Criminal Justice and Corrections at Modesto Junior College

Modesto, CA · Public · Associate Degree

enrolling 14,714 students in Modesto, CA.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $28,102 place Modesto Junior College below the $39,484 national median for Criminal Justice and Corrections — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

With a 184.2x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 40% 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.

A #137 ranking among 469 Criminal Justice and Corrections programs places Modesto Junior College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $28,102-to-$49,543 earnings arc over five years reflects a 76% gain — well above average career growth for trade school graduates.

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

76 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
69
Low End
76
Score
77
High End
Earnings $28,102/yr (-29% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (64% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (480,600 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$493K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
194.2x
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)
$2,540
Out-of-state: $17,740
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$49,543
76% growth from Year 1

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%
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 →

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 Modesto Junior College

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Criminal Justice and Corrections at Modesto Junior College?
At 76/100, this is a high-performing trade program. The TradeSchoolOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Is Modesto Junior College a good choice for Criminal Justice and Corrections despite lower starting pay?
Lower starting pay at Modesto Junior College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Are there apprenticeship options for Criminal Justice and Corrections?
Yes — 17 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Criminal Justice and Corrections career paths, including Correction Officer. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to certificate programs.
What's the AI uncertainty for Criminal Justice and Corrections careers?
The 40% scenario spread reflects genuine uncertainty. Some career paths within Criminal Justice and Corrections are more exposed than others — the aggregate score blends resistant and vulnerable roles.
Is there demand for Criminal Justice and Corrections workers?
With approximately 480,600 annual openings across mapped careers, Criminal Justice and Corrections offers a very large employment pool. Physical trades tend to have steady demand driven by infrastructure and construction cycles.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →