Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degree) at University of North Alabama

Median Earnings (1yr)

$31,595

11th percentile

40th percentile in Alabama

Median Debt

$24,125

8% below national median

Analysis

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.

Where University of North Alabama Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all criminal justice and corrections bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How University of North Alabama graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School	1 Year	4 Years	Growth
University of North Alabama	$31,595	$41,252	+31%
Columbia Southern University	$60,461	$60,062	-1%
Herzing University-Birmingham	$67,229	$58,875	-12%
Strayer University-Alabama	$43,405	$50,636	+17%
Auburn University at Montgomery	$38,710	$47,219	+22%

Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama

Criminal Justice and Corrections bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (22 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
University of North AlabamaFlorence	$11,990	$31,595	$41,252	$24,125	0.76
Herzing University-BirminghamBirmingham	$13,420	$67,229	$58,875	$28,399	0.42
Columbia Southern UniversityOrange Beach	$5,808	$60,461	$60,062	$30,204	0.50
Faulkner UniversityMontgomery	$23,920	$54,704	$40,352	$28,250	0.52
Strayer University-AlabamaBirmingham	$13,920	$43,405	$50,636	$56,937	1.31
Troy UniversityTroy	$9,792	$41,780	$40,717	$25,000	0.60
National Median	—	$37,856	—	$26,130	0.69

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 North Alabama, approximately 24% 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 40 graduates with reported earnings and 46 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.