Criminal Justice and Corrections at University of Nevada-Las Vegas
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
UNLV's criminal justice program delivers below-average earnings despite manageable debt levels. While first-year graduates earn $37,639—slightly below the national median of $37,856—the more concerning issue is that Nevada graduates typically earn $40,365, putting UNLV in just the 40th percentile statewide. This means your child would likely earn less than most criminal justice graduates staying in Nevada.
The financial picture isn't all negative. At $20,484, student debt is significantly lower than both national ($26,130) and state ($33,736) averages, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.54. Strong earnings growth of 32% over four years shows the degree gains value with experience, reaching nearly $50,000 by year four.
However, competing Nevada programs consistently outperform UNLV. University of Phoenix-Nevada graduates earn $47,987 initially—$10,000 more than UNLV grads. Even Nevada State University, with similar characteristics, produces comparable outcomes at $36,363. For parents weighing options, UNLV's criminal justice program represents a safe but underwhelming choice. The low debt provides financial security, but the below-average earnings within Nevada suggest exploring other state programs could yield better returns on your investment.
Where University of Nevada-Las Vegas Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all criminal justice and corrections bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of Nevada-Las Vegas graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Nevada-Las Vegas graduates earn $38k, placing them in the 48th percentile of all criminal justice and corrections bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Nevada
Criminal Justice and Corrections bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Nevada (4 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Nevada-Las Vegas | $37,639 | $49,557 | $20,484 | 0.54 |
| University of Phoenix-Nevada | $47,987 | $44,185 | $46,989 | 0.98 |
| DeVry University-Nevada | $43,091 | $46,188 | $54,985 | 1.28 |
| Nevada State University | $36,363 | — | $19,500 | 0.54 |
| National Median | $37,856 | — | $26,130 | 0.69 |
Other Criminal Justice and Corrections Programs in Nevada
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Nevada schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Phoenix-Nevada Las Vegas | — | $47,987 | $46,989 |
| DeVry University-Nevada Henderson | $17,488 | $43,091 | $54,985 |
| Nevada State University Henderson | $6,368 | $36,363 | $19,500 |
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 Nevada-Las Vegas, approximately 40% 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 324 graduates with reported earnings and 255 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.