Criminal Justice and Corrections at Saint Leo University

Saint Leo's criminal justice associate program shows earnings that significantly outpace most Florida alternatives, but the debt burden creates a challenging math problem. Starting at $37,236, graduates earn more than 60% of similar programs statewide and well above both state and national medians. By year four, salaries jump to $58,008—impressive growth for an associate degree. However, the $30,452 in student debt is roughly double what students typically borrow for this credential in Florida, putting this in the 95th percentile for debt nationally.

Here's the dilemma: while the program's performance looks strong relative to other criminal justice associate degrees, you're paying nearly the same debt load as many bachelor's programs for an associate credential. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.82 means graduates start owing about 10 months of their first-year salary. That's manageable, especially given the robust earnings growth, but the question is whether an associate degree needs to cost this much when colleges like Seminole State and Valencia deliver similar early outcomes at half the debt.

The small sample size adds uncertainty—these numbers may not be stable. If your child is committed to criminal justice and Saint Leo specifically, the earnings trajectory suggests they can handle the debt. But explore Florida's public options first. The pathway to financial security shouldn't require this much borrowing for a two-year degree.