Criminal Justice and Corrections at Owens Community College

Owens Community College's criminal justice program offers solid early outcomes at manageable debt, though the small graduating class means these numbers could shift considerably year to year. At $38,671 in first-year earnings, graduates slightly outperform the state median of $38,497, while the $17,776 in typical debt sits right in line with what Ohio students at similar programs carry. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 means graduates owe less than half their first-year salary—a healthy position that most can realistically manage.

The challenge here is stagnant earnings growth. With only a 3% increase from year one to year four, Owens graduates aren't seeing the salary progression that builds financial security. Compare this to stronger Ohio programs like North Central State College, where criminal justice graduates earn $47,397 early on, giving them a $8,700 head start that compounds over time. That gap matters when you're trying to save for a house or build retirement savings in your thirties.

For families looking at an affordable entry point into law enforcement or corrections work, Owens delivers reasonable value—the debt is manageable and you'll likely land a job. But the earnings ceiling appears relatively fixed, so students should view this as a stepping stone rather than a terminal degree. If your child can access one of the Ohio University branches or North Central State for similar cost, those programs show significantly higher earning potential worth pursuing.