Criminal Justice and Corrections at Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State's Criminal Justice program delivers solid, middle-of-the-pack results that should reassure parents looking for a reliable path into law enforcement careers. With first-year earnings of $37,792 and manageable debt of $23,218, graduates enter the workforce with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61—meaning they owe roughly seven months' salary, which is reasonable for this field. The program performs better than most Texas competitors, ranking in the 60th percentile statewide, though it trails significantly behind top programs like Wayland Baptist ($53,038) and University of Phoenix-Texas ($47,987).

The 22% earnings growth from year one to year four ($37,792 to $46,083) demonstrates clear career progression potential, which is crucial in criminal justice where advancement often comes through experience and additional training. However, graduates do carry slightly more debt than the national average for this program, ranking in the 75th percentile nationally for debt burden.

For parents, this represents a solid middle-ground choice—not spectacular, but dependable. The program's accessibility (85% admission rate) combined with decent outcomes makes it a practical option for students committed to criminal justice careers. While higher-performing programs exist in Texas, Sam Houston State offers a reasonable return on investment without excessive debt risk, making it a sensible choice for families prioritizing financial stability over maximum earning potential.