Program Analysis
Graduates earn $35,398/yr, roughly in line with the $38,544 national median for Criminal Justice and Corrections. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 20.4x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Criminal Justice and Corrections programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Criminal Justice and Corrections's typical career paths, with 36% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 7% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $25,000 represents roughly 8 months of the $35,398 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
At #183 of 629 Criminal Justice and Corrections programs, Valdosta State University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
Earnings grow from $35,398 to $46,049 over five years — a 30% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.