Criminal Justice and Corrections at American University

Washington, DC · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
42
Optimistic
42
Base Case
31
Pessimistic
Earnings $37,147/yr (-4% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (480,600 openings/yr)
ROI 2.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #539 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 $563K $558K $512K
Earnings Multiple 2.5x 2.5x 2.3x
Probability of Field Employment 34% 32% 26%
DegreeOutlook Score 42 42 31

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$226,172
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$167,780
26% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,250
7.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$61,582
66% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $37,147/yr, Criminal Justice and Corrections graduates from American University land near the $38,544 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

At 2.5x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 9% 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 $23,250 against $37,147/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #539 ranking among 629 Criminal Justice and Corrections programs places American University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $37,147-to-$61,582 earnings arc over five years reflects a 66% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About American University

American University accepts 47% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, serving 7,593 students in Washington, DC.

See all programs and financial aid at American 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 American 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

What does a 42/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Criminal Justice and Corrections at American University?
At 42/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Criminal Justice and Corrections programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →