Criminal Justice and Corrections at Wharton County Junior College
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
Analysis
Wharton County Junior College's criminal justice certificate puts graduates ahead of most similar programs in Texas, with first-year earnings of $55,919—above the state median and placing it in the 60th percentile among 48 Texas programs. The $8,753 in typical debt is notably lower than the state average of $13,925, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.16. This means graduates can expect to pay off their certificate debt relatively quickly, even on entry-level criminal justice salaries.
The challenge is what happens next. Earnings slip to $53,447 by year four, a 4% decline that suggests either job market constraints or limited advancement opportunities in this field. Still, even with that dip, graduates remain above the national median of $48,388. For students seeking quick entry into law enforcement or corrections work without taking on significant debt, this program delivers solid preparation at minimal financial risk.
The value proposition hinges on accepting modest but stable earnings rather than expecting salary growth. For Texas students who can commute and keep costs low, this certificate offers a practical path into criminal justice careers without the debt burden that hampers graduates at many competing programs.
Where Wharton County Junior College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all criminal justice and corrections certificate's programs nationally
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 Wharton County Junior College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Wharton County Junior College graduates earn $56k, placing them in the 67th 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 Texas
Criminal Justice and Corrections certificate's programs at peer institutions in Texas (48 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wharton County Junior College | $55,919 | $53,447 | $8,753 | 0.16 |
| Laredo College | $72,049 | $68,280 | — | — |
| Lamar Institute of Technology | $71,733 | $68,790 | $15,318 | 0.21 |
| Alvin Community College | $67,797 | — | — | — |
| Blinn College District | $61,585 | — | — | — |
| Galveston College | $61,086 | $45,097 | — | — |
| National Median | $48,388 | — | $13,355 | 0.28 |
Other Criminal Justice and Corrections Programs in Texas
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laredo College Laredo | $3,300 | $72,049 | — |
| Lamar Institute of Technology Beaumont | $2,844 | $71,733 | $15,318 |
| Alvin Community College Alvin | $1,834 | $67,797 | — |
| Blinn College District Brenham | $4,580 | $61,585 | — |
| Galveston College Galveston | $2,546 | $61,086 | — |
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 Wharton County Junior College, approximately 27% 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 57 graduates with reported earnings and 41 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.