Criminal Justice and Corrections at Wharton County Junior College
with a smaller student body of 4,832 in Wharton, TX.
Program Analysis
At $55,919 per year, Criminal Justice and Corrections graduates from Wharton County Junior College significantly outpace the $39,484 national average for this trade, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.
The 215.4x 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 8% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Criminal Justice and Corrections graduates.
A #36 ranking out of 469 Criminal Justice and Corrections programs nationally puts Wharton County Junior College in the top 10% — a strong but not elite position.
Earnings growth is modest: $55,919 to $62,492 over five years (12% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.
With 17 registered apprenticeships mapped to Criminal Justice and Corrections, 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 and Corrections 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% |
About Criminal Justice and Corrections Careers
Your career in criminal justice often begins on the front lines, where demand is steady. You might start as a security guard, patrolling a corporate campus, monitoring surveillance feeds, and logging daily activity. Many graduates pursue a path as a police or sheriff's patrol officer, where your "office" is a patrol car and your daily tasks involve responding to calls, community engagement, and detailed incident reporting back at the station.
Read the full Criminal Justice and Corrections career guide →
Compare & Explore
Criminal Justice and Corrections Overview
Criminal Justice and Corrections at Other Schools
Other Majors at Wharton County Junior College
How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?
Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.