Analysis
Similar programs across Oregon suggest graduates of this Criminal Justice associate's program typically earn around $38,000 in their first year—positioning them just above the national median for the field and roughly in line with what peers at Central Oregon Community College report. With an estimated debt load of $12,000 (well below both the state median of $24,000 and the national figure of $14,230), the program appears to offer a relatively affordable pathway into corrections and law enforcement work. That 0.32 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates would owe about four months of their first year's salary, a manageable burden compared to many other community college programs.
The challenge, of course, is that these are estimates drawn from peer institutions rather than actual outcomes for Umpqua's specific graduates. The small sample size that triggers data suppression could mean the program is quite new or simply serves fewer students—either of which might affect the quality of job placement support or local employer connections. What's encouraging is that the estimated earnings align with what other Oregon community colleges actually report, suggesting this isn't wildly optimistic projection.
For families weighing this investment, the low debt figure is the strongest argument in favor. Even if actual earnings fall short of estimates, $12,000 is recoverable debt for criminal justice work. Just recognize you're making this decision with limited visibility into this specific program's track record.
Where Umpqua Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all criminal justice and corrections associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Oregon
Criminal Justice and Corrections associates's programs at peer institutions in Oregon (15 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,909 | $37,992* | — | $12,000* | — | |
| $5,040 | $45,061* | $38,215 | $24,000* | 0.53 | |
| $4,941 | $37,992* | $38,112 | —* | — | |
| $6,210 | $33,406* | $42,766 | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $33,269* | — | $14,230* | 0.43 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with criminal justice and corrections graduates
Financial Examiners
Emergency Management Directors
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary
Compliance Officers
Environmental Compliance Inspectors
Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers
Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
Regulatory Affairs Specialists
Customs Brokers
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Police Identification and Records Officers
Intelligence Analysts
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 Umpqua Community College, approximately 32% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 3 similar programs in OR. Actual outcomes may vary.