Criminal Justice at Portland Community College
serving 18,365 students in Portland, OR.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $45,061 at Portland Community College come in 14% above the national median of $39,484 for Criminal Justice programs.
With a 46.8x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 0% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Criminal Justice career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.
With first-year pay of $45,061 far exceeding the $18,584 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
A #184 ranking among 469 Criminal Justice programs places Portland Community College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.
The limited growth from $45,061 to $46,875 over five years suggests earnings in this trade plateau relatively early in one's career.
The 17 apprenticeship pathways connected to Criminal Justice 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 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% |
Criminal Justice Career Guide
Explore what Criminal Justice graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 469 programs nationwide.
Compare & Explore
Criminal Justice Overview
Criminal Justice at Other Schools
Other Majors at Portland Community College
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.