Criminal Justice and Corrections at South Piedmont Community College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
South Piedmont Community College's criminal justice certificate graduates earn nearly $1,000 more than the typical North Carolina program in this field, landing them in the 60th percentile statewide—a solid position given that 58 NC schools compete in this space. First-year earnings of $47,748 translate to real paychecks for entry-level corrections officers or law enforcement support roles, though students should note this lags slightly behind what graduates earn at Cape Fear or Gaston College programs nearby.
The debt picture offers the real advantage here. At $17,823, graduates borrow substantially less than the national average, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.37—meaning debt totals less than five months of salary. That's manageable for most families, especially compared to four-year options in this field. The moderate sample size suggests consistent program outcomes rather than a few outliers driving the numbers.
For families considering community college paths into law enforcement or corrections, this program delivers market-rate earnings with below-average debt. It won't catapult graduates to the highest-paying positions right away, but it provides a cost-effective credential that pays for itself quickly and opens doors to stable public sector employment.
Where South Piedmont 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 South Piedmont Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally
South Piedmont Community College graduates earn $48k, placing them in the 48th percentile of all criminal justice and corrections certificate programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in North Carolina
Criminal Justice and Corrections certificate's programs at peer institutions in North Carolina (58 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Piedmont Community College | $47,748 | — | $17,823 | 0.37 |
| Cape Fear Community College | $52,282 | $42,740 | $16,042 | 0.31 |
| Gaston College | $50,038 | — | — | — |
| Durham Technical Community College | $49,893 | — | $17,750 | 0.36 |
| Forsyth Technical Community College | $48,388 | — | $21,066 | 0.44 |
| Wilson Community College | $48,304 | — | $17,060 | 0.35 |
| National Median | $48,388 | — | $13,355 | 0.28 |
Other Criminal Justice and Corrections Programs in North Carolina
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across North Carolina schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Fear Community College Wilmington | $2,748 | $52,282 | $16,042 |
| Gaston College Dallas | $3,186 | $50,038 | — |
| Durham Technical Community College Durham | $1,986 | $49,893 | $17,750 |
| Forsyth Technical Community College Winston-Salem | $2,256 | $48,388 | $21,066 |
| Wilson Community College Wilson | $2,572 | $48,304 | $17,060 |
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 South Piedmont Community College, approximately 18% 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 35 graduates with reported earnings and 26 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.