Criminal Justice and Corrections at Somerset Community College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Somerset Community College's Criminal Justice certificate graduates earn $34,245 their first year out—landing right in the middle of Kentucky programs but well below what graduates typically see nationwide. While the program falls in the 18th percentile nationally, the 40th percentile state ranking matters more for students likely to stay in Kentucky's law enforcement and corrections job market. However, Bluegrass Community and Technical College graduates earn $10,000 more annually with similar credentials, which is a meaningful gap for a career starting in the mid-$30,000s.
The good news is manageable debt. At $15,899, graduates carry slightly more than the Kentucky median but significantly less than national figures, keeping the debt-to-earnings ratio at 0.46—under the concerning 1.0 threshold. For students from working-class backgrounds (43% receive Pell grants), entering law enforcement without crushing debt provides a legitimate pathway to stable employment.
The major caveat: this analysis relies on fewer than 30 graduates, so outcomes could vary considerably. If your child is committed to criminal justice work in Kentucky and values staying local, Somerset offers an affordable entry point. But if they're flexible on location or school, exploring Bluegrass Community and Technical College or other higher-earning Kentucky programs could deliver better returns on similar time and tuition investments.
Where Somerset Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all criminal justice and corrections certificate's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Somerset Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Somerset Community College graduates earn $34k, placing them in the 18th percentile of all criminal justice and corrections certificate programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Kentucky
Criminal Justice and Corrections certificate's programs at peer institutions in Kentucky (17 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Somerset Community College | $34,245 | — | $15,899 | 0.46 |
| Bluegrass Community and Technical College | $44,752 | — | $8,865 | 0.20 |
| National Median | $48,388 | — | $13,355 | 0.28 |
Other Criminal Justice and Corrections Programs in Kentucky
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Kentucky schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluegrass Community and Technical College Lexington | $4,706 | $44,752 | $8,865 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Somerset Community College, approximately 43% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 16 graduates with reported earnings and 30 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.