Criminal Justice and Corrections at Radford University

Radford's Criminal Justice program starts slower than most Virginia alternatives but shows something worth noting: graduates see earnings jump 32% by year four, reaching $47,305. That's meaningful growth in a field where many graduates plateau quickly. The question is whether the initial $35,935 starting salary—below both the state and national medians—justifies the wait.

Among Virginia's 23 criminal justice programs, this one sits around the 40th percentile for earnings, trailing schools like Liberty ($48,855) and George Mason ($43,612) by significant margins. The $25,000 debt load is slightly better than state and national averages, but it still represents about 70% of that first year's salary, which means graduates will likely feel the squeeze during those early career years when earnings are lowest.

The 32% earnings growth suggests graduates eventually find their footing—possibly through promotions within law enforcement or corrections agencies where longevity matters. But parents should understand their child will likely need financial support or a modest lifestyle during those first couple years. If your student has options at George Mason or Liberty with similar debt but higher starting salaries, those represent safer bets. Radford's value proposition depends on patience and believing in that eventual earnings trajectory.