Median Earnings (1yr)
$48,991
95th percentile
60th percentile in Maryland
Median Debt
$25,500
2% below national median

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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of BaltimoreBaltimore$9,772$48,991$55,376$25,5000.52
University of Maryland Global CampusAdelphi$7,992$55,479$59,490$25,0620.45
Strayer University-MarylandSuitland$13,920$43,405$50,636$56,9371.31
Hood CollegeFrederick$45,870$41,764$25,5000.61
Bowie State UniversityBowie$8,999$41,367$57,571$29,7500.72
Frostburg State UniversityFrostburg$9,998$40,844$59,575$25,0000.61
National Median$37,856$26,1300.69

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with criminal justice and corrections graduates

Financial Examiners

Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.

$90,400/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Emergency Management Directors

Plan and direct disaster response or crisis management activities, provide disaster preparedness training, and prepare emergency plans and procedures for natural (e.g., hurricanes, floods, earthquakes), wartime, or technological (e.g., nuclear power plant emergencies or hazardous materials spills) disasters or hostage situations.

$86,130/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in criminal justice, corrections, and law enforcement administration. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Compliance Officers

Examine, evaluate, and investigate eligibility for or conformity with laws and regulations governing contract compliance of licenses and permits, and perform other compliance and enforcement inspection and analysis activities not classified elsewhere.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Environmental Compliance Inspectors

Inspect and investigate sources of pollution to protect the public and environment and ensure conformance with Federal, State, and local regulations and ordinances.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers

Monitor and evaluate compliance with equal opportunity laws, guidelines, and policies to ensure that employment practices and contracting arrangements give equal opportunity without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Government Property Inspectors and Investigators

Investigate or inspect government property to ensure compliance with contract agreements and government regulations.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Regulatory Affairs Specialists

Coordinate and document internal regulatory processes, such as internal audits, inspections, license renewals, or registrations. May compile and prepare materials for submission to regulatory agencies.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Customs Brokers

Prepare customs documentation and ensure that shipments meet all applicable laws to facilitate the import and export of goods. Determine and track duties and taxes payable and process payments on behalf of client. Sign documents under a power of attorney. Represent clients in meetings with customs officials and apply for duty refunds and tariff reclassifications. Coordinate transportation and storage of imported goods.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Detectives and Criminal Investigators

Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.

$77,270/yrJobs growth:

Police Identification and Records Officers

Collect evidence at crime scene, classify and identify fingerprints, and photograph evidence for use in criminal and civil cases.

$77,270/yrJobs growth:

Intelligence Analysts

Gather, analyze, or evaluate information from a variety of sources, such as law enforcement databases, surveillance, intelligence networks or geographic information systems. Use intelligence data to anticipate and prevent organized crime activities, such as terrorism.

$77,270/yrJobs growth:
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.