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-West Covina's criminal justice certificate program produces earnings that fall well short of national expectations but align closely with California's median for similar programs. At $29,663 in the first year, graduates earn about $19,000 less than the national median for this field, placing the program in just the 10th percentile nationally. However, within California's competitive landscape, it performs at the 40th percentile—essentially average for the state.

The debt picture offers some relief, with graduates owing $9,500 compared to the national median of $13,355. This creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32, meaning graduates can theoretically pay off their debt with about four months of gross income. The program serves a predominantly low-income population, with 72% of students receiving Pell grants, which helps explain both the lower debt levels and earnings outcomes.

The stark reality is that California's community colleges dominate this field, with top performers like Santa Rosa Junior College producing graduates earning over $100,000. For families seeking maximum return on investment in criminal justice education, this program trails far behind these alternatives. However, for students who need the accessibility and lower debt burden of a private certificate program, UEI-West Covina delivers predictable, if modest, outcomes that won't create crushing debt.

Where UEI College-West Covina Stands

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

UEI College-West CovinaOther 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-West Covina graduates compare to all programs nationally

UEI College-West Covina 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-West Covina$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-West Covina, approximately 72% 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.