Criminal Justice and Corrections at Saint Francis University

Criminal justice programs in Pennsylvania show a wide earnings range—from around $37,000 at most schools to nearly $49,000 at the top performers—and Saint Francis appears to land at the lower end of that spectrum. Based on similar programs across the state, graduates here likely earn close to $37,311 in their first year while carrying approximately $27,000 in debt. That 0.72 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't alarming—it aligns with the national median for this major—but it does mean nearly three-quarters of first-year salary goes toward debt service if you're paying aggressively.

The challenge is that these estimates derive from peer programs, not actual Saint Francis outcomes, so there's real uncertainty here. Criminal justice careers can vary significantly depending on whether graduates enter corrections, probation, private security, or law enforcement, and local hiring markets matter enormously. Pennsylvania's statewide median sits right at the national figure, suggesting neither a particular advantage nor disadvantage to studying here versus elsewhere. What's concerning is the gap between Saint Francis's estimated outcomes and schools like Peirce or Chestnut Hill, where comparable programs produce 30% higher first-year earnings.

If your child is set on criminal justice at Saint Francis, ask the career services office directly about recent graduate placements and starting salaries. The estimated numbers suggest a manageable but unexceptional financial outcome—one where the degree pays for itself eventually, but where stronger-performing programs in the state might offer better returns.