Analysis
A bachelor's in Criminal Justice from Warner Pacific comes with estimated debt of $27,000—slightly higher than the $24,000 median for Oregon programs in this field. Based on comparable programs in Oregon, first-year earnings land around $40,553, which actually exceeds the national median of $37,856 for this credential. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67 sits in reasonable territory, suggesting graduates could manage loan payments on an entry-level salary in law enforcement or corrections.
The challenge is that similar programs at larger Oregon public universities show Warner Pacific's premium doesn't translate to higher earnings. Portland State graduates in this field earn about $45,000, while Western Oregon's program produces similar outcomes at potentially lower cost as a public institution. Warner Pacific serves a population with significant financial need—nearly half its students receive Pell grants—but families should weigh whether the private school experience justifies the debt load when Oregon's public options in criminal justice appear competitive.
If your child is committed to criminal justice in Oregon, the estimated financial picture here isn't alarming, but it's not obviously better than the public alternatives. The real question is whether Warner Pacific offers something specific—smaller classes, religious affiliation, or particular career connections—that matters enough to accept modestly higher debt for similar career outcomes.
Where Warner Pacific University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all criminal justice and corrections bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Oregon
Criminal Justice and Corrections bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oregon (7 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $21,010 | $40,553* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $11,238 | $45,401* | $46,577 | $26,641* | 0.59 | |
| $12,093 | $40,553* | $47,457 | $22,000* | 0.54 | |
| $11,025 | $40,289* | $51,212 | $24,000* | 0.60 | |
| National Median | — | $37,856* | — | $26,130* | 0.69 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with criminal justice and corrections graduates
Financial Examiners
Emergency Management Directors
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary
Compliance Officers
Environmental Compliance Inspectors
Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers
Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
Regulatory Affairs Specialists
Customs Brokers
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Police Identification and Records Officers
Intelligence Analysts
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 Warner Pacific University, approximately 46% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 3 similar programs in OR. Actual outcomes may vary.