Criminal Justice at San Joaquin Valley College-Lancaster

Lancaster, CA · Private for-profit · Associate Degree · Criminal Justice and Corrections

with a smaller student body of 239 in Lancaster, CA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $33,361 place San Joaquin Valley College-Lancaster below the $39,484 national median for Criminal Justice — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

The 26% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Criminal Justice career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

At $19,125 against $33,361/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #351 ranking among 469 Criminal Justice programs places San Joaquin Valley College-Lancaster in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 34% earnings increase from $33,361 to $44,717 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

The 17 apprenticeship pathways connected to Criminal Justice reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.

63 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
59
Low End
63
Score
65
High End
Earnings $33,361/yr (-16% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (64% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (480,600 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$474K
7.6% annual growth
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.

Median Debt at Graduation
$19,125
6.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$44,717
34% 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

Explore what Criminal Justice graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 469 programs nationwide.

Read the full Criminal Justice career guide →

Compare & Explore

Criminal Justice Overview

Criminal Justice at Other Schools

Other Majors at San Joaquin Valley College-Lancaster

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 63/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Criminal Justice at San Joaquin Valley College-Lancaster?
At 63/100, the score looks reasonable — but Criminal Justice is a high-scoring trade overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Can you still earn well with Criminal Justice from San Joaquin Valley College-Lancaster?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Criminal Justice program at San Joaquin Valley College-Lancaster?
Yes — 17 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Criminal Justice career paths, including Correction Officer. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at San Joaquin Valley College-Lancaster.
What's the job market like for Criminal Justice from San Joaquin Valley College-Lancaster?
With approximately 480,600 annual openings across mapped careers, Criminal Justice offers a very large employment pool. San Joaquin Valley College-Lancaster graduates enter a market shaped by public safety staffing needs and retirement-driven turnover.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →