Criminal Justice and Corrections at Davidson-Davie Community College

Davidson-Davie's criminal justice program starts stronger than most in North Carolina—graduates earn $36,213 initially, placing above 60% of similar programs statewide—but something troubling happens next. By year four, earnings drop to $32,150, an 11% decline that reverses the typical career progression. While the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means a few outliers could skew these numbers significantly, this pattern warrants serious questions about career trajectories. The debt load of $19,795 isn't excessive at 55% of first-year earnings, and it's actually below the national median, making the financial foundation relatively sound.

The real concern is understanding why earnings decline when they should be growing. This could reflect the realities of entry-level criminal justice work in North Carolina—perhaps initial positions don't lead to advancement, or graduates shift to related fields with lower pay. Compare this to Central Piedmont Community College, where graduates earn $44,616, or even the state median of $33,018 which holds steadier. Before committing, your child needs to understand the local job market in the Thomasville area and whether this program connects to employers offering growth opportunities. The small graduating class also raises questions about institutional support and networking prospects—factors that matter considerably in law enforcement and corrections hiring.