Criminal Justice and Corrections at Bucks County Community College

Bucks County's Criminal Justice program starts graduates at just $28,719—well below both Pennsylvania's median ($32,173) and the national average ($33,269) for this field. The 40th percentile ranking among Pennsylvania programs tells you this is a below-average performer in a state where neighboring Montgomery County Community College launches graduates at $47,990 (nearly 70% higher). Even within the community college space, Harrisburg Area graduates earn $37,916 in their first year.

The small sample size here (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift significantly, but the pattern is worth noting: first-year earnings lag substantially, though they do climb 54% to $44,184 by year four. The debt load is manageable at $10,169, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35 that won't burden graduates long-term. However, low debt doesn't offset starting wages that leave graduates nearly $4,000 behind their Pennsylvania peers from day one.

For parents considering this program, the fundamental question is whether the low entry point matters if your child plans to stay in Pennsylvania law enforcement or corrections. The earnings growth suggests career progression is possible, but starting this far behind peer programs—particularly when stronger alternatives exist at similar community colleges across the state—makes this a tough sell unless location or specific circumstances make Bucks County the only viable option.