Criminal Justice at Mt San Antonio College

Walnut, CA · Public · Associate Degree · Criminal Justice and Corrections

with 25,311 students enrolled in Walnut, CA.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $33,692/yr, roughly in line with the $39,484 national median for Criminal Justice. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 205.6x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 36% task exposure — and the 40% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Criminal Justice graduates.

Ranked #105 out of 469 programs, Mt San Antonio College's Criminal Justice program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

Earnings growth from $33,692 to $56,896 over five years (69% increase) indicates that graduates in this trade see meaningful salary progression.

With 17 registered apprenticeships mapped to Criminal Justice, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

80 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
74
Low End
80
Score
82
High End
Earnings $33,692/yr (-15% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (64% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (480,600 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$591K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
216.7x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
20 of 20
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$2,728
Out-of-state: $20,424
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$56,896
69% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Criminal Justice graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Managers, all other $136,550 +4.5% 53%
First-line supervisors of police and detectives $105,980 +2.9% 67%
Detectives and criminal investigators $93,580 -0.7% 47%
Managers, all other
$136,550
+4.5% growth 53% AI-proof
First-line supervisors of police and detectives
$105,980
+2.9% growth 67% AI-proof
Detectives and criminal investigators
$93,580
-0.7% growth 47% AI-proof

View all 20 career paths with full salary data →

Criminal Justice Career Guide

From day-one roles to senior positions, Criminal Justice careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering criminal justice & public safety.

Read the full Criminal Justice career guide →

Compare & Explore

Criminal Justice Overview

Criminal Justice at Other Schools

Other Majors at Mt San Antonio College

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 80/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Criminal Justice at Mt San Antonio College?
This program scores 80/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Criminal Justice nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, hands-on AI resilience, and solid financial return.
Why does Mt San Antonio College rank so high for Criminal Justice?
The #105 ranking out of 469 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Criminal Justice program at Mt San Antonio College?
There are 17 registered apprenticeships connected to Criminal Justice occupations, such as Correction Officer and Crime Scene Technician. The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
What's the AI uncertainty for Criminal Justice careers?
Our model shows a 40% gap between best and worst-case decade earnings. AI is unlikely to eliminate Criminal Justice careers, but it could reduce positions in some specializations.
What's the job market like for Criminal Justice from Mt San Antonio College?
At 480,600 annual openings, Criminal Justice has a very large employment base. Mt San Antonio College graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given public safety staffing needs and retirement-driven turnover.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →