Criminal Justice and Corrections at Houston Community College
one of the larger campuses at 37,970 students in Houston, TX.
Program Analysis
Graduates of Houston Community College's Criminal Justice and Corrections program earn $56,454/yr in their first year — 43% above the $39,484 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.
The 289.5x 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 0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Criminal Justice and Corrections graduates.
At $9,500 in median debt against $56,454 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance quickly — a hallmark of affordable trade programs.
A #27 ranking out of 469 Criminal Justice and Corrections programs nationally puts Houston Community College in the top 10% — a strong but not elite position.
Earnings growth is modest: $56,454 to $56,987 over five years (1% 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 Houston Community College
Considering a 4-Year Degree Instead?
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