Criminal Justice and Corrections at University of Louisville

The University of Louisville's Criminal Justice post-bacc certificate shows exceptional numbers—$102,190 median starting salary with just $13,364 in debt—but the small graduate sample (under 30) means these figures could shift significantly year to year. Still, when a program lands in the 95th percentile nationally for both earnings and low debt, that's worth attention even with limited data.

The earnings trajectory warrants a closer look. That 6% decline from year one to year four ($102,190 down to $95,752) suggests graduates may be entering specialized or supervisory roles that don't always translate into steady advancement, or that the credential provides an immediate boost that levels off. However, even four years out, these earnings substantially exceed the $87,580 national median. The debt load is remarkably manageable at just 0.13 times first-year earnings—you'd pay this off quickly on any reasonable plan.

Context matters here: this is the only post-bacc criminal justice program tracked in Kentucky, making the 60th state percentile ranking somewhat meaningless. For working professionals already in law enforcement, corrections, or related fields looking to advance or pivot within the justice system, the combination of strong immediate earnings and minimal debt creates real value. Just understand that the small cohort size means your child's experience could differ from these averages, and the peak earning potential appears to come right after graduation rather than building over time.