Criminal Justice and Corrections at California State University-Chico

At first glance, CSU Chico's criminal justice program looks underwhelming—$36,045 starting salary ranks below the 40th percentile among California programs. But look at year four: earnings jump to $50,506, a 40% increase that signals graduates are landing positions with real advancement potential rather than getting stuck in entry-level security work. This earnings trajectory matters more than the modest starting point, especially given the program's standout feature: just $16,331 in median debt, roughly half the national average and even below California's state median.

The debt picture makes this program particularly compelling for families worried about student loan burdens. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45, graduates owe less than half their first-year salary—manageable even on a criminal justice starting wage. While top California programs like National University report higher earnings ($64,143), they often come with significantly steeper price tags that can negate the salary advantage for years.

For students interested in law enforcement, corrections, or related fields who want to avoid crushing debt while maintaining solid career growth prospects, CSU Chico delivers practical value. The 40% earnings bump suggests graduates successfully transition into supervisory roles or specialized positions. Given the access (94% admission rate, 40% Pell recipients) and the debt load you can actually pay off, this represents a financially sound path into the field.