Criminal Justice and Corrections at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

Based on comparable criminal justice programs in Arkansas, this associate's degree appears positioned at the state median with estimated first-year earnings around $36,000—about $3,000 above the national benchmark for similar programs. The estimated $12,000 debt load is notably lighter than Arkansas's typical $25,500 for these credentials, creating a manageable 0.33 debt-to-earnings ratio that suggests graduates could reasonably pay off their loans within a few years of full-time work.

The caveat here matters: these figures come from peer programs, not UAPB's actual graduate outcomes, so there's inherent uncertainty about what this specific program delivers. That said, the institution serves a predominantly Pell-eligible population (67%), and maintaining lower debt levels is particularly valuable for students who may be starting their careers with limited financial cushions. Criminal justice roles often follow structured pay scales in law enforcement and corrections, which tends to produce more predictable earnings patterns than fields where individual performance drives compensation.

For families weighing this investment, the estimated numbers suggest reasonable value if your student is committed to criminal justice careers and prefers staying in Arkansas. The lighter debt burden compared to state peers is the program's strongest advantage on paper, though you'd want to verify actual job placement rates and whether graduates secure positions that match these salary projections before committing.