Criminal Justice and Corrections at Lemoore College

Lemoore College's Criminal Justice program offers one significant advantage—exceptionally low debt at $7,182, ranking in the 95th percentile nationally—but the earnings trajectory reveals a troubling pattern. Graduates start below both the California median ($32,922) and national benchmark ($33,269), then see their income actually decline to $28,414 by year four. This backward movement is unusual and suggests graduates may be struggling to advance into better-paying positions or finding themselves in dead-end roles.

The debt advantage helps cushion the blow, making this program less risky than many alternatives. With a 0.24 debt-to-earnings ratio, graduates can manage their loans even on lower salaries. However, ranking in just the 40th percentile among California programs means there are clearly better options within the state for students willing to attend elsewhere. The top programs in California generate earnings 27% higher while still maintaining reasonable debt levels.

For a student certain about a criminal justice career in the Lemoore area and needing to minimize upfront costs, this program won't bury them in debt. But the declining earnings pattern and below-median starting salary mean they should have realistic expectations about advancement opportunities. If your child has the flexibility to attend a different California community college with stronger placement outcomes, that investment would likely pay better dividends over time.