Criminal Justice and Corrections at California State University-San Bernardino

California State University-San Bernardino's criminal justice program stands out for its exceptionally low debt burden—graduates leave with just $14,917 in debt compared to the national median of $26,130. This debt advantage is substantial, ranking in the 95th percentile nationally (meaning 95% of similar programs saddle students with more debt). While initial earnings of $35,029 lag behind the national average by about $2,800, they climb impressively to $48,034 by year four, representing 37% growth that outpaces many peer programs.

The debt-to-earnings math works strongly in graduates' favor here. With a debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio of just 0.43, students can realistically pay off their loans while building careers in law enforcement, corrections, or related fields. Among California's 41 criminal justice programs, this ranks in the 40th percentile for earnings—solidly middle-of-the-pack in a competitive state market, though well behind top performers like National University ($64,143) and Cal State East Bay ($45,387).

For families prioritizing affordability and manageable debt, this program delivers clear value. The strong earnings trajectory suggests graduates develop marketable skills over time, even if starting salaries are modest. The minimal debt load provides crucial financial flexibility for new graduates entering public service careers that often require additional training or certification.