Criminal Justice and Corrections at Mercer University

Macon, GA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
44 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
45
Optimistic
44
Base Case
34
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,319/yr (-3% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (480,600 openings/yr)
ROI 3.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #510 of 629 Criminal Justice and Corrections programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Criminal Justice and Corrections graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $543K $540K $497K
Earnings Multiple 3.3x 3.3x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 34% 32% 26%
DegreeOutlook Score 45 44 34

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$163,560
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$89,400
45% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
8.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$57,832
55% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Mercer University's Criminal Justice and Corrections program produces graduates earning $37,319/yr — within striking distance of the $38,544 national average for this field.

The 3.3x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 36% task exposure — and the 9% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $25,000 debt-to-$37,319 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #510 out of 629 programs, Mercer University's financial outcomes for Criminal Justice and Corrections trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $37,319 to $57,832 over five years (55% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Mercer University

Mercer University's 66% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, a smaller institution with 4,620 students in Macon, GA. The average net cost of $89,400 over four years represents a 45% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Mercer University →

Top Career Paths

Managers, all other $136,550/yr
First-line supervisors of police and detectives $105,980/yr
Detectives and criminal investigators $93,580/yr
View all 20 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Criminal Justice and Corrections at Other Schools

Other Majors at Mercer University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Mercer University's Criminal Justice and Corrections program score?
This program scores 44/100 — on the lower end for Criminal Justice and Corrections. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →