Criminal Justice and Corrections at San Joaquin Valley College-Rancho Mirage

San Joaquin Valley College's criminal justice program delivers slightly above-average results for California while keeping debt notably below both state and national averages. With first-year earnings of $33,361, graduates land right at the 60th percentile among California's 131 programs offering this degree—meaning they're outearning six out of ten similar programs in the state. More importantly, they're carrying $2,350 less debt than typical California graduates in this field, and the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.57 means students can expect to owe roughly seven months of their first year's salary.

The earnings trajectory shows modest but steady growth, reaching $36,498 by year four—a 9% gain that suggests stable career progression in corrections or law enforcement roles. These numbers won't lead to affluent lifestyles, but they represent solid working-class incomes with manageable debt burdens. The fact that 61% of students qualify for Pell grants indicates the program successfully serves lower-income students who need accessible pathways into criminal justice careers.

For parents weighing this investment, the math works: the debt load is reasonable, earnings exceed state medians, and graduates appear to build stable careers over time. This isn't a premium program, but it's a sensible choice for students committed to criminal justice work who need an affordable entry point.