Criminal Justice and Corrections at Wiley University

Wiley University graduates leave with more debt than almost 90% of criminal justice programs nationwide, yet earn roughly $5,000 below the Texas median for this degree—a troubling combination that ranks them in the bottom fifth nationally. With 77% of students receiving Pell grants, the $37,457 median debt burden hits particularly hard at a school serving predominantly low-income students, especially when typical starting salaries barely exceed $32,700.

The concerning part isn't just the debt load—it's that earnings flatline completely between years one and four. While graduates at top Texas programs like Wayland Baptist ($53,038) or Texas A&M-Central Texas ($45,976) earn 40-60% more right out of the gate, the real worry here is the lack of any upward trajectory. A debt-to-earnings ratio above 1.0 means graduates owe more than they earn in their first year, making monthly payments a significant financial strain that won't ease with time.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift year to year, but the pattern is clear enough to warrant serious hesitation. For families considering this program, the combination of above-average debt and below-average earnings—with no growth momentum—suggests exploring alternatives within Texas's 62 criminal justice programs would be prudent.