Criminal Justice and Corrections at Siena Heights University

Siena Heights graduates in criminal justice earn $67,009 in their first year—nearly 70% more than the typical Michigan program in this field and far surpassing the state's top performers. That's a remarkable outcome for a program at a moderately selective institution, placing it in the 95th percentile both nationally and statewide. The $22,250 median debt, while above the state average, represents just four months of first-year earnings—a manageable burden given the strong initial salaries.

The concerning part is what happens next: earnings drop 14% by year four, falling to $57,804. This likely reflects the realities of law enforcement and corrections careers, where entry-level positions may pay well but advancement requires additional credentials or career pivots. Still, even after this decline, graduates are earning substantially more than their peers from other Michigan programs.

For families worried about both debt and job prospects, this program delivers unusually strong starting salaries that make the investment clearly worthwhile. The earnings trajectory suggests your child should plan strategically—whether that means pursuing promotions, additional training, or specializations within the field—but they'll start from a position of financial strength that most criminal justice graduates don't achieve.