Criminal Justice and Corrections at Mount Mercy University

Cedar Rapids, IA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
40 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
40
Optimistic
40
Base Case
30
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,824/yr (-10% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (480,600 openings/yr)
ROI 3.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #570 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 $509K $508K $472K
Earnings Multiple 3.3x 3.3x 3.0x
Probability of Field Employment 34% 32% 26%
DegreeOutlook Score 40 40 30

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$156,280
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$93,740
40% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
8.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$50,062
44% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $34,824/yr, Criminal Justice and Corrections graduates from Mount Mercy University land near the $38,544 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

At 3.3x tuition cost in decade earnings, the ROI is moderate. This program pays for itself, but it's not a financial slam-dunk.

The 7% 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 $25,000 against $34,824/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #570 ranking among 629 Criminal Justice and Corrections programs places Mount Mercy University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 44% earnings increase from $34,824 to $50,062 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Mount Mercy University

With 79% of applicants admitted, Mount Mercy University prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 1,135 students in Cedar Rapids, IA. The average net cost of $93,740 over four years represents a 40% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Mount Mercy 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 Mount Mercy 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 40/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Criminal Justice and Corrections at Mount Mercy University?
At 40/100, 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 →