Median Earnings (1yr)
$48,991
95th percentile (60th in MD)
Median Debt
$25,500
2% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.52
Manageable
Sample Size
34
Adequate data

Analysis

University of Baltimore's Criminal Justice program substantially outperforms most schools nationally—ranking in the 95th percentile with first-year earnings of $48,991, compared to the national median of just $37,856. That's an $11,000 advantage right out of the gate. The debt load of $25,500 is reasonable, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52, which means graduates can realistically manage payments while building their careers. Earnings also grow steadily, reaching $55,376 by year four, suggesting career progression rather than a dead-end entry point.

The Maryland context tells a more nuanced story. While these outcomes crush the national field, they're closer to the middle of the pack within Maryland, where the state median is $41,367. University of Maryland Global Campus leads locally at $55,479, but UB essentially matches that trajectory by year four. For an 86% admission rate school serving a substantial population of Pell grant recipients (43%), these outcomes demonstrate strong regional connections—likely to Baltimore's law enforcement and correctional agencies.

The moderate sample size means some year-to-year variation is possible, but the pattern is clear: this program delivers significantly better outcomes than most criminal justice degrees nationwide. If your child is committed to this field and wants to stay in Maryland, the combination of accessible admissions, manageable debt, and above-average earnings makes this a solid regional option.

Where University of Baltimore Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all criminal justice and corrections bachelors's programs nationally

University of BaltimoreOther criminal justice and corrections programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How University of Baltimore graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Baltimore graduates earn $49k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all criminal justice and corrections bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland

Criminal Justice and Corrections bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maryland (12 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Baltimore$48,991$55,376$25,5000.52
University of Maryland Global Campus$55,479$59,490$25,0620.45
Strayer University-Maryland$43,405$50,636$56,9371.31
Hood College$41,764—$25,5000.61
Bowie State University$41,367$57,571$29,7500.72
Frostburg State University$40,844$59,575$25,0000.61
National Median$37,856—$26,1300.69

Other Criminal Justice and Corrections Programs in Maryland

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Maryland schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of Maryland Global Campus
Adelphi
$7,992$55,479$25,062
Strayer University-Maryland
Suitland
$13,920$43,405$56,937
Hood College
Frederick
$45,870$41,764$25,500
Bowie State University
Bowie
$8,999$41,367$29,750
Frostburg State University
Frostburg
$9,998$40,844$25,000

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Baltimore, approximately 43% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 34 graduates with reported earnings and 41 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.