Criminal Justice and Corrections at Strayer University-Arkansas
Bachelor's Degree
strayer.edu/campus-locations/arkansas/little-rockAnalysis
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 yearβplacing 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
Earnings Distribution
How Strayer University-Arkansas graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strayer University-Arkansas | $43,405 | $50,636 | +17% |
| University of Arkansas Grantham | $50,520 | $47,671 | -6% |
| University of Arkansas | $38,083 | $46,801 | +23% |
| Harding University | $38,818 | $45,300 | +17% |
| University of Arkansas at Little Rock | $40,989 | $43,058 | +5% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Arkansas
Criminal Justice and Corrections bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Arkansas (14 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $13,920 | $43,405 | $50,636 | $56,937 | 1.31 | |
| $8,280 | $50,520 | $47,671 | $39,972 | 0.79 | |
| $8,455 | $40,989 | $43,058 | $30,026 | 0.73 | |
| $24,888 | $38,818 | $45,300 | $24,955 | 0.64 | |
| $9,748 | $38,083 | $46,801 | $25,385 | 0.67 | |
| $9,019 | $35,532 | $35,560 | $27,000 | 0.76 | |
| National Median | β | $37,856 | β | $26,130 | 0.69 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with criminal justice and corrections graduates
Financial Examiners
Emergency Management Directors
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary
Compliance Officers
Environmental Compliance Inspectors
Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers
Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
Regulatory Affairs Specialists
Customs Brokers
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Police Identification and Records Officers
Intelligence Analysts
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.