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
Earnings Distribution
How University of Baltimore graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Baltimore | $48,991 | $55,376 | +13% |
| Frostburg State University | $40,844 | $59,575 | +46% |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | $55,479 | $59,490 | +7% |
| Bowie State University | $41,367 | $57,571 | +39% |
| Stevenson University | $38,745 | $50,767 | +31% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Maryland
Criminal Justice and Corrections bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Maryland (12 total in state)
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9,772 | $48,991 | $55,376 | $25,500 | 0.52 | |
| $7,992 | $55,479 | $59,490 | $25,062 | 0.45 | |
| $13,920 | $43,405 | $50,636 | $56,937 | 1.31 | |
| $45,870 | $41,764 | — | $25,500 | 0.61 | |
| $8,999 | $41,367 | $57,571 | $29,750 | 0.72 | |
| $9,998 | $40,844 | $59,575 | $25,000 | 0.61 | |
| National Median | — | $37,856 | — | $26,130 | 0.69 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with criminal justice and corrections graduates
Financial Examiners
Emergency Management Directors
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary
Compliance Officers
Environmental Compliance Inspectors
Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers
Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
Regulatory Affairs Specialists
Customs Brokers
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Police Identification and Records Officers
Intelligence Analysts
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.