Criminal Justice at New Mexico State University-Main Campus
Las Cruces, NM · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Criminal Justice and Corrections
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
49
Optimistic
49
Base Case
40
Pessimistic
Earnings
$29,553/yr (-23% vs median)
AI Risk
Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (480,600 openings/yr)
ROI
15.3x earnings multiple (4.9x out-of-state)
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 | $498K | $497K | $463K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 15.3x | 15.3x | 14.2x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 4.9x | 4.9x | 4.6x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 34% | 32% | 26% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 49 | 49 | 40 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$32,588
Out-of-state: $101,084 (4.9x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,250
8.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$45,750
55% growth from Year 1
About New Mexico State University-Main Campus
A 76% acceptance rate means New Mexico State University-Main Campus is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 11,561 students in Las Cruces, NM. Pell Grant recipients make up 40% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.
See all programs and financial aid at New Mexico State University-Main Campus →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
Compare & Explore
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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
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Criminal Justice at New Mexico State University-Main Campus?
A score of 49/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Criminal Justice. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Can you still earn well with Criminal Justice from New Mexico State University-Main Campus?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →