Criminal Justice and Corrections at Coalinga College

Coalinga College's Criminal Justice program costs remarkably little—graduates carry just $9,331 in debt, roughly half what students at other California programs typically owe. That's the good news. The challenge is that earnings lag behind both state and national benchmarks, with first-year graduates making about $30,300 compared to nearly $33,000 statewide.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31 means graduates owe about a third of their annual salary, which is manageable territory. However, ranking in the 40th percentile among California programs suggests this isn't the strongest launchpad in the state. The top-performing programs in California see graduates earning nearly $36,000—about 20% more—though those are primarily at Carrington College campuses that may involve different program structures or costs.

For families prioritizing minimal debt, Coalinga delivers. The low borrowing makes this a less risky bet than many alternatives, even if the earnings don't match pricier programs. The question is whether your student can leverage this credential into higher-paying positions over time—something the data here can't answer. If they're certain about criminal justice careers and staying local to Coalinga, the low debt load provides flexibility. If they're aiming for competitive roles in larger California metros, they might need additional credentials down the line.