Criminal Justice at Caldwell University

Caldwell, NJ · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Criminal Justice and Corrections
39 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
40
Optimistic
39
Base Case
34
Pessimistic
Earnings $22,939/yr (-40% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (480,600 openings/yr)
ROI 4.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #582 of 629 Criminal Justice and Corrections programs

Program Analysis

The financial data for Caldwell's Criminal Justice and Corrections program suggests graduates often enter roles that, while essential, typically have more structured, lower starting salaries compared to the national average for this major. This often points to a strong regional focus, with many graduates finding positions in local law enforcement, county corrections, or probation offices across North Jersey. These public sector jobs provide valuable community service and stability but usually offer a more gradual salary progression. The program likely emphasizes practical skills for these entry-level public service positions, preparing you for the immediate needs of agencies in the surrounding area. To maximize your long-term earning potential, consider internships with federal agencies or exploring specialized certifications in areas like forensic accounting or cybersecurity, which can open doors to higher-paying roles within the broader justice system.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Criminal Justice graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $657K $645K $583K
Earnings Multiple 4.2x 4.1x 3.7x
Probability of Field Employment 34% 32% 26%
DegreeOutlook Score 40 39 34

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$157,800
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$84,752
46% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
14.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$65,449
185% growth from Year 1

About Caldwell University

With a 65% acceptance rate, Caldwell University is moderately selective, with a smaller student body of 1,437 in Caldwell, NJ. Pell Grant recipients make up 46% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $84,752 — 46% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Caldwell 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 at Other Schools

Other Majors at Caldwell 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

How does Caldwell University's Criminal Justice program score?
This program scores 39/100 — on the lower end for Criminal Justice. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Caldwell University Criminal Justice graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.2x 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 Caldwell University?
Lower starting pay at Caldwell University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →