Criminal Justice at Tennessee State University
Nashville, TN · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Criminal Justice and Corrections
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
52
Optimistic
52
Base Case
42
Pessimistic
Earnings
$32,555/yr (-16% vs median)
AI Risk
Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (480,600 openings/yr)
ROI
14.7x earnings multiple (5.6x 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 | $503K | $503K | $467K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 14.7x | 14.7x | 13.6x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 5.6x | 5.6x | 5.2x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 34% | 32% | 26% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 52 | 52 | 42 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$34,272
Out-of-state: $89,136 (5.6x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
10.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,027
48% growth from Year 1
About Tennessee State University
Tennessee State University has a 93% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, enrolling 6,498 students in Nashville, TN. 52% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.
See all programs and financial aid at Tennessee 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
Compare & Explore
Criminal Justice at Other Schools
Other Majors at Tennessee State University
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
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Criminal Justice at Tennessee State University?
A score of 52/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Criminal Justice field.
Can you still earn well with Criminal Justice from Tennessee State University?
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 →