Criminal Justice and Corrections at University of Cincinnati-Clermont College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
ucclermont.eduAnalysis
A sub-baccalaureate criminal justice credential faces stiff competition in Ohio, where the best-performing programs—mostly at career-technical schools—place graduates into jobs paying $54,000 to $64,000 in their first year. Based on comparable programs in Ohio, UC-Clermont's estimated first-year earnings of $45,853 fall well short of these benchmarks, suggesting graduates may struggle to access the higher-paying law enforcement or corrections positions that justify credential programs in this field.
The estimated debt load of $8,555 is manageable, representing just 19% of first-year earnings. That's considerably less than the typical $13,355 national debt load for similar programs. However, low debt doesn't overcome the earnings gap: peer programs in Ohio demonstrate that certificate-holders in this field can earn $8,000 to $18,000 more annually right out of the gate, which compounds significantly over a career.
The practical concern is whether this certificate opens doors to career-track positions or leads mainly to entry-level security or administrative work. Given that stronger-performing Ohio programs exist—many accessible through technical schools with established criminal justice employer pipelines—families should investigate what specific job placements this certificate typically produces and whether those outcomes justify even modest debt when higher-earning alternatives are available in-state.
Where University of Cincinnati-Clermont College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all criminal justice and corrections certificate's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Ohio
Criminal Justice and Corrections certificate's programs at peer institutions in Ohio (42 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,554 | $45,853* | — | $8,555* | — | |
| $5,750 | $63,966* | — | $13,549* | 0.21 | |
| — | $60,896* | $58,929 | $16,673* | 0.27 | |
| — | $53,759* | — | $8,022* | 0.15 | |
| — | $53,090* | $55,680 | $7,874* | 0.15 | |
| $4,624 | $53,039* | — | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $48,388* | — | $13,355* | 0.28 |
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 Cincinnati-Clermont College, approximately 11% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 12 similar programs in OH. Actual outcomes may vary.