Criminal Justice and Corrections at Strayer University-Pennsylvania

Strayer University's Criminal Justice program commands premium pricing but delivers earnings that justify the investment. At $56,937 in median debt—more than double both national and Pennsylvania averages—this program initially appears expensive. However, graduates earn $43,405 in their first year, ranking in the 81st percentile nationally and solidly outperforming most competitors in Pennsylvania.

The earnings trajectory tells a positive story, with graduates seeing 17% income growth by year four, reaching $50,636. While the debt burden is substantial, the 1.31 debt-to-earnings ratio remains manageable, and the strong initial earnings help graduates service their loans. Among Pennsylvania's 52 criminal justice programs, Strayer ranks respectably in the 60th percentile, though it trails top performers like Peirce College by about $5,000 annually.

For families willing to invest in higher-cost education, this program delivers measurable returns through above-average starting salaries and steady income growth. The 68% Pell grant recipient rate suggests the school serves many first-generation college students successfully. However, parents should weigh whether the premium is worth it when Pennsylvania offers several programs with comparable earnings at much lower debt levels.