Criminal Justice and Corrections at Jefferson Community and Technical College

Jefferson Community and Technical College's Criminal Justice associate's program produces earnings right at the national median but performs better than most Kentucky programs—hitting the 60th percentile statewide. That's worth noting given Kentucky's competitive community college landscape with 25 programs to choose from. Graduates start at $33,316 and see decent growth to $39,415 after four years, an 18% increase that suggests room for career advancement in law enforcement or corrections.

The debt picture looks manageable at $11,516, below both state and national medians for this program. That translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35, meaning graduates owe about four months of their first-year salary. For a community college credential, this represents accessible entry into a stable field without overwhelming financial burden. The 29% Pell grant enrollment suggests the school serves working-class students well.

The significant caveat: these figures come from fewer than 30 graduates, so your child's experience could vary considerably. Still, the combination of below-average debt, above-state-average earnings, and solid growth trajectory makes this a reasonable path for Kentucky students interested in criminal justice careers. Just understand you're looking at a $33,000 starting point, not a fast track to high earnings.