Criminal Justice and Corrections at Purdue University Global

Purdue University Global's Criminal Justice program commands a premium price but delivers earnings that rank in the 95th percentile nationally—a rare combination in higher education. While graduates earn $45,984 in their first year, significantly outpacing both the national median ($37,856) and Indiana median ($39,991), they pay for this performance with higher debt at $40,244 compared to typical program debt of around $26,000.

The concerning element is the earnings trajectory: graduates see their income drop 6% by year four, falling to $43,072. This decline is unusual and suggests the program may not build the long-term career capital parents expect from a premium-priced degree. Within Indiana, the program ranks in the 60th percentile—solid but not exceptional—meaning families are paying more for outcomes that several in-state alternatives deliver at lower cost.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.88 is manageable but not ideal, especially given the declining income trend. For families, this program offers strong initial job placement but questionable long-term value. Unless your child has specific career goals that require this program's particular strengths, Indiana offers several alternatives with similar or better earnings at significantly lower debt levels.