Criminal Justice and Corrections at University of North Alabama

University of North Alabama's criminal justice program stands out for one thing: strong earnings growth. Graduates see their income jump 31% between year one and year four, reaching $41,252—a trajectory that suggests the degree opens doors to career advancement rather than leaving graduates stuck in entry-level positions. That's the good news for a program that starts with below-average first-year earnings of $31,595.

The challenge is getting through those early years. At 11th percentile nationally, these starting salaries trail far behind what criminal justice graduates earn elsewhere. Within Alabama, the program sits at the 40th percentile—middling compared to state peers but well below top performers like Herzing Birmingham ($67,229) or Columbia Southern ($60,461). The $24,125 in typical debt is manageable at 76% of first-year earnings, though families should expect lean early years before that growth kicks in.

For students committed to staying in northern Alabama and willing to work their way up in law enforcement or corrections, this program provides an affordable path with real advancement potential. But if maximizing early earnings matters—perhaps to support family or pay down debt faster—the state offers stronger alternatives worth the comparison shopping.