Criminal Justice and Corrections at Front Range Community College

Front Range Community College's criminal justice certificate punches well above its weight class nationally—graduates earn $69,776 one year out, ranking in the 95th percentile compared to similar programs across the country. That's $21,000 more than the national median for this credential. However, the debt load of $24,774 is nearly double the national typical for certificate programs in this field, though still manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36.

The state picture reveals why this premium pricing exists. Among Colorado's 14 criminal justice certificate programs, Front Range sits solidly in the middle pack for earnings (60th percentile), trailing only Red Rocks and Colorado Mountain College among community colleges. Colorado's criminal justice job market appears exceptionally strong—even the state median of $56,589 exceeds what 75% of programs nationally deliver. Front Range is leveraging this robust market, though students are paying certificate-level tuition for what appears to be career outcomes that reflect Colorado's overall strength in law enforcement compensation rather than unique program value.

For an anxious parent, the question is straightforward: can your student access one of the higher-earning, lower-debt alternatives like Red Rocks? If not, Front Range still delivers strong absolute earnings that would allow loan payoff within a year of full-time work. The higher debt is a real cost, but you're essentially paying a premium to access Colorado's well-compensated criminal justice sector through a community college pathway.