What is the starting salary for Criminal Justice graduates in Hialeah?

The estimated starting salary for Criminal Justice graduates in Hialeah, FL is $39,000 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 78. The national average starting salary for this major is $50,000. Salaries in Hialeah are 22% lower than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Criminal Justice degree worth it in Hialeah?

A Criminal Justice degree in Hialeah has an estimated ROI payback period of 8.2 years, with a projected lifetime return of $177,588 after subtracting education costs. With 22 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $10,711/year, Hialeah offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 5.9% and the major's national unemployment rate of 3.5% should also factor into your decision.

How much does it cost to study Criminal Justice in Hialeah?

The average annual public university tuition in Hialeah is $10,711, while private universities average $13,200/year. Including room and board ($13,142/year), total 4-year costs range from $95,412 at a public school to $105,368 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Hialeah is $9,742/year.

What jobs can Criminal Justice graduates get in Hialeah?

Criminal Justice graduates in Hialeah can pursue careers as Police Officer, FBI Agent, Probation Officer, Crime Analyst. Key skills valued by local employers include Law Enforcement, Criminology, Legal Procedures, Forensic Analysis. The Hialeah job market features Government agencies, Non-profits, Research institutes among the top hiring sectors for this field. National top employers include FBI, DEA, Police Departments.

How long to pay off student loans for Criminal Justice in Hialeah?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Criminal Justice graduates in Hialeah would pay $1,083/month on an estimated $95,412 in loans, with $34,594 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $1,867/month but save $17,995 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $39,000, monthly payments would represent 33% of gross monthly income.

Criminal Justice Degree in Hialeah, FL — Salary & ROI 2026

Criminal Justice degree analysis for Hialeah, FL. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$39K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$48K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

8.2 yrs

in Hialeah

Cost of Living

index (100 = avg)

Criminal Justice in Hialeah, FL Overview

Hialeah is one of Florida's top college towns, with 22 institutions and a student population of 13,980. Public tuition averages $10,711/year here — well below the national average, making it a cost-effective choice. Criminal Justice enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Law Enforcement and Criminology. The adjusted starting salary in Hialeah is approximately $39,000.

Criminal Justice Salary in Hialeah (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Hialeah's cost of living index of 78 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$39,000($-11,000 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$48,360($-13,640 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$60,840($-17,160 vs national)

Note: National average Criminal Justice salary: $50,000 starting, $62,000 mid-career, $78,000 senior level.Hialeah adjustment factor: 0.78x based on the local cost of living index.

Criminal Justice ROI Calculator for Hialeah

Estimate your return on investment for a Criminal Justice degree using local Hialeah tuition and cost of living data.

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $10,711 | Private avg: $13,200

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Hialeah avg aid: $9,742/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$95,412

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$11,700

vs HS diploma in Hialeah

ROI Payback Period

8.2 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Hialeah

$177,588

Lifetime earnings premium ($273,000) minus total education cost ($95,412)

Student Loan Payoff for Criminal Justice in Hialeah

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$95,412

Monthly Payment$1,083

Total Interest$34,594

% of Monthly Income33%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$95,412

Monthly Payment$1,867

Total Interest$16,599

Interest Savings$17,995

Colleges in Hialeah for Criminal Justice

Florida National University

private

$13,200/yr

$52,800 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Miami Dade College Hialeah Campus

$3,588/yr

Top Employers for Criminal Justice in Hialeah

Hialeah offers opportunities in Government agencies, Non-profits, Research institutes for Criminal Justice graduates. National top employers in this field include:

FBIDEAPolice DepartmentsFederal PrisonsDHS

Key Hialeah Hiring Sectors for Social Sciences

Government agencies

Non-profits

Research institutes

Social services

Consulting

Common Criminal Justice Job Titles

Police OfficerFBI AgentProbation OfficerCrime Analyst

Criminal Justice in Nearby Florida Cities

Jacksonville, FL

$59K starting · COL 117

35 colleges

Miami, FL

$49K starting · COL 98

12 colleges

Tampa, FL

$51K starting · COL 101

26 colleges

Orlando, FL

$48K starting · COL 96

16 colleges

St. Petersburg, FL

$49K starting · COL 97

22 colleges

Port St. Lucie, FL

$49K starting · COL 98.5

8 colleges

Tallahassee, FL

$45K starting · COL 89

11 colleges

Cape Coral, FL

$49K starting · COL 97.8

7 colleges

Other Social Sciences Majors in Hialeah

International Relations

$39K starting · 5 yr ROI

Political Science

$37K starting · 5.5 yr ROI

Urban Planning

$39K starting · 5 yr ROI

Geography

$39K starting · 5.5 yr ROI

Forensic Science

$39K starting · 4.8 yr ROI

Sustainability Studies

$39K starting · 5.8 yr ROI

Psychology

$34K starting · 6 yr ROI

Sociology

$34K starting · 6.5 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Criminal Justice degree outcomes in Hialeah, FL: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.

Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Criminal Justice programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Florida.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Hialeah using regional CPI data.
10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
Job market outlook for Criminal Justice graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.

Authoritative US education data sources:

IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Criminal Justice career projections
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Criminal Justice grads

Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release

Financial Aid Resources for Hialeah Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Florida students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:

📋 Federal Aid (FAFSA)

Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):

🏛️ State Grants (Florida)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Florida programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "florida higher education commission grants"

🎓 College Outcomes Data

Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:

• College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
• NCES College Navigator
• IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center

💰 Scholarship Search

Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:

2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.

Criminal Justice Degree in Hialeah — FAQ

Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.

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Compare Criminal Justice ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Hialeah.

Criminal Justice Overview Colleges in Hialeah All Majors