Criminal Justice and Corrections at University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas criminal justice program lands squarely in the middle of the pack—60th percentile among Arkansas schools and 51st nationally—but that middling position comes with a crucial advantage: below-average debt. At $25,385, graduates here borrow about $1,000 less than the national median while earning virtually identical starting salaries. This puts the program slightly ahead of most in-state alternatives except for online options like UA Grantham and Strayer, which report significantly higher earnings but serve very different student populations.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67 is manageable, meaning graduates owe roughly eight months of their first-year salary. More encouraging is the 23% earnings growth by year four, reaching $46,801—a trajectory that suggests this degree opens doors to career advancement rather than leaving graduates stuck in entry-level positions. For context, many criminal justice programs see graduates plateau much earlier.

The fundamental question here isn't whether this program delivers value—it does, modestly—but whether criminal justice as a field justifies the investment. Starting at $38,000 in Arkansas is reasonable for the profession, but families should recognize they're choosing a public service career path rather than a high-earning one. If your student is committed to law enforcement or corrections work, UA Fayetteville offers a cost-effective route without excessive debt burdens.