Criminal Justiceat Shaw University
Graduates earn $25,649/yr in their first year — about 33.0% below the national Criminal Justice average. Base-case 10-year earnings $482K; scenarios range from $451K to $482K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Shaw University
The earnings data for Shaw University's Criminal Justice program reflects typical entry-level roles within the local North Carolina labor market. This program often prepares graduates for vital public service positions in state and municipal corrections, probation, and local law enforcement agencies throughout the Raleigh area and beyond. These stable, impactful careers, while foundational to the justice system, generally offer starting salaries aligned with regional public sector pay scales, which can be modest compared to the national average that includes higher-paying federal or specialized private sector security roles. The significant earnings listed for career paths like detectives or managers represent later-career progression, requiring years of experience and dedicated service. To maximize your earning potential, actively pursue internships with local law enforcement or state agencies during your studies, as these connections are crucial for understanding career ladders and accelerating your climb toward those supervisory or investigative roles.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Shaw University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Criminal Justice
How Shaw University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Shaw University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Shaw University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Criminal Justice offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Criminal Justice trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Criminal Justice at Shaw University
What does a 37/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Criminal Justice at Shaw University?
At 37/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Criminal Justice programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Criminal Justice degree from Shaw University?
At $37,484 in median debt, graduates carry 18 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Is Shaw University a good choice for Criminal Justice despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Shaw University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.