Analysis
University of Indianapolis's criminal justice program produces graduates earning $44,418 in their first year—substantially above the national median of $37,856 and ranking in the 87th percentile nationally. That's a strong outcome for a field often criticized for modest pay. However, within Indiana, the program sits at the 60th percentile, trailing several in-state alternatives including Vincennes University ($46,644) and multiple regional state universities that cost less to attend.
The debt picture is middle-of-the-road at $26,324, translating to a manageable 0.59 debt-to-earnings ratio. Graduates see solid earnings growth of 14% by year four, reaching $50,758—suggesting career progression rather than stagnation. For a private institution serving a significant Pell-eligible population (36%), these outcomes demonstrate the university is delivering measurable economic value.
The major caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, making it less reliable than programs with larger cohorts. If your child is considering this program, recognize they're looking at respectable but not exceptional outcomes for Indiana. The tuition premium over in-state public options means the deciding factor should be fit—whether UIndy's smaller classes and urban Indianapolis location offer advantages worth potentially higher costs than comparably performing state schools.
Where University of Indianapolis Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all criminal justice and corrections bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis | $44,418 | $50,758 | +14% |
| Oakland City University | $46,038 | $59,489 | +29% |
| Indiana University-Bloomington | $35,572 | $51,792 | +46% |
| Ball State University | $39,991 | $47,500 | +19% |
| Indiana University-Indianapolis | $44,016 | $46,786 | +6% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana
Criminal Justice and Corrections bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (28 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $36,136 | $44,418 | $50,758 | $26,324 | 0.59 | |
| $22,650 | $55,587 | — | $23,856 | 0.43 | |
| $6,886 | $46,644 | $46,026 | $21,030 | 0.45 | |
| $27,150 | $46,038 | $59,489 | $24,657 | 0.54 | |
| $10,110 | $45,984 | $43,072 | $40,244 | 0.88 | |
| $8,179 | $45,204 | $44,403 | $28,686 | 0.63 | |
| 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 Indianapolis, approximately 36% 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 29 graduates with reported earnings and 32 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.