Criminal Justice and Corrections at Peirce College

Peirce College's Criminal Justice program commands premium tuition but delivers outcomes that largely justify the investment. At $48,710 in first-year earnings, graduates earn $11,400 more than the Pennsylvania median and nearly $11,000 above the national average for this field. Among the 52 Pennsylvania programs, this ranks in the 80th percentile—outperforming larger names and trailing only Chestnut Hill College by a narrow margin.

The debt load of $46,440 is substantial, roughly double both state and national norms for criminal justice degrees. However, the near 1:1 debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable, especially given how far graduates' salaries exceed typical criminal justice wages. Half the students receive Pell grants, suggesting the program successfully serves working-class students who need credentials that translate to real income gains. With 95% of similar programs nationally producing lower earnings, Peirce appears to have strong employer connections in Philadelphia's law enforcement and corrections sectors.

The value proposition here is straightforward: you're paying more upfront for significantly better career outcomes. For families focused on immediate earning potential in criminal justice—rather than lower-cost programs that might lead to $37,000 salaries—this program delivers measurable returns that should cover the debt burden within a reasonable timeframe.