Criminal Justice and Corrections at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College

At first glance, Pennsylvania Highlands' criminal justice program seems to deliver below-average outcomes—graduates earn less than both the national and state medians, placing around the 40th percentile among Pennsylvania programs. However, the debt picture tells a more favorable story. With just $11,315 in median debt (versus $13,792 statewide), graduates carry roughly 20% less debt than typical Pennsylvania students in this field. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36 means graduates owe about four months' salary, a manageable burden that should be repayable within a few years even on entry-level criminal justice wages.

The 18% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests graduates do gain ground over time, though the $37,269 fourth-year mark still lags behind top Pennsylvania programs like Montgomery County Community College ($47,990). The real consideration here is regional: Johnstown's job market likely differs significantly from Philadelphia or Harrisburg, where some of those higher-earning programs are located. If your child plans to work locally in law enforcement or corrections, these earnings may reflect realistic local wages rather than program weakness.

The small sample size is worth noting—this data represents fewer than 30 graduates, so individual circumstances could swing these numbers. For families prioritizing minimal debt over maximum earnings, this program achieves that goal. But students with the option to attend stronger-performing Pennsylvania community colleges should seriously consider those alternatives.