Criminal Justice and Corrections at Saint Xavier University

Saint Xavier's criminal justice graduates start at $39,033 but see their earnings jump 45% to $56,487 within four years—one of the stronger growth trajectories in this field. That matters because criminal justice careers often require years of experience before reaching higher-paid roles in federal agencies, corrections management, or specialized investigation units. With debt at $27,000 (just slightly above the national median), the program offers a manageable path into a field that rewards persistence.

The challenge is that first-year earnings lag behind Illinois competitors. At the 40th percentile statewide, Saint Xavier graduates earn about $5,000 less initially than those from Benedictine or Aurora University. This matters for families banking on immediate financial independence after graduation. However, the strong four-year trajectory suggests that gap narrows considerably as graduates advance through the ranks or transition into better-paying roles.

For a family willing to think beyond the first paycheck, this program delivers value through its combination of affordable debt and solid earnings growth. The key question is whether your child can manage that first year or two on a tighter budget while building the experience that unlocks higher earnings. If they're committed to criminal justice as a career—not just as a degree—the investment makes sense.