Criminal Justice and Corrections at Rowan College at Burlington County

Rowan College's criminal justice program starts graduates at just $27,775—well below the state median of $28,991 and landing in the bottom fifth nationally. While the $10,000 debt load is manageable, comparably-priced programs at Middlesex College and Sussex County Community College deliver starting salaries nearly $5,000 higher, suggesting students might find better value elsewhere in New Jersey's community college system.

The silver lining is significant earnings growth: graduates see their income jump 50% to $41,568 by year four, moving them ahead of the typical NJ associate's holder in this field. This trajectory suggests the degree eventually pays off for those who stick with criminal justice careers. However, that first year at under $28,000 means starting out below a livable wage in the expensive New Jersey market, which could strain recent graduates still managing that $10,000 in debt.

One important caveat: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary considerably. If your child is drawn to law enforcement or corrections work specifically, the low debt makes this a low-risk entry point. But given the weak starting position compared to nearby alternatives, exploring those higher-performing New Jersey community colleges first makes sense—particularly Middlesex or Sussex County, which combine similar affordability with notably stronger early-career outcomes.