Criminal Justice and Corrections at Hawkeye Community College
a compact campus enrolling 2,528 students in Waterloo, IA.
Program Analysis
At $49,572 per year, Criminal Justice and Corrections graduates from Hawkeye Community College significantly outpace the $39,484 national average for this trade, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.
With a 43.3x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 6% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Criminal Justice and Corrections career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.
The median debt load of $11,000 represents less than half a year of starting salary — among the lightest debt-to-income ratios in vocational education.
A #161 ranking among 469 Criminal Justice and Corrections programs places Hawkeye Community College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.
The limited growth from $49,572 to $54,434 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.
The 17 apprenticeship pathways connected to Criminal Justice and Corrections reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.
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 Hawkeye Community College
How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?
Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.