Criminal Justice and Corrections at University of Michigan-Flint

UM-Flint's criminal justice program sits below Michigan's median for this field, with graduates earning $39,857 statewide compared to $42,837 here four years out. That gap matters because several in-state alternatives—including Ferris State and Lake Superior State—place graduates closer to $44,000 annually. The $31,000 debt load is moderate, translating to monthly payments around $340, which represents roughly 12% of take-home pay at these earnings levels. That's manageable but leaves little room for financial flexibility early in a criminal justice career.

The modest 19% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests reasonable career progression, and graduates do see their financial footing improve over time. However, with fewer than 30 graduates in this dataset, these figures could shift significantly year to year. The 40th percentile ranking among Michigan programs indicates this is a middle-of-the-pack option in a state with stronger performers.

For families prioritizing the UM name recognition and staying in Flint, this program delivers a credential without crushing debt. But if your student has the flexibility to attend elsewhere in Michigan—particularly schools like Ferris State that show $2,000+ higher earnings—that difference compounds to over $80,000 across a 40-year career. Consider whether the specific location or institutional fit justifies accepting below-average outcomes for this degree.