Criminal Justice and Corrections at Northeastern Illinois University

Northeastern Illinois University's Criminal Justice program delivers something rare: above-average earnings with well-below-average debt. With graduates earning $40,719 in their first year and carrying just $13,625 in debt, this program ranks in the 95th percentile nationally for low debt—meaning 95% of similar programs leave students with more to repay. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33 is remarkably low, giving graduates real financial breathing room that many criminal justice students elsewhere don't get.

The earnings trajectory looks solid too. Starting salaries place graduates above both Illinois and national medians for this field, and by year four, earnings jump to $50,801—a 25% increase that suggests genuine career progression. While this doesn't match the very top Illinois programs (which cluster around $44,000-$46,000 in first-year earnings), the debt advantage more than compensates. With more than half of students receiving Pell grants, Northeastern serves a predominantly working-class population and gets them into the field without crushing debt.

For parents weighing criminal justice programs, this represents a financially sound path. Your child enters a stable field with manageable debt and room for salary growth, particularly valuable in a profession where starting salaries can feel modest. The combination of accessibility, affordability, and outcomes above state and national norms makes this a program that delivers on its promise without creating long-term financial stress.