Criminal Justice and Corrections at UEI College-Chula Vista

UEI College-Chula Vista's criminal justice certificate delivers earnings that fall dramatically short of national expectations but align surprisingly well with California's competitive landscape. While graduates earn just $29,663 in their first year—placing this program in the bottom 10% nationally—it actually sits at the 40th percentile among California's 106 criminal justice programs. This stark contrast reveals how challenging the California market is for entry-level criminal justice careers.

The program's saving grace is its relatively modest debt load of $9,500, which matches the California median and creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32. With 68% of students receiving Pell grants, this appears designed for students seeking affordable workforce entry rather than high earnings potential. However, the minimal earnings growth over four years (just 2%) suggests limited advancement opportunities for graduates.

For families prioritizing low debt over earning potential, this program offers a reasonable path into criminal justice work. But parents should understand their child will likely earn about $18,000 less annually than the national average for similar programs, with little prospect for significant salary growth. If higher earnings are important, California's community colleges offer dramatically better outcomes—some delivering triple the starting salaries.