Criminal Justice at Central New Mexico Community College

Albuquerque, NM · Public · Associate Degree · Criminal Justice and Corrections

with a mid-sized student body of 15,246 in Albuquerque, NM.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $35,865/yr, roughly in line with the $39,484 national median for Criminal Justice. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 111.1x 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 14% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Criminal Justice graduates.

Ranked #121 out of 469 programs, Central New Mexico Community College's Criminal Justice offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.

Earnings growth is modest: $35,865 to $42,545 over five years (19% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

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

78 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
74
Low End
78
Score
80
High End
Earnings $35,865/yr (-9% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (64% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (480,600 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$438K
4.4% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
113.2x
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)
$3,868
Out-of-state: $16,732
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$42,545
19% 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

What can you do with a Criminal Justice credential from Central New Mexico Community College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Criminal Justice career guide →

Compare & Explore

Criminal Justice Overview

Criminal Justice at Other Schools

Other Majors at Central New Mexico Community 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 78/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Criminal Justice at Central New Mexico Community College?
A score of 78/100 indicates strong financial outcomes. Central New Mexico Community College's Criminal Justice graduates fare well on earnings, job market size, and return on investment.
Should I consider an apprenticeship over a Criminal Justice program at Central New Mexico Community College?
The DOL recognizes 17 apprenticeship pathways related to Criminal Justice. For students weighing Central New Mexico Community College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
Is there demand for Criminal Justice workers?
The career paths mapped to Criminal Justice have roughly 480,600 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Demand is driven by public safety staffing needs and retirement-driven turnover.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →