Criminal Justice and Corrections at University of Central Arkansas

The estimated $12,000 debt load for this program sits well below both the Arkansas state median ($25,496) and national median ($14,230) for similar associate degrees in criminal justice—a meaningful advantage when first-year earnings hover around $36,000. Based on comparable programs across Arkansas, graduates typically start at this earnings level, which places them right at the state median and slightly above the national benchmark of $33,269. The 0.33 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable loan payments, with monthly obligations likely consuming less than 5% of gross income.

What's harder to assess here is trajectory. Criminal justice careers often require working through entry-level positions before reaching better-paying roles, and an associate degree may limit advancement without additional credentials. The fact that Arkansas Tech and University of Arkansas Grantham—with actual reported data—show similar or slightly higher starting salaries suggests the estimate is reasonable, but parents should recognize these figures reflect the broader Arkansas market for criminal justice associate degrees rather than UCA's specific track record with this program.

The lower debt burden makes this program less risky than many alternatives, but the pathway matters enormously. If your student plans to pursue a bachelor's degree or aims for law enforcement positions with clear salary scales, the economics improve considerably. As a terminal credential for immediate employment, it offers a modest but realistic start.