Criminal Justice and Corrections at Camden County College

Camden County College's Criminal Justice program starts at concerning earnings but shows the strongest income growth you'll find in this field. First-year graduates earn just $27,603—well below the national median of $33,269 and lagging behind top New Jersey programs like Middlesex College ($32,712). However, by year four, earnings jump to $41,079, a 49% increase that surpasses both national and state averages. This trajectory suggests graduates who stick with the field see real career progression, though that first year will be financially tight.

The $11,000 debt load is reasonable compared to the national median of $14,230, but it takes on different weight when you're earning under $28,000 initially. The program ranks at just the 40th percentile among New Jersey's 21 criminal justice programs—meaning six in ten comparable programs deliver better starting outcomes. For families watching every dollar, this matters: your child would graduate with similar debt to peers at higher-performing state schools but face a harder first year.

The value proposition hinges entirely on whether your child can weather that difficult start and remain in the field long enough to reach the stronger year-four earnings. If they need immediate financial stability—say, to start repaying loans or support themselves—this program's delayed payoff creates real risk. For students who can afford patience and have genuine commitment to criminal justice careers, the debt remains manageable enough to make the later growth worthwhile.