Criminal Justice and Corrections at McLennan Community College

McLennan Community College's Criminal Justice program generates moderate earnings that actually outpace most Texas competitors—graduates earn $36,950 four years out, placing them in the 60th percentile statewide and above the state median of $31,344. While the program doesn't quite match top performers like Central Texas College or Lone Star, the $12,606 in typical debt represents a manageable burden at just 37% of first-year earnings. That's less than many students take on, and considerably below what you'd expect at four-year institutions.

The trajectory here is stable rather than spectacular—earnings grow about 7% over four years, which isn't dramatic but suggests steady employment in law enforcement or corrections roles. For families in the Waco area looking at an affordable entry point into criminal justice careers, this represents solid value, particularly when compared to alternatives that might cost twice as much with uncertain improvement in outcomes.

One important caveat: these numbers come from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual experiences may vary more than usual. Still, for a student certain about pursuing criminal justice work and wanting to minimize debt while staying close to home, McLennan offers a reasonable pathway that performs better than the typical Texas program in this field.