Criminal Justiceat Benedict College
Graduates earn $23,838/yr in their first year — about 38.0% below the national Criminal Justice average. Base-case 10-year earnings $496K; scenarios range from $462K to $496K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Benedict College
The initial earnings for Benedict's Criminal Justice and Corrections program reflect the specific dynamics of the regional labor market in and around Columbia, SC. Many graduates find their first roles in state and local agencies, such as the South Carolina Department of Corrections, Richland County Sheriff's Department, or Columbia Police Department. These public sector positions, while offering excellent stability, benefits, and pathways for advancement, often have structured pay scales that begin more modestly compared to federal law enforcement or private sector security roles in larger metropolitan areas.
The program likely prepares you well for these community-focused roles, emphasizing the practical skills needed for local service. To maximize your financial trajectory, consider actively pursuing internships with diverse agencies, including federal or private security firms if available. Building a strong professional network and seeking out specialized certifications or advanced training early in your career can significantly enhance your long-term earning potential.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Benedict College's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Criminal Justice
How Benedict College stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Benedict College
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Benedict College, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Criminal Justice offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Criminal Justice trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Criminal Justice at Benedict College
How does Benedict College's Criminal Justice program score?
This program scores 36/100 — on the lower end for Criminal Justice. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Benedict College Criminal Justice graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.6x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
Why are Criminal Justice earnings lower at Benedict College?
Lower starting pay at Benedict College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.