Criminal Justice at Wharton County Junior College
with a smaller student body of 4,832 in Wharton, TX.
Program Analysis
At $55,919 per year, Criminal Justice graduates from Wharton County Junior College significantly outpace the $39,484 national average for this trade, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.
The 215.4x 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 8% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Criminal Justice graduates.
A #36 ranking out of 469 Criminal Justice programs nationally puts Wharton County Junior College in the top 10% — a strong but not elite position.
Earnings growth is modest: $55,919 to $62,492 over five years (12% 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.
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 Wharton County Junior College
How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?
Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.