Criminal Justice and Corrections at Lehigh Carbon Community College

Lehigh Carbon Community College's criminal justice program produces graduates who earn slightly above both national and Pennsylvania averages for this degree, though rankings within the state (60th percentile) suggest performance that's decent but not exceptional among PA's 39 programs. The $11,000 median debt is relatively low compared to the typical associate's degree, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.33—meaning graduates owe about four months' worth of income. Starting at $33,360 and growing to $40,599 by year four represents solid 22% earnings growth, though still falls well short of what top PA programs like Montgomery County Community College ($47,990) deliver.

The concerning element here is that this data comes from a very small cohort—fewer than 30 graduates. With such limited sample size, these numbers could swing dramatically year to year as just a few students' outcomes heavily influence the median. One graduate landing a federal law enforcement job versus several working retail security could completely change the picture.

For parents, the manageable debt level means this isn't a risky bet financially, but the relatively modest earnings and data uncertainty warrant a hard conversation about career goals. If your child is committed to criminal justice and plans to transfer to a four-year program or pursue specific certifications afterward, this could be a reasonable starting point. If they're expecting these earnings to support independence immediately after graduation, understand that $33,360 offers limited financial flexibility, and this program's outcomes may not reflect what your child will actually experience.