Criminal Justice at University of Dayton

Dayton, OH · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Criminal Justice and Corrections
37 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
38
Optimistic
37
Base Case
31
Pessimistic
Earnings $25,150/yr (-35% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (480,600 openings/yr)
ROI 3.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #605 of 629 Criminal Justice and Corrections programs

Program Analysis

The earnings data for UD's Criminal Justice and Corrections program often reflect the realities of regional public sector employment. Many graduates find fulfilling careers with local law enforcement agencies, county sheriff's departments, or the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. These vital public service roles, especially in corrections or patrol, typically have structured pay scales that may not match higher private sector salaries or those in more competitive, high-cost-of-living metropolitan areas. Your path to the higher-earning detective or managerial roles shown on this page will likely require several years of dedicated service and experience. To enhance your career trajectory and earning potential, actively seek out internships with federal agencies or explore specialized training paths early, which can open doors to more diverse roles and opportunities, even if it means considering a move beyond the immediate Dayton area.

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 $623K $613K $557K
Earnings Multiple 3.3x 3.2x 2.9x
Probability of Field Employment 34% 32% 26%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 37 31

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$190,400
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$124,944
34% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000
12.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$63,215
151% growth from Year 1

About University of Dayton

University of Dayton accepts 62% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with a mid-sized student body of 8,099 in Dayton, OH. After financial aid, the average student pays $124,944 over four years — 34% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Dayton →

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 at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Dayton

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 37/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Criminal Justice at University of Dayton?
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 University of Dayton?
At $26,000 in median debt, graduates carry 12 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Is University of Dayton a good choice for Criminal Justice despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of Dayton's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →