Criminal Justice and Corrections at University of Arkansas Community College-Batesville

This associate's in criminal justice shows reasonable economics based on comparable programs in Arkansas. Similar programs in the state suggest first-year earnings around $36,000—placing graduates slightly above the national median for this credential—against an estimated $12,000 in debt. That 0.33 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates would theoretically owe about a third of their first-year salary, a manageable starting point if those earnings materialize.

The debt figure matters here. While Arkansas programs in this field typically carry median debt closer to $25,500, the estimate for this specific program sits at roughly half that amount. If accurate, that lower borrowing burden makes the investment more defensible, even in a field where salaries don't climb dramatically. The state's top-performing programs produce first-year earnings in the $35,000-$39,000 range, so the estimated figure here sits comfortably mid-pack.

The catch is uncertainty: with nearly half of students receiving Pell grants and both earnings and debt figures derived from peer institutions, your child's actual outcome could vary considerably from these estimates. The program's small graduate cohort (the reason data is suppressed) means less track record to evaluate. If this associate's is a stepping stone toward further education or specific law enforcement positions in Arkansas, it may serve that purpose. If it's intended as a terminal credential for immediate employment, verify that local agencies hire at the salary levels these estimates suggest.