Criminal Justice and Corrections at Missouri Southern State University
Missouri Southern State University accepts 97% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a compact campus enrolling 3,101 students in Joplin, MO.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $31,103 place Missouri Southern State University below the $39,484 national median for Criminal Justice and Corrections — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 25.8x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Criminal Justice and Corrections programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Criminal Justice and Corrections's career paths, with 36% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 27% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $19,990 represents roughly 8 months of the $31,103 starting salary — a manageable burden by trade school standards.
Ranked #393 of 469 Criminal Justice and Corrections programs, Missouri Southern State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Earnings grow from $31,103 to $42,119 over five years — a 35% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.
Criminal Justice and Corrections offers 17 registered apprenticeship pathways — an unusually broad set of earn-while-you-learn alternatives to the classroom track.
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 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% |
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 Missouri Southern State University
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.