Criminal Justice and Corrections at University of New Mexico-Main Campus

UNM's criminal justice program offers an unusually favorable combination: significantly lower debt than most programs while delivering earnings that exceed both state and national averages. With just $16,500 in typical student debt—about 37% below the national median for this field—graduates face far less financial burden than peers elsewhere. Starting earnings of $38,370 place this program above the middle nationally and firmly in the top tier within New Mexico, where it outperforms every other public university offering this degree.

The earnings trajectory shows steady, if modest, growth to $42,615 by year four, reaching the 75th percentile nationally for criminal justice programs. More importantly, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43 means graduates owe less than half their first-year salary—a manageable burden that allows for financial flexibility early in their careers. For context, many criminal justice programs nationally saddle students with debt equal to 70% or more of their starting income.

For families considering in-state tuition at UNM, this program represents solid value. You're getting competitive earnings outcomes with substantially less debt risk than alternative programs, both in New Mexico and across the country. The accessible admission standards mean most motivated students can gain entry, and the low debt burden provides a realistic path to financial stability in a field not known for high salaries.