Criminal Justice at College of DuPage
with a mid-sized student body of 15,185 in Glen Ellyn, IL.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $28,749 place College of DuPage below the $39,484 national median for Criminal Justice — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.
The 34.8x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.
AI risk is moderate — 36% task exposure — and the 0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Criminal Justice graduates.
At #390 out of 469 programs, College of DuPage's financial outcomes for Criminal Justice trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
With 17 registered apprenticeships mapped to Criminal Justice, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Criminal Justice 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% |
Criminal Justice Career Guide
Explore what Criminal Justice graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 469 programs nationwide.
Compare & Explore
Criminal Justice Overview
Criminal Justice at Other Schools
Other Majors at College of DuPage
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.