Criminal Justice at South Piedmont Community College

Polkton, NC · Public · Certificate · Criminal Justice and Corrections

with a smaller student body of 1,555 in Polkton, NC.

Program Analysis

South Piedmont Community College's Criminal Justice graduates start at $47,748/yr — above the $39,484 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 247.1x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 0% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Criminal Justice career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.

South Piedmont Community College ranks #58 among 469 Criminal Justice programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

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

87 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
83
Low End
87
Score
89
High End
Earnings $47,748/yr (21% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (64% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (480,600 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$500K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
247.1x
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)
$2,022
Out-of-state: $6,630

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

See the full career breakdown for Criminal Justice — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from South Piedmont Community College and 468 other schools.

Read the full Criminal Justice career guide →

Compare & Explore

Criminal Justice Overview

Criminal Justice at Other Schools

Other Majors at South Piedmont Community College

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 87/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Criminal Justice at South Piedmont Community College?
A score of 87/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. South Piedmont Community College's Criminal Justice graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
Is South Piedmont Community College one of the best schools for Criminal Justice?
The #58 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 South Piedmont Community College?
The DOL recognizes 17 apprenticeship pathways related to Criminal Justice. For students weighing South Piedmont Community College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Will Criminal Justice graduates from South Piedmont Community College find jobs?
With approximately 480,600 annual openings across mapped careers, Criminal Justice offers a very large employment pool. South Piedmont Community College 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 →