Criminal Justice and Corrections at College of Western Idaho

College of Western Idaho's Criminal Justice program starts graduates below both national and state medians—$28,234 versus $33,269 nationally and $29,356 statewide—but delivers 30% earnings growth over four years. That trajectory matters: by year four, graduates reach $36,599, pulling ahead of the state median and approaching national benchmarks. The program keeps debt manageable at $9,261 (about $3,000 below state median), creating a debt-to-earnings ratio that's comfortable even in that challenging first year.

The real question is whether the initial earnings gap is worth the eventual catch-up. Starting $5,000 below the national median means tighter finances early on, though the low debt burden prevents that from becoming a crisis. Among Idaho's six programs, this ranks squarely in the middle—neither the strongest option (College of Southern Idaho starts graduates $2,200 higher) nor a risky bet. For students planning to stay in Idaho's criminal justice field long-term, the growth pattern suggests career progression kicks in, likely as graduates move from entry positions into more senior roles.

The value here depends on your tolerance for a slower start. If your child needs strong immediate earnings, look at alternatives. But for families comfortable with a lower initial salary in exchange for manageable debt and clear upward momentum, this program offers a reasonable foundation for building a criminal justice career in Idaho.