Criminal Justice and Corrections at University of Alaska Anchorage

UAA's Criminal Justice program shows above-average earnings for the field—both nationally and within Alaska—but the small graduating class (under 30 students) means individual circumstances can skew these numbers significantly. First-year graduates earn $39,003, placing them ahead of 60% of Alaska criminal justice programs and 57% nationally. At $23,250, debt loads run slightly below the state median, though still higher than ideal for public safety salaries. The 0.60 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe about seven months of their starting salary.

The modest 7% earnings growth to $41,829 by year four is typical for criminal justice careers, where advancement often depends on civil service structures rather than market forces. These figures beat the other major Alaska program (UAF graduates start at $34,617), which matters since most Alaska law enforcement and corrections jobs stay in-state. However, with only four Alaska schools offering this degree and tiny graduating classes, one strong cohort or one struggling graduate can dramatically shift these averages.

For families committed to Alaska public safety careers, this program delivers competitive preparation without excessive debt. But the earnings ceiling is real—even four years out, graduates earn less than $42,000—and the small sample size means your child's experience could differ substantially from these medians. Make sure they're genuinely drawn to corrections or law enforcement work, because the financial returns won't justify the degree otherwise.