Criminal Justice and Corrections at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

This Criminal Justice program at UT Rio Grande Valley delivers exceptional value through remarkably low debt rather than high earnings. With median debt of just $11,644—far below both the national average ($26,130) and Texas average ($25,834)—graduates enter the workforce with minimal financial burden. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35 is outstanding, meaning students can realistically pay off their loans quickly even with starting salaries around $33,000.

While first-year earnings rank in the 18th percentile nationally, they're closer to average within Texas (40th percentile), reflecting the state's competitive job market. More importantly, earnings grow substantially over time, jumping 34% to $44,047 by year four. This trajectory suggests the program provides solid career foundation despite modest starting pay. The university serves a predominantly low-income student body (64% receive Pell grants), making the low debt load particularly valuable for families who can't afford to take on heavy educational debt.

For families prioritizing affordability and debt management, this program offers a clear path to a criminal justice career without crushing financial burden. The combination of low debt and steady earnings growth creates a sustainable financial picture that many higher-earning programs with heavy debt loads cannot match.