Analysis
A bachelor's degree in criminal justice typically launches careers in law enforcement, corrections, and related fields—but the salary ceiling comes fast. Similar programs in Georgia suggest first-year earnings around $37,300, landing right at the state median for this credential. With estimated debt of $29,600, new graduates would face monthly loan payments consuming roughly 10% of their gross income under standard repayment plans. That's manageable but tight for entry-level public sector work.
What's more sobering is the competitive landscape. Several Georgia programs report actual earnings well above the state average—Herzing University-Atlanta graduates earn $67,000 in their first year, nearly double the typical outcome. Even mid-tier programs like Thomas University ($53,000) substantially outpace the median. This suggests that program quality and career placement services matter enormously in criminal justice, where networking and internship connections often determine whether graduates land better-paying federal positions versus lower-paying county jail roles.
The fundamental question is whether Toccoa Falls specifically delivers those higher-end outcomes or tracks closer to the state median. Without reported data from this small program, you're essentially making a $30,000 bet on an unknown return. If your child is set on criminal justice, visiting campus to ask detailed questions about graduate placement—specific agencies that hire, percentage entering federal versus local positions—becomes critical due diligence.
Where Toccoa Falls College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all criminal justice and corrections bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Georgia
Criminal Justice and Corrections bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Georgia (37 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $23,250 | $37,331* | — | $29,608* | — | |
| $13,420 | $67,229* | $58,875 | $28,399* | 0.42 | |
| $28,420 | $62,019* | — | $27,475* | 0.44 | |
| $11,640 | $52,991* | $58,064 | $45,464* | 0.86 | |
| $13,920 | $43,405* | $50,636 | $56,937* | 1.31 | |
| $17,488 | $43,091* | $46,188 | $54,985* | 1.28 | |
| National Median | — | $37,856* | — | $26,130* | 0.69 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with criminal justice and corrections graduates
Financial Examiners
Emergency Management Directors
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary
Compliance Officers
Environmental Compliance Inspectors
Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers
Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
Regulatory Affairs Specialists
Customs Brokers
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Police Identification and Records Officers
Intelligence Analysts
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Toccoa Falls College, approximately 20% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 28 similar programs in GA. Actual outcomes may vary.