Criminal Justice and Corrections at Broward College

Broward College's criminal justice program beats both state and national medians while keeping debt significantly lower than typical Florida programs—graduates carry about $10,700 compared to the state median of $16,100. Among Florida's 42 criminal justice associate programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings, meaning it outperforms most community college options while maintaining community college affordability.

The $34,600 starting salary climbs to nearly $43,000 within four years, a 24% increase that suggests graduates find opportunities for advancement in law enforcement or corrections. At a 0.31 debt-to-earnings ratio, graduates would need about four months of gross pay to cover their total borrowing—a manageable burden that shouldn't derail other financial goals. The state's larger programs like Rasmussen show higher earning potential ($47,400), but likely at substantially higher cost.

The major caveat here is the small graduating class size, which means these numbers could shift considerably year to year. But for a Pell-serving institution where 40% of students receive need-based aid, this program delivers exactly what a community college should: accessible training that leads to stable employment without crushing debt. For families prioritizing affordability over maximum earning potential, this represents a solid foundation for entering public safety careers.