Criminal Justice and Corrections at Strayer University-New Jersey
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Strayer University-New Jersey's Criminal Justice program commands a premium price but delivers exceptional results that justify the investment. With graduates earning $43,405 in their first year—ranking in the 80th percentile among New Jersey programs and 81st percentile nationally—this program significantly outperforms both state and national medians. The $50,636 median salary by year four represents solid 17% growth and places graduates well above the national average of $37,856.
The debt picture requires careful consideration. At $56,937, student debt is more than double both the national ($26,130) and New Jersey ($24,672) medians for this field. However, the 1.31 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can reasonably expect to pay off their loans within about 1.3 years of salary—a manageable burden given the strong earning potential. The program's 5th percentile debt ranking nationally indicates this is among the more expensive options, but the earnings premium helps offset this concern.
For parents weighing this investment, Strayer-New Jersey delivers what you pay for: graduates consistently out-earn peers from cheaper programs across the state. While the upfront cost is substantial, the program's track record of placing graduates in higher-paying positions within the criminal justice field makes it a defensible choice for families who can handle the debt load.
Where Strayer University-New Jersey 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-New Jersey graduates compare to all programs nationally
Strayer University-New Jersey 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 New Jersey
Criminal Justice and Corrections bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (21 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strayer University-New Jersey | $43,405 | $50,636 | $56,937 | 1.31 |
| Felician University | $41,141 | $40,982 | $27,000 | 0.66 |
| Kean University | $39,408 | $50,538 | $25,993 | 0.66 |
| Monmouth University | $37,862 | $53,228 | $27,000 | 0.71 |
| Centenary University | $37,259 | $49,938 | $20,500 | 0.55 |
| The College of New Jersey | $36,070 | $56,217 | $20,500 | 0.57 |
| National Median | $37,856 | — | $26,130 | 0.69 |
Other Criminal Justice and Corrections Programs in New Jersey
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across New Jersey schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Felician University Lodi | $37,830 | $41,141 | $27,000 |
| Kean University Union | $13,426 | $39,408 | $25,993 |
| Monmouth University West Long Branch | $44,850 | $37,862 | $27,000 |
| Centenary University Hackettstown | $37,732 | $37,259 | $20,500 |
| The College of New Jersey Ewing | $18,685 | $36,070 | $20,500 |
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-New Jersey, approximately 66% 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.