Criminal Justice and Corrections at Post University

Post University's criminal justice program starts strong with graduates earning $49,449 in their first year—crushing both the national median ($37,856) and placing in the 95th percentile nationally. But there's a problem: earnings drop to $45,015 by year four, a 9% decline that runs counter to typical career progression. Within Connecticut, the program sits at the 60th percentile, trailing Charter Oak State College's grads by over $20,000. The $33,250 debt load is manageable given first-year earnings (0.67 ratio), but it's higher than both state and national medians.

The earnings decline deserves scrutiny. With 73% of students receiving Pell grants, this might reflect graduates shifting into social service roles or facing regional job market challenges that affect compensation over time. The initial salary advantage suggests graduates are landing decent entry-level positions, but something changes by year four—whether burnout, lateral moves, or industry-specific salary compression.

For an anxious parent, the question is whether that strong start justifies the premium debt. If your child is committed to law enforcement or corrections in Connecticut and can secure one of those $49K starting positions, the numbers work initially. But the backward earnings trajectory and the availability of lower-debt options in-state make this a concerning investment unless there's a specific career path that leverages Post's particular strengths.