Criminal Justice Degree in Overland Park, KS — Salary & ROI 2026
Criminal Justice degree analysis for Overland Park, KS. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.
Starting Salary
$52K
COL-adjusted
Mid-Career
$64K
COL-adjusted
ROI Payback
3.9 yrs
in Overland Park
Cost of Living
103
index (100 = avg)
Criminal Justice in Overland Park, KS Overview
Overland Park, Kansas (pop. 197,238) has 13 colleges offering Criminal Justice programs. The local cost of living index of 103 is near the national average, with average rent near campus at $1,092/month. Criminal Justice enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Law Enforcement and Criminology. The adjusted starting salary in Overland Park is approximately $51,500.
Category
Social Sciences
Local Colleges
13
Public Tuition
$3,564/yr
Private Tuition
$48,279/yr
Room & Board
$11,548/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$9,390/yr
Unemployment
6%
Graduation Rate
54%
Criminal Justice Salary in Overland Park (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Overland Park's cost of living index of 103 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Criminal Justice salary: $50,000 starting, $62,000 mid-career, $78,000 senior level.Overland Park adjustment factor: 1.03x based on the local cost of living index.
Criminal Justice ROI Calculator for Overland Park
Estimate your return on investment for a Criminal Justice degree using local Overland Park tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $3,564 | Private avg: $48,279
Overland Park avg aid: $9,390/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$60,448
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$15,450
vs HS diploma in Overland Park
ROI Payback Period
3.9 years
to break even
Lifetime Return in Overland Park
$300,052
Lifetime earnings premium ($360,500) minus total education cost ($60,448)
Student Loan Payoff for Criminal Justice in Overland Park
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Overland Park for Criminal Justice
Johnson County Community College
public
$3,564/yr
$14,256 total
Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)
Johnson County Community College
$3,564/yr
Top Employers for Criminal Justice in Overland Park
Overland Park offers opportunities in Government agencies, Non-profits, Research institutes for Criminal Justice graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Overland Park Hiring Sectors for Social Sciences
Government agencies
Non-profits
Research institutes
Social services
Consulting
Common Criminal Justice Job Titles
Criminal Justice in Nearby Kansas Cities
Wichita, KS
$52K starting · COL 104
20 colleges
Kansas City, KS
$41K starting · COL 82.5
6 colleges
Olathe, KS
$48K starting · COL 96.8
6 colleges
Topeka, KS
$42K starting · COL 84
14 colleges
Lawrence, KS
$54K starting · COL 108
5 colleges
Shawnee, KS
$43K starting · COL 86.5
3 colleges
Lenexa, KS
$48K starting · COL 96.2
3 colleges
Manhattan, KS
$48K starting · COL 95
6 colleges
Other Social Sciences Majors in Overland Park
International Relations
$52K starting · 5 yr ROI
Political Science
$49K starting · 5.5 yr ROI
Urban Planning
$52K starting · 5 yr ROI
Geography
$52K starting · 5.5 yr ROI
Forensic Science
$52K starting · 4.8 yr ROI
Sustainability Studies
$52K starting · 5.8 yr ROI
Psychology
$45K starting · 6 yr ROI
Sociology
$45K starting · 6.5 yr ROI
Methodology & Education Data Sources
How we calculate Criminal Justice degree outcomes in Overland Park, KS: 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 Kansas.
- Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Overland Park 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 Overland Park Students
Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Kansas 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:
Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):
State-specific grants stack with federal aid:
- • USA.gov — Kansas programs
- • NASFAA — State Aid Programs
- • Search "kansas higher education commission grants"
Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:
- • College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
- • NCES College Navigator
- • IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center
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 Overland Park — 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.
Explore More
Compare Criminal Justice ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Overland Park.