Analysis
At $13,925 in estimated debt, this certificate program appears manageable relative to the projected first-year earnings of $55,230โa debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.25 that suggests graduates could reasonably handle loan payments. Based on comparable criminal justice certificates across Texas, this debt load sits right at the state median, while the earnings estimate also matches what similar programs typically produce. Nationally, these Texas-based estimates actually run about $7,000 ahead of the typical outcomes for this credential, which might reflect stronger job markets in the state's law enforcement sector.
However, the range among Texas programs is striking. Top-performing certificates at schools like Laredo College and Lamar Institute of Technology show graduates earning $70,000+, roughly $15,000 more than what peer programs suggest for Weatherford. That gap matters when you're deciding where to invest time and tuition. Without actual outcome data for this specific program, it's impossible to know whether Weatherford's graduates trend toward the higher or lower end of what's typical statewide.
The estimated figures here point to a workable investment if they hold true, but recognize you're making that decision without seeing this program's actual track record. If law enforcement or corrections work is the goal, ask Weatherford directly about job placement rates and whether their graduates are finding positions that match these projected earnings.
Where Weatherford College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all criminal justice and corrections certificate's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Criminal Justice and Corrections certificate's programs at peer institutions in Texas (48 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,560 | $55,230* | โ | $13,925* | โ | |
| $3,300 | $72,049* | $68,280 | โ* | โ | |
| $2,844 | $71,733* | $68,790 | $15,318* | 0.21 | |
| $1,834 | $67,797* | โ | โ* | โ | |
| $4,580 | $61,585* | โ | โ* | โ | |
| $2,546 | $61,086* | $45,097 | โ* | โ | |
| National Median | โ | $48,388* | โ | $13,355* | 0.28 |
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 Weatherford College, approximately 19% 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 15 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.