Criminal Justice and Corrections at The University of Olivet

The University of Olivet's criminal justice graduates earn $48,328 their first year—remarkably high for the field, landing in the 95th percentile nationally and well above the national median of $37,856. However, Michigan context tells a different story: within the state, this program sits at just the 60th percentile, trailing significantly behind leaders like Siena Heights ($67,009) and Ferris State ($44,897). The $27,000 median debt is manageable and typical for the field, but earnings actually decline by 3% over four years rather than growing, which is unusual for any bachelor's degree program.

For families choosing between Michigan criminal justice programs, this creates a puzzle. Olivet dramatically outperforms most schools nationally, but there are clearly stronger options in-state if your student can access them. The slight earnings decline over time might reflect career paths in corrections or security fields where early compensation plateaus, though the moderate sample size means individual outcomes could vary considerably.

This program works best for students who need the flexibility of Olivet's 97% admission rate and who understand they're entering a field where $46,000-$48,000 represents solid but not exceptional earning potential. The debt burden is reasonable enough that graduates can manage payments, but families should recognize that several Michigan alternatives offer substantially better long-term earnings if your student qualifies for admission.