Criminal Justice and Corrections at California Lutheran University

California Lutheran graduates with this degree earn notably more than typical criminal justice majors—beating both the national median ($37,856) and California's state median ($36,092) by substantial margins. At 60th percentile among California programs, it sits comfortably above average but trails specialized leaders like National University. The real story is debt: at $20,000, graduates carry significantly less than the national median ($26,130), creating a manageable 0.46 debt-to-earnings ratio that few criminal justice programs achieve.

The earnings trajectory looks healthy, growing 26% from year one to year four ($43,122 to $54,280). This suggests graduates find stable career progression rather than hitting an early ceiling. For parents concerned about return on investment in a field often criticized for weak earnings, this program delivers stronger numbers than most alternatives, both nationally and within California.

However, the small sample size—fewer than 30 graduates—means these figures could shift considerably year to year. If your child is certain about criminal justice as a career path, this represents a relatively safe financial bet compared to most programs in the field. But for families still exploring options, remember that criminal justice degrees generally earn less than many other majors, even when performing well within their category.