Criminal Justice and Corrections at Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas

This certificate program carries an estimated debt load of $15,414—more than double what comparable criminal justice programs in Arkansas typically require. Black River Technical College, for instance, reports median debt of just $7,100 for graduates in this field, suggesting that Phillips may be an expensive route to a credential that's widely available at lower cost across the state. The estimated first-year earnings of $48,388 align with national medians but exceed what most Arkansas programs deliver, which typically see graduates earning around $40,468. Still, a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 means nearly a third of that first year's salary would go toward loan repayment under standard terms.

The real concern here isn't whether criminal justice credentials lead to employment—they generally do—but whether this particular path makes financial sense. With 25 programs offering this credential in Arkansas and many charging significantly less, your child would need a compelling reason to choose Phillips over alternatives. The estimated figures suggest outcomes similar to programs nationwide, but the debt burden appears notably higher than state peers without clear evidence of better earnings to justify it. Before committing, get clarity on actual costs and compare what nearby community colleges charge for equivalent training.