Is a Criminal Justice Degree Worth the Money?

Criminal Justice is one of the most popular college majors in America. But is it worth the investment? Let's look at what the salary data actually says.

What Do Criminal Justice Graduates Earn?

According to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard:

• Starting salary (1 year after graduation): $42,000
• Mid-career salary (5-10 years): $60,000

These are median figures — half of graduates earn more, half earn less. Your actual salary depends heavily on your specialization, location, and employer.

What Can You Do With a Criminal Justice Degree?

Common career paths for criminal justice graduates include: police officer, FBI agent, probation officer, private investigator, compliance analyst.

Is a Criminal Justice Degree Worth It at a State School?

At an in-state public university where net cost is $10,000-$15,000/yr, a criminal justice degree can break even in a reasonable timeframe. The total investment of $40,000-$60,000 is manageable relative to the earnings premium over a high school diploma.

Is a Criminal Justice Degree Worth It at a Private School?

At a private university charging $50,000+/yr, the math gets much harder. Total cost of $200,000+ means your break-even point could be 10+ years. Unless the school has exceptional placement rates or alumni networks, this is risky.

The Verdict

Criminal justice degrees have a mixed ROI. Federal law enforcement careers (FBI, DEA, ATF) pay well, but they're extremely competitive. Local law enforcement often doesn't require a degree at all. The degree is worth it for federal career tracks or if your school has strong placement rates.

See which schools offer the best criminal justice programs by Value Score: Ask Kinsley Criminal Justice Rankings.