Criminal Justice and Corrections at Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
63 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
64
Optimistic
63
Base Case
53
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,682/yr (0% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (480,600 openings/yr)
ROI 28.6x earnings multiple (15.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #48 of 629 Criminal Justice and Corrections programs Top 10%

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 $520K $518K $479K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 28.7x 28.6x 26.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 15.2x 15.2x 14.0x
Probability of Field Employment 34% 32% 26%
DegreeOutlook Score 64 63 53

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$18,128
Out-of-state: $34,128 (15.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$50,316
-178% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,430
6.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$53,478
38% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $38,682/yr, roughly in line with the $38,544 national median for Criminal Justice and Corrections. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 28.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% 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 $21,430 against $38,682/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

At #48 of 629 programs, this Criminal Justice and Corrections program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

A 38% earnings increase from $38,682 to $53,478 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Western Carolina University

Western Carolina University accepts 87% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a mid-sized student body of 9,867 in Cullowhee, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at Western Carolina 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 Western Carolina 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 63/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Criminal Justice and Corrections at Western Carolina University?
At 63/100, Western Carolina University's Criminal Justice and Corrections program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →