Criminal Justice at Widener University
Chester, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Criminal Justice and Corrections
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
42
Optimistic
41
Base Case
32
Pessimistic
Earnings
$31,663/yr (-18% vs median)
AI Risk
Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (480,600 openings/yr)
ROI
2.8x earnings multiple
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 | $608K | $599K | $545K |
| Earnings Multiple | 2.8x | 2.8x | 2.5x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 34% | 32% | 26% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 42 | 41 | 32 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$214,552
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
10.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$66,101
109% growth from Year 1
About Widener University
Widener University accepts 84% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a compact campus enrolling 2,765 students in Chester, PA. The average net cost of $121,880 over four years represents a 43% discount from published tuition.
See all programs and financial aid at Widener 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
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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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Criminal Justice at Widener University?
A score of 41/100 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 Widener 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 →