Criminal Justice and Corrections at University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg

UPitt-Greensburg's criminal justice graduates start below both the state and national medians, but something notable happens after graduation: earnings jump 37% by year four, reaching $50,768. That's significantly higher than what most PA programs deliver at the four-year mark, even those with stronger starting salaries. For a program at a 98% acceptance rate school, this trajectory is unusual and suggests that graduates are successfully moving into more senior law enforcement or corrections roles.

The $27,000 in debt sits right at Pennsylvania's median for this field, making the equation straightforward: below-average starting pay offset by above-average growth potential. Compare this to York College ($42,175) or DeSales ($45,505), where graduates start $5,000-8,000 higher but you'd pay considerably more in tuition at a more selective school. The question becomes whether paying less upfront is worth earning less initially, betting on that career progression to materialize.

For families watching their budget, this works if your child is career-focused enough to advance steadily in law enforcement or corrections. The data shows it's possible here—just don't expect the degree alone to deliver competitive earnings right away. The value emerges over time, not on day one.