Median Earnings (1yr)
$29,663
10th percentile (40th in CA)
Median Debt
$9,500
29% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.32
Manageable
Sample Size
340
Adequate data

Analysis

UEI College-Ontario's criminal justice certificate program sits squarely in the middle of California's offerings but significantly underperforms national standards. With first-year earnings of $29,663, graduates earn about $19,000 less than the national median for similar programs, landing this program in just the 10th percentile nationally. However, within California's competitive landscape, it performs closer to average, ranking in the 40th percentile among state programs.

The debt picture offers some relief—at $9,500, student loans are manageable and match California's median for this field. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32 means graduates can reasonably expect to handle their loan payments, though the modest earning potential means financial progress will be slow. With 74% of students receiving Pell grants, this program clearly serves lower-income students who may have limited alternatives.

The reality is stark: California's top criminal justice programs produce graduates earning $70,000-$110,000+ annually, while UEI's graduates start around $30,000 with minimal growth prospects. For families seeking an affordable entry point into criminal justice careers, this program delivers basic credentials without crushing debt. However, parents should understand their child will likely need additional training or education later to access better-paying positions in law enforcement or corrections.

Where UEI College-Ontario Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all criminal justice and corrections certificate's programs nationally

UEI College-OntarioOther criminal justice and corrections programs

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 UEI College-Ontario graduates compare to all programs nationally

UEI College-Ontario graduates earn $30k, placing them in the 10th percentile of all criminal justice and corrections certificate programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Criminal Justice and Corrections certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (106 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
UEI College-Ontario$29,663$30,366$9,5000.32
Santa Rosa Junior College$111,649$92,628$14,1250.13
San Bernardino Valley College$94,285$37,833$19,5000.21
San Diego Miramar College$91,647$13,7380.15
Moreno Valley College$81,339
Butte College$73,170$83,782$15,4140.21
National Median$48,388$13,3550.28

Other Criminal Justice and Corrections Programs in California

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Santa Rosa Junior College
Santa Rosa
$1,318$111,649$14,125
San Bernardino Valley College
San Bernardino
$1,185$94,285$19,500
San Diego Miramar College
San Diego
$1,150$91,647$13,738
Moreno Valley College
Moreno Valley
$1,420$81,339
Butte College
Oroville
$1,336$73,170$15,414

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 UEI College-Ontario, approximately 74% 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 340 graduates with reported earnings and 385 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.