Criminal Justice and Corrections at Carrington College-San Leandro Campus

At around $36,000 annually, Carrington College-San Leandro's criminal justice associate's program lands squarely in the middle—60th percentile among California programs and 63rd nationally. The $16,374 in typical debt sits just below the state median, translating to a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.5. For families weighing whether an associate's degree in this field justifies the investment, the numbers suggest reasonable returns compared to alternatives, though the slight earnings dip from year one to year four (-2%) indicates a relatively flat trajectory rather than career growth.

The caveat here matters: with fewer than 30 graduates in the data set, these figures could shift considerably with a larger sample. What's more telling is the pattern across Carrington's California campuses—nearly identical earnings at multiple locations suggest consistent placement outcomes in entry-level correctional or law enforcement support roles. Given that 59% of students receive Pell grants, this program serves a population seeking accessible pathways into stable, if modest-paying, public sector work.

For families expecting earnings growth or advancement potential, this isn't that program. But if your child wants a two-year credential leading to immediate employment at roughly $36,000 annually with debt they can manage, Carrington delivers what it promises—nothing more, nothing less. Just understand you're paying for job access, not a career ladder.