Criminal Justice and Corrections at UEI College-Oceanside

UEI College-Oceanside's Criminal Justice certificate delivers earnings that fall well short of national expectations, with graduates earning just $29,663 in their first year—roughly $19,000 below the national median for similar programs. While this places the program in the bottom 10% nationally, it's worth noting that California's criminal justice certificate landscape is particularly challenging, with UEI actually performing near the middle of the pack among in-state options.

The debt picture offers some relief, with graduates carrying $9,500 in debt compared to the national average of $13,355. This creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32, meaning graduates can theoretically pay off their loans in about four months of gross income. However, the minimal earnings growth over four years—just 2%—suggests limited advancement opportunities within this career path.

For parents considering this program, the key tradeoff is clear: lower debt but substantially lower earning potential. While some California community colleges produce criminal justice graduates earning $70,000-$90,000+, UEI's program appears geared toward entry-level positions with modest pay. Given that 68% of students receive Pell grants, this may serve students seeking quick workforce entry, but families hoping for middle-class earnings should explore the higher-performing community college alternatives available throughout California.