Criminal Justice and Corrections at Arkansas Tech University

Russellville, AR · Public · Associate Degree

With 96% of applicants admitted, Arkansas Tech University prioritizes broad access, serving 5,993 students in Russellville, AR.

Program Analysis

At $36,076/yr, Criminal Justice and Corrections graduates from Arkansas Tech University land near the $39,484 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 27.4x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 21% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Criminal Justice and Corrections career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

At $24,710 against $36,076/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #330 ranking among 469 Criminal Justice and Corrections programs places Arkansas Tech University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 27% earnings increase from $36,076 to $45,728 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

The 17 apprenticeship pathways connected to Criminal Justice and Corrections reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

63 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
59
Low End
63
Score
65
High End
Earnings $36,076/yr (-9% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (64% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (480,600 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$478K
6.1% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
28.1x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
20 of 20
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$17,016
Out-of-state: $29,004
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,710
8.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$45,728
27% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Criminal Justice and Corrections graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Managers, all other $136,550 +4.5% 53%
First-line supervisors of police and detectives $105,980 +2.9% 67%
Detectives and criminal investigators $93,580 -0.7% 47%
Managers, all other
$136,550
+4.5% growth 53% AI-proof
First-line supervisors of police and detectives
$105,980
+2.9% growth 67% AI-proof
Detectives and criminal investigators
$93,580
-0.7% growth 47% AI-proof

View all 20 career paths with full salary data →

About Criminal Justice and Corrections Careers

Your career in criminal justice often begins on the front lines, where demand is steady. You might start as a security guard, patrolling a corporate campus, monitoring surveillance feeds, and logging daily activity. Many graduates pursue a path as a police or sheriff's patrol officer, where your "office" is a patrol car and your daily tasks involve responding to calls, community engagement, and detailed incident reporting back at the station.

Read the full Criminal Justice and Corrections career guide →

Compare & Explore

Criminal Justice and Corrections Overview

Criminal Justice and Corrections at Other Schools

Other Majors at Arkansas Tech University

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Criminal Justice and Corrections at Arkansas Tech University?
At 63/100, the score looks reasonable — but Criminal Justice and Corrections is a high-scoring trade overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Criminal Justice and Corrections graduates?
Criminal Justice and Corrections connects to 17 apprenticeship pathways. These DOL-registered programs combine structured training with paid employment — a strong alternative for students who prefer hands-on learning over classroom instruction.
Is there demand for Criminal Justice and Corrections workers?
With approximately 480,600 annual openings across mapped careers, Criminal Justice and Corrections offers a very large employment pool. Physical trades tend to have steady demand driven by infrastructure and construction cycles.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →