Criminal Justice and Corrections at Strayer University-Arkansas
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Despite carrying debt levels that rank in the bottom 5% nationally, Strayer University-Arkansas's Criminal Justice program delivers earnings that significantly outpace both national and state averages. Graduates earn $43,405 in their first year—placing them in the 81st percentile nationally and well above Arkansas's $38,083 median. The program also shows healthy 17% earnings growth over four years, reaching $50,636.
However, the debt burden tells a more complex story. At $56,937, graduates carry more than double the typical debt load for this field nationally ($26,130) and in Arkansas ($26,500). This creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.31, meaning graduates owe about 1.3 times their first-year salary. While the strong earnings help offset this burden compared to weaker programs with similar debt loads, it's still a substantial financial commitment.
The program serves a predominantly low-income student population (93% receive Pell grants), which adds context to both the debt levels and earnings outcomes. For families willing to take on significant debt for above-average earning potential, this program delivers on income but requires careful financial planning. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates makes these figures reliable, and the consistent earnings growth suggests graduates build valuable career momentum over time.
Where Strayer University-Arkansas Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all criminal justice and corrections bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Strayer University-Arkansas graduates compare to all programs nationally
Strayer University-Arkansas graduates earn $43k, placing them in the 81th percentile of all criminal justice and corrections bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Arkansas
Criminal Justice and Corrections bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arkansas (14 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strayer University-Arkansas | $43,405 | $50,636 | $56,937 | 1.31 |
| University of Arkansas Grantham | $50,520 | $47,671 | $39,972 | 0.79 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | $40,989 | $43,058 | $30,026 | 0.73 |
| Harding University | $38,818 | $45,300 | $24,955 | 0.64 |
| University of Arkansas | $38,083 | $46,801 | $25,385 | 0.67 |
| University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff | $35,532 | $35,560 | $27,000 | 0.76 |
| National Median | $37,856 | — | $26,130 | 0.69 |
Other Criminal Justice and Corrections Programs in Arkansas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Arkansas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Arkansas Grantham LIttle Rock | $8,280 | $50,520 | $39,972 |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock Little Rock | $8,455 | $40,989 | $30,026 |
| Harding University Searcy | $24,888 | $38,818 | $24,955 |
| University of Arkansas Fayetteville | $9,748 | $38,083 | $25,385 |
| University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Pine Bluff | $9,019 | $35,532 | $27,000 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Strayer University-Arkansas, approximately 93% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 406 graduates with reported earnings and 673 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.