Criminal Justice and Corrections (Post-baccalaureate Certificate) at University of Louisville

Median Earnings (1yr)

$102,190

95th percentile

Median Debt

$13,364

34% below national median

Analysis

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.

Where University of Louisville Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all criminal justice and corrections postbacc-cert's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How University of Louisville graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Criminal Justice and Corrections postbacc-cert's programs at top institutions nationally

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
University of LouisvilleLouisville	$12,828	$102,190	$95,752	$13,364	0.13
Salve Regina UniversityNewport	$47,930	$72,971	—	$27,000	0.37
National Median	—	$87,580	—	$20,182	0.23

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 Louisville, approximately 29% 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.