Criminal Justice and Corrections at Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University's criminal justice program outperforms 94% of similar programs nationally with first-year earnings of $45,709—nearly $8,000 above the national median. However, within Missouri, it ranks closer to the middle of the pack at the 60th percentile, trailing Park University and Columbia College. The debt load of $23,694 is actually lower than both state and national medians, resulting in a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52. Graduates can expect to pay off their loans in roughly two years of focused repayment, which is reasonable for a field not known for high salaries.

The moderate earnings growth to $50,011 by year four reflects typical career progression in law enforcement and corrections—fields where experience matters but dramatic salary jumps are rare. The admission rate of 81% and strong SAT scores suggest this is a selective program within an accessible university, possibly benefiting from Saint Louis's robust network of criminal justice employers and government agencies.

For Missouri families, this program offers solid value: you're paying less debt than average while earning more than most in-state alternatives. The combination of strong early earnings and manageable debt makes this a practical choice for students committed to criminal justice careers, though families should recognize they're paying for Saint Louis University's private school premium when strong public alternatives exist nearby.