Criminal Justice and Corrections at SUNY Adirondack

SUNY Adirondack's Criminal Justice program produces earnings that lag behind stronger New York options, though the modest debt load keeps it accessible. Graduates earn $31,344 their first year—below both the state median ($31,480) and national average ($33,269)—while top SUNY community colleges like Broome and Genesee send graduates into jobs paying $38,000-$41,000. This isn't just a small gap: the program sits at the 40th percentile statewide, meaning 60% of comparable New York programs deliver better outcomes.

The silver lining is manageable debt of $12,000, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 that graduates can realistically handle on criminal justice salaries. With 41% of students receiving Pell grants, this access matters for working-class families in the Adirondack region. Earnings do grow 9% to $34,230 by year four, though that still falls short of what peers earn immediately after graduation elsewhere.

Fair warning: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual experiences may vary significantly. If your child can commute to one of the stronger SUNY programs like Broome or Herkimer—both also community colleges with similar tuition—the $6,000-$9,000 earnings advantage would compound meaningfully over a career. If Adirondack is the only viable local option, the program works but represents middle-of-the-pack preparation for law enforcement or corrections careers.