Criminal Justice and Corrections at UEI College-Reseda

UEI College-Reseda's criminal justice certificate program produces earnings that fall significantly short of national expectations, with graduates earning just $29,663 in their first year—less than half the national median of $48,388 for similar programs. While this places the program in the bottom 10th percentile nationally, it's worth noting that California's criminal justice certificate landscape is generally weaker, with UEI performing right at the state median and ranking in the 40th percentile among California schools.

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 debt in about four months of gross earnings. However, the virtually flat earnings growth—just 2% over four years—suggests limited career advancement potential within this credential level.

The stark reality is that top-performing California community colleges in this field produce graduates earning $70,000-$110,000, while UEI graduates plateau around $30,000. For families seeking a criminal justice pathway, this program represents a low-cost entry point but with correspondingly limited earning potential. Consider whether your child might be better served by community college alternatives or pursuing a bachelor's degree for meaningful career advancement in law enforcement or corrections.