Criminal Justice at Pasadena City College
one of the larger campuses at 20,624 students in Pasadena, CA.
Program Analysis
Starting salaries of $28,492/yr fall 28% below the $39,484 national median for Criminal Justice. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.
The 170.5x 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 29% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Criminal Justice graduates.
Ranked #139 out of 469 programs, Pasadena City College's Criminal Justice offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.
The five-year earnings trajectory from $28,492 to $39,073 shows 37% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.
With 17 registered apprenticeships mapped to Criminal Justice, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
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% |
Criminal Justice Career Guide
What can you do with a Criminal Justice credential from Pasadena City College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.
Compare & Explore
Criminal Justice Overview
Criminal Justice at Other Schools
Other Majors at Pasadena City College
Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?
Compare how bachelor's degree graduates fare on earnings, ROI, and AI resilience.