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Criminal Justice and Corrections at Columbus State University

Columbus, GA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $39,714/yr (3% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (480,600 openings/yr)

ROI 20.7x earnings multiple (7.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #149 of 629 Criminal Justice and Corrections programs Top 25%

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	$474K	$475K	$445K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	20.6x	20.7x	19.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	7.0x	7.1x	6.6x
Probability of Field Employment	34%	32%	26%
DegreeOutlook Score	58	57	47

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$23,004

Out-of-state: $67,220 (7.1x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$47,556

-107% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$28,740

8.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$43,126

9% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $39,714 track close to the $38,544 national median for Criminal Justice and Corrections programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 20.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 6% 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 $28,740 against $39,714/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Columbus State University ranks #149 among 629 Criminal Justice and Corrections programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The limited growth from $39,714 to $43,126 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Columbus State University

Columbus State University has a 99% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 5,537 students in Columbus, GA. With 44% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Columbus State 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 Columbus State University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 57/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Criminal Justice and Corrections at Columbus State University?

At 57/100, Columbus State University's Criminal Justice and Corrections program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Is Columbus State University one of the best schools for Criminal Justice and Corrections?

Among 629 Criminal Justice and Corrections programs, Columbus State University's #149 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →