Criminal Justice and Corrections at Texas State University

Texas State's criminal justice program shows impressive earning momentum despite a modest start. While graduates begin at $36,117—below the national average—they see strong 28% growth to reach $46,095 by year four, ultimately outpacing most peers. Among Texas programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile, placing it solidly in the middle of the pack within the state's competitive landscape.

The debt picture is particularly attractive. At $19,500, students graduate with significantly less debt than both the national ($26,130) and Texas ($25,834) medians for this field. This creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54, meaning students can realistically pay off loans without financial strain. The low debt burden is especially valuable given criminal justice careers often prioritize job security and benefits over high starting salaries.

However, it's worth noting that even after strong growth, four-year earnings still trail top Texas programs like Wayland Baptist ($53,038) by a meaningful margin. For families prioritizing immediate earning potential, higher-performing alternatives exist. That said, Texas State offers a solid middle-ground option: reasonable debt, steady career progression, and access to Texas's robust law enforcement job market. The combination of manageable costs and reliable growth trajectory makes this a financially sensible choice for students committed to criminal justice careers.