Criminal Justice and Corrections at York Technical College

York Technical College's Criminal Justice program stands out sharply in South Carolina's landscape—graduates earn $44,401 in their first year, outpacing the state median by 40% and ranking in the 80th percentile among South Carolina programs. That's roughly $9,000 more annually than nearby Tri-County Technical College. Even more impressive: the $8,500 median debt is less than half what typical SC students in this field accumulate, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.19.

The small sample size here means these numbers could shift with more graduates tracked, but the pattern aligns with what you'd hope to see—modest debt paired with above-average starting pay. The near-flat earnings trajectory (just 1% growth over four years) is typical for criminal justice careers, where pay often depends more on specific roles and agencies than years of experience. At this debt level, loan payments would consume only a small fraction of take-home pay, making this an accessible entry point into law enforcement or corrections careers.

For families concerned about return on investment for a two-year degree, this program delivers strong value within its field. The combination of low debt and earnings that exceed most four-year criminal justice programs nationally makes it worth serious consideration, though verify current outcomes given the limited graduate tracking.