Criminal Justice and Corrections at UEI College-Bakersfield

This program's earnings barely reach poverty-level wages, even four years after graduation. At $23,849 in the first year, graduates earn roughly half what the typical California criminal justice certificate holder makes ($29,940). Looking at California's 106 programs in this field, UEI-Bakersfield lands at the 25th percentile—meaning three-quarters of similar programs produce better outcomes. The gap becomes stark when you see that California community colleges like Santa Rosa Junior and San Diego Miramar have graduates earning $90,000-$110,000 in the same field.

The debt load of $9,500 appears manageable at first glance, but it represents five months of gross income for first-year graduates. While that's technically better than the 0.40 ratio suggests it should be, the absolute earnings are so low that any debt becomes burdensome. The 78% Pell Grant rate indicates this institution serves students who likely have limited financial cushion to absorb underemployment.

The modest 6% earnings growth over four years offers little hope for catching up to stronger programs. Your child would be better served at a California community college offering the same credential—many are tuition-free for eligible students and produce graduates earning three to four times as much. Unless UEI-Bakersfield offers specific placement advantages you can verify independently, this represents a poor return compared to readily available alternatives.