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Criminal Justice and Corrections at McNeese State University

Lake Charles, LA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $34,178/yr (-11% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)

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

ROI 13.9x earnings multiple (11.8x out-of-state)

Ranked #405 of 629 Criminal Justice and Corrections programs

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	$467K	$469K	$440K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	13.8x	13.9x	13.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	11.7x	11.8x	11.0x
Probability of Field Employment	34%	32%	26%
DegreeOutlook Score	48	48	38

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$33,840

Out-of-state: $39,840 (11.8x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$45,028

-33% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$24,685

8.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$40,540

19% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $34,178/yr, Criminal Justice and Corrections graduates from McNeese State University land near the $38,544 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 13.9x 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 $24,685 against $34,178/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #405 ranking among 629 Criminal Justice and Corrections programs places McNeese State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $34,178 to $40,540 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About McNeese State University

McNeese State University accepts 68% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, a smaller institution with 4,846 students in Lake Charles, LA.

See all programs and financial aid at McNeese 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 McNeese State 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

What does a 48/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Criminal Justice and Corrections at McNeese State University?

At 48/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Criminal Justice and Corrections programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

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