Criminal Justice and Corrections at Carrington College-Las Vegas

Among Nevada's six criminal justice certificate programs, Carrington College-Las Vegas graduates earn $30,388—slightly above the state median of $26,707 and notably more than competitors like United Education Institute. That 60th percentile state ranking matters because most students will compare local options. However, this program sits in just the 11th percentile nationally, earning roughly $18,000 less than the typical criminal justice certificate holder across the country earns ($48,388). The bright spot: relatively manageable debt of $8,481 creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.28, meaning graduates owe less than three months of their first-year income.

The challenge here is Nevada's criminal justice job market itself, which appears to pay significantly less than other states for certificate holders in this field. While Carrington performs reasonably well within this constrained market, parents should recognize their child will likely start around $30,000 annually—a salary that may require careful budgeting even with modest debt. The program serves a predominantly low-income population (61% receive Pell grants), and the low debt load is genuinely valuable for students without financial safety nets.

If your child wants to work in Nevada law enforcement or corrections specifically, this program provides accessible entry at manageable cost. But if they're considering relocating after graduation or exploring other career paths, they should understand the significant earnings gap compared to national standards.