Criminal Justice Schools in California
51 California schools offer Criminal Justice. Earnings in California are in line with the national average, so compare programs on commute, tuition, and fit rather than on statewide outcomes alone.
Criminal Justice Training in California: What You Need to Know
Local program supply
California has 51 schools offering Criminal Justice programs, concentrated in 8 cities including {'city': 'Fresno', 'city_slug': 'fresno', 'count': 3, 'avg_earn': 30631.0}, {'city': 'Sacramento', 'city_slug': 'sacramento', 'count': 2, 'avg_earn': 32452.0}, {'city': 'Stockton', 'city_slug': 'stockton', 'count': 2, 'avg_earn': 31958.0}. Most students attend within 60 miles of home — local choice matters more than national rankings.
Earnings vs. national
Criminal Justice graduates in California earn approximately $37,350/year on average, which is -5% below the national average for this trade. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
California-specific licensing
Most skilled trades require a state-issued license or certification before you can work independently. Requirements vary substantially by state. Verify California-specific licensing through the relevant state board (Department of Labor, Contractors Board, or trade-specific licensing body). Apprenticeship hours often count toward licensure.
How California compares
Average TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Criminal Justice programs in California is 70/100. Cost of living, wage levels, and program supply all vary by state — see the school list below ranked by TradeSchoolOutlook Score, which combines earnings, debt, and job-market demand.
Criminal Justice Programs in California
All 51 California schools offering Criminal Justice, ranked by TradeSchoolOutlook Score. Click a school to see full earnings projections and program details.
Where Criminal Justice Programs Cluster in California
Cities with the most Criminal Justice programs — useful if you want to minimize commute or relocate within state.
| City | Schools | Avg Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Fresno, CA | 3 | $30,631/yr |
| Sacramento, CA | 2 | $32,452/yr |
| Stockton, CA | 2 | $31,958/yr |
| Ontario, CA | 2 | $31,512/yr |
| Visalia, CA | 2 | $31,106/yr |
| Lancaster, CA | 2 | $30,786/yr |
| Chula Vista, CA | 2 | $30,323/yr |
| Bakersfield, CA | 2 | $28,605/yr |
Compare Criminal Justice in Other States
Considering a nearby state? Here's how California compares to others with strong Criminal Justice offerings.