Criminal Justice at Columbia Southern University
with a mid-sized student body of 13,053 in Orange Beach, AL.
Program Analysis
Columbia Southern University Criminal Justice graduates command $58,241/yr out of the gate, well above the $39,484 national median. That 48% premium suggests the program's industry reputation carries real labor-market weight.
The 53.9x 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 3% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Criminal Justice graduates.
Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $12,140 in median debt clears fast against $58,241 in annual earnings.
Ranked #127 out of 469 programs, Columbia Southern University's Criminal Justice offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.
Earnings growth is modest: $58,241 to $62,396 over five years (7% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.
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
Criminal Justice opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.
Compare & Explore
Criminal Justice Overview
Criminal Justice at Other Schools
Other Majors at Columbia Southern University
Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree
Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.