Criminal Justice and Corrections at University of Arkansas at Monticello

In Arkansas, criminal justice programs vary widely in outcomes, with some online-focused institutions reporting first-year earnings above $50,000 while traditional programs cluster in the high $30,000s. Based on comparable programs statewide, University of Arkansas at Monticello graduates likely start around $38,000—roughly matching the state and national median—but the concerning detail is what happens next. By year four, median earnings drop to $33,445, suggesting graduates may struggle to advance or stay in the field.

The debt load of $27,388 isn't extreme by national standards, but paired with that earnings decline, it creates a tougher repayment scenario than the initial debt-to-earnings ratio suggests. With nearly half of students receiving Pell grants, many graduates are likely working in public sector or entry-level corrections roles where pay increases slowly. The gap between this program and Arkansas's higher-earning options—some nearly 30% higher in year one—raises questions about whether students have access to the same career pathways or placement support.

For parents, the key question is whether this specific program offers strong connections to Arkansas law enforcement agencies or criminal justice employers that could prevent that four-year earnings dip. Without that institutional support, graduates may find themselves managing student debt on a salary that doesn't grow as expected in a field known for modest pay.