out in Nebraska, placing in the 60th percentile statewide with first-year earnings of $33,064—about $4,500 above the state median. The $9,000 in typical debt sits well below both state and national averages, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.27. For context, graduates here carry roughly $5,000 less debt than peers at other Nebraska community colleges while earning comparable or better salaries.
The earnings trajectory looks promising, with a 30% jump to $42,951 by year four. That's solid growth for an associate's degree in this field, though it's worth noting these figures come from a small sample of fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes may vary more than the numbers suggest.
The combination of below-average debt and above-state-median earnings makes this a relatively safe bet for students pursuing law enforcement or corrections work in Nebraska. You're looking at manageable debt that represents just three months of post-graduation income—a threshold most financial advisors consider healthy. Just be aware that criminal justice salaries in Nebraska start lower than the national median, reflecting regional cost of living and public sector pay scales.
Where Northeast Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all criminal justice and corrections associates's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Northeast Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Northeast Community College graduates earn $33k, placing them in the 49th percentile of all criminal justice and corrections associates programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Nebraska
Criminal Justice and Corrections associates's programs at peer institutions in Nebraska (5 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast Community College | $33,064 | $42,951 | $9,000 | 0.27 |
| Metropolitan Community College Area | $28,511 | $37,863 | $13,462 | 0.47 |
| Southeast Community College Area | $28,473 | $46,309 | $14,552 | 0.51 |
| National Median | $33,269 | — | $14,230 | 0.43 |
Other Criminal Justice and Corrections Programs in Nebraska
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Nebraska schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan Community College Area Omaha | $3,285 | $28,511 | $13,462 |
| Southeast Community College Area Lincoln | $3,540 | $28,473 | $14,552 |
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 Northeast Community College, approximately 17% 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 20 graduates with reported earnings and 27 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.