Criminal Justice and Corrections at University of North Dakota

University of North Dakota graduates in criminal justice earn $42,825 in their first year—beating the national median by nearly $5,000 and landing in the 78th percentile nationally. That's strong performance for a field often criticized for low starting salaries. Equally important: graduates carry just $19,875 in debt, roughly $6,000 below the national average for this program and nearly $5,000 below what's typical in North Dakota. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 means graduates owe less than half their first-year salary, a manageable load that most can pay down within a few years.

The earnings trajectory looks solid too, with median pay climbing to $50,475 by year four—an 18% increase that suggests genuine career progression rather than a dead-end entry point. Within North Dakota, UND ranks in the middle of the pack (60th percentile), trailing only Minot State among the state's larger programs. For families considering in-state options, that's a reasonable position given the lower debt burden.

The major caveat: these figures come from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary more than usual. Still, the combination of below-average debt and above-average earnings creates financial breathing room that matters in a field where many programs leave graduates earning $35,000 while carrying $25,000+ in loans. If your child is set on criminal justice and considering North Dakota schools, this program offers one of the better value propositions in the state.