Criminal Justice and Corrections at La Sierra University

La Sierra's Criminal Justice program starts graduates at just under $35,000—roughly $2,000 below the national median and $1,200 below California's typical starting salary. However, the trajectory matters more than the starting point here. Earnings jump 48% by year four to $51,617, bringing graduates above both national and state medians and suggesting they're building valuable skills on the job. Among California's 41 criminal justice programs, this ranks at the 40th percentile—solidly middle-of-the-pack despite the slow start.

The $31,000 debt load creates a manageable first-year situation with a debt-to-earnings ratio under 1.0, though it's worth noting that's double California's median debt for this program ($15,000). Serving a largely first-generation student body (47% on Pell grants), La Sierra's open admission policy means they're accepting students who might not get into programs at Cal State East Bay (where graduates earn $45,000 starting) or other stronger California options.

The bottom line: This program requires patience. If your child can handle tighter finances in those first couple of years while earnings catch up, the growth trajectory makes the degree financially viable. But students admitted to higher-ranked California programs with similar tuition structures should seriously consider those alternatives, where starting salaries often exceed La Sierra's year-four earnings.