Criminal Justice and Corrections at Southeast Missouri State University

Southeast Missouri State's Criminal Justice program lands squarely in the middle of the pack—both nationally and within Missouri, where it sits near the 40th percentile. Starting earnings of $36,537 trail the state median by about $350 and fall below the national average as well. More concerning is the performance gap with Missouri's stronger programs: graduates from Park University and Columbia College earn 25-35% more in their first year, suggesting that program choice matters significantly within the state's criminal justice market.

The debt load of $26,625 is reasonable, resulting in a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.73. Earnings do grow 14% by year four, reaching $41,674, which is a decent trajectory for the field. For families who prioritize affordability and their student is already committed to criminal justice, Southeast Missouri State offers an accessible path into the profession without crushing debt. The program serves its purpose for students seeking entry into law enforcement or corrections work.

However, if your student has the academic credentials and flexibility, Missouri offers meaningfully better-performing programs at similar public institutions like Missouri Western State. The earnings difference—starting at nearly $40,000 versus $36,500—compounds over a career. For a family weighing Southeast Missouri State, the calculation hinges on whether geographic preference or admission certainty outweighs the opportunity to earn $3,000-$13,000 more annually from day one.