Criminal Justice and Corrections at Strayer University-Maryland

Strayer University-Maryland's criminal justice program commands premium tuition but delivers earnings that justify the investment. With first-year graduates earning $43,405—significantly above both the national median ($37,856) and Maryland median ($41,367)—this program ranks in the 81st percentile nationally for earnings outcomes. The 17% earnings growth to $50,636 by year four demonstrates solid career progression in a field where advancement often correlates with experience and additional training.

The challenge is the debt load. At $56,937, graduates carry more than double the typical debt for this program nationally ($26,130) and in Maryland ($27,000). This reflects Strayer's for-profit pricing structure, but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.31 remains manageable—many graduates should be able to handle monthly payments while building their careers in law enforcement, corrections, or related fields.

While you'll pay significantly more than at state schools like Bowie State or Frostburg State, Strayer's outcomes suggest their career services and employer connections provide real value. The program serves a high Pell Grant population (60%) successfully, indicating they help students from various economic backgrounds access well-paying criminal justice careers. If your child can access comparable state options, explore those first, but Strayer represents a viable path to above-average earnings in this field.