Analysis
Minnesota's criminal justice programs suggest first-year earnings around $49,000 for bachelor's degree holders—notably higher than the national median of $37,856 for this field. Oak Hills' estimated outcomes align with this state pattern, though they trail behind some nearby options like Bemidji State University, which reports actual earnings of $49,617, and regional leaders like Saint Mary's University at $64,894.
The estimated debt of $28,400 yields a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58, meaning graduates could expect to owe roughly seven months of first-year salary. That's within reasonable bounds for debt repayment, particularly given that 45% of Oak Hills students receive Pell grants, suggesting the school serves many students who might otherwise struggle to access higher education. However, parents should recognize that criminal justice salaries in Minnesota vary widely depending on whether graduates enter corrections, law enforcement, or related social services roles.
With nearly 20 criminal justice programs across Minnesota, shopping around makes sense. The variation in reported outcomes—from $49,617 at Bemidji State to over $67,000 at Herzing—suggests that employer networks and program focus matter significantly. Since Oak Hills is a small Christian college with limited graduate data, connecting with alumni about their actual career paths would help determine whether this program delivers the professional connections that turn a degree into secure employment.
Where Oak Hills Christian College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all criminal justice and corrections bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota
Criminal Justice and Corrections bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (19 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $18,910 | $49,019* | — | $28,399* | — | |
| $13,420 | $67,229* | $58,875 | $28,399* | 0.42 | |
| $43,160 | $64,894* | $58,646 | $28,708* | 0.44 | |
| $9,780 | $52,125* | $52,541 | $29,426* | 0.56 | |
| $12,498 | $50,634* | $48,565 | $48,133* | 0.95 | |
| $10,164 | $49,617* | $52,130 | $23,181* | 0.47 | |
| National Median | — | $37,856* | — | $26,130* | 0.69 |
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 Oak Hills Christian College, approximately 45% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 13 similar programs in MN. Actual outcomes may vary.