Criminal Justice and Corrections at Point Loma Nazarene University

Point Loma's criminal justice program delivers something increasingly rare: solid starting earnings paired with unusually low debt. At $14,000, graduates carry roughly half the debt load typical for this degree both nationally and in California, while still earning more than most programs across the country. The 0.31 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in under four months of gross income—an exceptional position in a field where many graduates struggle with the financial math.

The earnings picture requires some nuance. While $45,022 places the program in the 90th percentile nationally, it sits squarely in the middle when compared to California programs specifically. That makes sense given the San Diego location and the state's higher cost of living. Still, outearning the typical California criminal justice grad by $9,000 annually while carrying minimal debt creates a meaningful advantage, particularly in those critical first years after graduation when loan payments begin.

For families concerned about criminal justice degrees—often criticized for leading to modest-paying jobs with heavy debt burdens—Point Loma demonstrates how a program can buck that trend. The financial foundation here is sound: your child leaves with real earning potential and manageable obligations. The moderate admission selectivity and reasonable Pell Grant percentage suggest this isn't an inaccessible option for middle-income families either. If criminal justice is the goal, this program offers one of the cleaner financial pathways available.