Criminal Justiceat University of Dayton
Graduates earn $25,150/yr in their first year — about 35.0% below the national Criminal Justice average. Base-case 10-year earnings $613K; scenarios range from $557K to $623K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Dayton
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.
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 University of Dayton'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 University of Dayton stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Dayton
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Dayton, 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 University of Dayton
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.