Criminal Justice and Corrections at South Carolina State University

Orangeburg, SC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
47 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
48
Optimistic
47
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,576/yr (-15% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (480,600 openings/yr)
ROI 11.1x earnings multiple (5.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #447 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 $493K $493K $459K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.1x 11.1x 10.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.7x 5.7x 5.3x
Probability of Field Employment 34% 32% 26%
DegreeOutlook Score 48 47 37

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,240
Out-of-state: $87,000 (5.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$73,072
-65% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
9.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$45,814
41% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $32,576 per year, Criminal Justice and Corrections graduates from South Carolina State University earn below the $38,544 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 11.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Criminal Justice and Corrections career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $27,000 against $32,576/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #447 ranking among 629 Criminal Justice and Corrections programs places South Carolina State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 41% earnings increase from $32,576 to $45,814 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About South Carolina State University

With 82% of applicants admitted, South Carolina State University prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 2,757 students in Orangeburg, SC. Pell Grant recipients make up 68% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at South Carolina State 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 South Carolina State University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 47/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Criminal Justice and Corrections at South Carolina State University?
At 47/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Criminal Justice and Corrections programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is South Carolina State University a good choice for Criminal Justice and Corrections despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If South Carolina State University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →