Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $42,428 at Fort Hays State University come in 10% above the national median of $38,544 for Criminal Justice and Corrections programs.
The 21.9x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.
AI risk is moderate — 36% task exposure — and the 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $23,362 debt-to-$42,428 income ratio translates to about 7 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
A #56 ranking out of 629 Criminal Justice and Corrections programs nationally puts Fort Hays State University in the top 10% — a strong but not elite position.
Earnings growth is modest: $42,428 to $48,305 over five years (14% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.