Criminal Justice and Corrections at Thomas College

Thomas College's Criminal Justice program starts strong with first-year earnings of $42,174—well above the national median and matching the Maine state median. But here's the problem: by year four, graduates see their earnings drop 15% to $36,020, sliding below what most similar programs deliver. Among Maine's handful of criminal justice programs, graduates here earn noticeably less than those from Husson University, who make $46,500 four years out.

The debt picture is reasonable at $27,000, representing just 64% of first-year income, which means most graduates can likely manage payments. The challenge isn't crushing debt—it's the backward earnings trajectory. Criminal justice careers often start with entry-level positions, but most fields show progression by year four. This decline suggests graduates may be struggling to advance or are working in roles that don't leverage their degree effectively.

For families considering this program, the value depends heavily on career goals. If your child has a clear path to federal law enforcement or corrections management where a bachelor's degree opens doors, this might work. But if they're uncertain about their specific criminal justice career, the declining earnings pattern and premium over programs like University of Maine at Augusta (which costs less and shows steadier outcomes) suggests looking at alternatives or having very clear conversations about post-graduation plans before committing.