Criminal Justice and Corrections at Northwest Vista College

Northwest Vista College's Criminal Justice and Corrections associate's degree stands out primarily for one reason: remarkably low debt. At just $7,627, graduates borrow roughly half what their Texas peers do and about 46% less than the national median. That's not accounting magic—it's a genuine financial advantage that makes this program accessible even if the starting salary of $32,807 feels modest.

The earnings picture is decent, particularly within Texas where this program ranks in the 60th percentile. While graduates start below the national median, they're earning more than most Texas peers in the same field. The 21% earnings growth to $39,605 over four years shows solid career progression, though graduates remain about $4,000 behind top Texas programs like Central Texas College and Lone Star. That gap matters, but it's not insurmountable given the debt advantage.

For families prioritizing affordability, this program delivers clear value. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.23 means graduates owe less than three months of their first-year salary—well below the threshold where loan payments become burdensome. If your child is committed to criminal justice work and considering Texas community colleges, Northwest Vista's combination of reasonable earnings and exceptionally low debt makes it a financially sound choice, even if it won't lead the salary charts.