Criminal Justice and Corrections at Central Oregon Community College

Graduates from the Criminal Justice and Corrections program at Central Oregon Community College experience a notable earnings trajectory. One year after graduation, the median earnings stand at $34,211, which increases to $50,849 five years post-graduation. However, by the ten-year mark, median earnings slightly decline to $50,615. When adjusted for purchasing power, the five-year salary equates to approximately $44,487.31 nationally, indicating that while initial earnings are modest, they may not keep pace with inflation over time, particularly in Oregon, where the cost of living index is higher than the national average.

The primary industries that graduates enter are predominantly in Health Care & Social Assistance, with 53.4% of graduates working in this sector, followed by 29.2% and 27.4% in similar roles. This concentration suggests a strong alignment between the program and the needs of the health care sector. The estimated break-even point for graduates compared to those with only a high school diploma is approximately 16.5 years, indicating a long-term return on investment. Overall, while the program offers a pathway into stable industries, the financial returns may take significant time to materialize relative to alternative educational paths.