Criminal Justice at Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Ponce

Mercedita, PR · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Criminal Justice and Corrections
39 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
39
Optimistic
39
Base Case
34
Pessimistic
Earnings $20,129/yr (-48% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (480,600 openings/yr)
ROI 19.9x earnings multiple
Ranked #588 of 629 Criminal Justice and Corrections programs

Program Analysis

Your earnings reflect the unique economic landscape and labor market dynamics for criminal justice professionals in Puerto Rico. Unlike the mainland U.S., local law enforcement agencies, correctional facilities, and municipal government positions operate on a distinct pay scale tailored to the island's cost of living and public sector budgets. Many graduates find fulfilling careers with the Puerto Rico Police Department or local correctional services, contributing directly to their community. While the listed higher-earning roles like detectives and supervisors represent national averages for experienced professionals, achieving those salary levels locally often requires significant tenure and promotion within the specific insular system. To best position yourself, actively seek internships with local agencies during your studies and cultivate a strong professional network. Understanding the specific needs of the Puerto Rican justice system will be key to your career growth.

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 $441K $445K $420K
Earnings Multiple 19.7x 19.9x 18.8x
Probability of Field Employment 34% 32% 26%
DegreeOutlook Score 39 39 34

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$22,320
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$32,980
-48% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$5,000
3.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$30,753
53% growth from Year 1

About Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Ponce

Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Ponce accepts 70% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a smaller student body of 2,602 in Mercedita, PR. 82% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Ponce →

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 Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Ponce

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Ponce'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.
Why are Criminal Justice earnings lower at Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Ponce?
Lower starting pay at Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Ponce 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 →