Criminal Justice and Corrections at Roosevelt University

Roosevelt University's Criminal Justice program delivers earnings that beat both state and national medians, placing graduates in the 60th percentile among Illinois schools. First-year earnings of $41,203 exceed the Illinois median by roughly $2,000—modest but meaningful for graduates entering a field not known for high starting salaries. By year four, earnings climb to nearly $50,000, representing 20% growth that suggests steady career progression rather than a dead-end trajectory.

The debt picture strengthens the value case. At $24,625, graduates borrow less than both state and national medians, creating a manageable 0.60 debt-to-earnings ratio. That's roughly seven months of income—reasonable for a field where many graduates pursue public service careers. Nearly half the student body receives Pell grants, indicating this program serves students who might not have other pathways into law enforcement or corrections work.

The reality check: Roosevelt won't place you at the top of Illinois' criminal justice earnings ladder (Benedictine and Aurora graduates earn $4,000-5,000 more initially), but it charges less upfront in borrowing. For families weighing Roosevelt's 94% admission rate against the debt load, this program offers a practical entry point into criminal justice careers with below-average borrowing and above-average outcomes. The combination of accessible admissions, controlled debt, and earnings that outpace peers makes this a solid choice for students committed to the field.