Criminal Justice and Corrections at Strayer University-District of Columbia

Strayer University's Criminal Justice program commands premium tuition but delivers above-average earnings that may justify the investment. With first-year graduates earning $43,405—well above the national median of $37,856 and ranking in the 81st percentile nationally—this program clearly outperforms most criminal justice degrees across the country. The 17% earnings growth to $50,636 by year four suggests solid career progression in what can be a challenging field.

The debt picture requires careful consideration. At $56,937, graduates carry more than double the national median debt for this program ($26,130) and significantly more than DC's median of $29,782. However, with 71% of students receiving Pell grants, many families are already managing significant financial need. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.31 means graduates typically earn back their debt within 16 months—manageable for a bachelor's degree, though not ideal.

Within DC's competitive market, this program holds the middle ground among six options, matching the state median for earnings while carrying higher debt. For families prioritizing job market outcomes over cost, the strong national ranking suggests this program opens doors that many criminal justice degrees cannot. The investment makes sense if your child can secure federal employment or law enforcement positions that value the degree's market recognition.