Analysis
Criminal justice programs in Texas show enormous variance—from Wayland Baptist's $53,000 outcomes down to programs earning half that—making it crucial to understand where any particular school sits. Based on peer programs across Texas, Paul Quinn graduates might expect around $36,000 in first-year earnings with roughly $28,000 in debt. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.78 falls within manageable territory, but the estimated starting salary trails significantly behind the state's stronger programs. The earnings figure tracks with Texas's criminal justice median but sits notably below schools like Texas A&M-Central Texas or Lamar, which report outcomes in the mid-$40,000s.
For a school serving predominantly Pell-eligible students (70% of the student body), the estimated debt load matters. Criminal justice careers—particularly entry-level positions in corrections or local law enforcement—rarely offer rapid salary growth early on, meaning that $28,000 burden could take years to clear. The gap between this program's projected outcomes and top performers in Texas suggests parents should directly ask Paul Quinn about graduate placement rates and specifically which agencies hire their graduates, since networks and partnerships can dramatically affect career trajectories in this field.
The core question: can your child access the higher-paying criminal justice roles with this degree, or will they compete for positions at the lower end of the salary spectrum? Without school-specific outcome data, that answer requires understanding Paul Quinn's actual employer connections in Dallas-Fort Worth.
Where Paul Quinn College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all criminal justice and corrections bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Criminal Justice and Corrections bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (62 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $13,498 | $35,862* | — | $28,000* | — | |
| $23,186 | $53,038* | $47,490 | $25,000* | 0.47 | |
| — | $47,987* | $44,185 | $46,989* | 0.98 | |
| $6,627 | $45,976* | $33,511 | $24,750* | 0.54 | |
| $37,934 | $44,328* | $44,073 | $26,000* | 0.59 | |
| $8,690 | $43,707* | $50,559 | $31,000* | 0.71 | |
| 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 Paul Quinn College, approximately 70% 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 47 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.