Looking for a Associate Degree in Criminal Justice in California? You should consider these top-tier programs and jobs in the Criminal Justice field.
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Associate Degrees in Criminal Justice in California
If you want to take your career to a new level, you need a degree. Students should consider the best degrees in California for criminal justice. With an associate degree, graduates can pursue diverse career paths. Associate degree-holders can move forward in their careers.
Individuals with an associate degree earn approximately $963 per week. This translates to about $3,852 a month and about $50,076 annually. Those who graduate from an associate program face an unemployment rate of 4.6%, while those who only have a high school diploma face 6.2% unemployment.
Criminal Justice Associate Programs for You
Working and Living in California in the Criminal Justice Profession
A criminal justice degree is broad enough to provide students with the opportunity to be well-positioned for careers within government and law enforcement agencies, while also offering many opportunities in the private sector. The courses within a criminal justice curriculum may cover criminology, sociology and psychology, civil procedure, and evidence laws. Classes are designed to educate students on the nature of justice systems, how they operate, and their role in protecting citizens.
The state's average annual wage is $47,920, or $23.04 per hour. All 16,529,810 employees in California are included in this statistic. The BLS reports that the lowest 10% of earners bring in about $29,780 per year, while about $130,430 is earned for those with high incomes. An example of the earnings of detectives and criminal investigators is presented below:
Key
Detectives and Criminal Investigators in California
Detectives and Criminal Investigators Nationally
All Occupations in California
All Occupations Nationally
Salaries for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in California and Nationwide
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Based on the MERIC cost of living index, California ranks number 49 out of 51 states (including Washington, D.C.). This index measures the average cost of living in the U.S. in comparison to specific places within the country. Based on a U.S. average of 100, all locations within the country are either above (more expensive) or below (less expensive). The cost of living index for California is 139.8, which is 39.8% higher than the national average. Students interested in relocating to California can use the cost of living comparison to find the right fit for them.
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There is a projected 2.5% growth rate in the detectives and criminal investigators profession over the next decade. The BLS projects the occupation's total employment to change from 112,500 in 2020 to 115,300 in 2030. To qualify for these positions, you need an associate degree. The following are typical job titles:
Detectives and criminal investigators
Criminal Investigator
Deputy United States Marshal
FBI Investigator
Homicide Detective
Narcotics Detective
Narcotics Investigator
Police Detective
Associate Degrees in Criminal Justice in California
#1 Associate Degrees in Criminal Justice in California
Humphreys University
Stockton, CA
4 years
Online + Campus
Humphreys University offers its associate in criminal justice program remotely. Students in the program gain knowledge and industry-relevant skills through coursework and experiential learning opportunities. Enrollees can apply their earned credits towards a bachelor's degree, certificates, and educational credentials.
Throughout the criminal justice program, students can access career services, academic advising, and other institutional resources. As part of an online learning community, distance learners can benefit from virtual library services, academic tutoring, and other resources. It is easier for students attending the school on campus to access campus facilities and professors' offices.
The institution reports that 100% of all enrollees receive financial aid, and 60% receive student loans.
Humphreys University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Location: Stockton, California
Student-Faculty Ratio: 12-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $14,580
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $14,580
Average Tuition
In-state
$14,580
Out-of-state
$14,580
Retention Rate
100%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
401
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
99%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Financing an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice
Financial aid can help students lower their degree costs. The financial aid you can obtain can help you pay for your degree or to pay for a work-study program. Students may be eligible for federal and private student loans as well as scholarships. There are some colleges that offer scholarships and financial aid to assist with the cost of their programs.
Students should contact the college's financial aid department for scholarships, grants, work-study, and loan opportunities.
Average Cost of Attending College in California
Depending on which college you attend, the cost of education in California will vary. The public and private sectors do, however, share some similarities. You can find out whether attending a public institution is right for you by reviewing the information below.
Public 4-Year School Tuition Rates: California vs. National Average
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California
National Average
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How about attending a private college or university? Private schools tend to cost more. Find out more about the private colleges in California by reviewing the following graph:
Private 4-Year School Tuition Rates: California vs. National Average
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California
National Average
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Federal Student Loan Information
Are you considering applying for student loans to fund your education? You should take certain things into consideration before obtaining a loan.
To successfully repay the loan on time, you must ensure that you can make all the payments.
Considering whether a particular school's degree will benefit your career goals is a wise decision.
The repayment schedule in place should not cause undue hardship on your finances once you enter the workforce.
You can determine what students tend to borrow by looking at the following data.
Undergraduate Federal Loans
Demographic
Percent who borrowed
Amount borrowed
Total
66.6%
$27,400
Female
69.6%
$28,100
Male
62.5%
$26,500
White, not Hispanic or Latino
66.1%
$26,700
Black, not Hispanic or Latino
85.7%
$34,800
Hispanic or Latino/a, of any race
67.7%
$25,700
Asian, not Hispanic or Latino
43%
$22,700
Other or Two or more races,
not Hispanic or Latino
Among the main differences between online and on-campus programs include class size. Numerous advantages can be gained from online programs, including flexibility, affordability, and ease of use. As a result of student fees, on-campus degrees tend to cost more. For many students, the advantages of attending classes outweigh the disadvantages.
Top Criminal Justice Degree Options Available by State
College attendance at a public or private institution differs in several ways, including cost. There are often grants and scholarships that provide students with financial aid to help them pay for their degree. A private college often offers merit scholarships based on the student's previous academic performance.
In private colleges, students receive more one-on-one opportunities to speak with professors. There are numerous benefits and drawbacks to attending a private versus a public institution.
Pros and Cons
Private
Unique program offerings
Cultural or religious options
Local prestige
Higher costs
Less regulatory oversight
Public
Government-issued tuition costs
Government funding, benefits, and regulation
Oftentimes large classrooms
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the salaries of detectives and criminal investigators in California?
The mean annual salary for detectives and criminal investigators in California is $107,650 per year.
What is demand like for graduates with criminal justice degrees?
The total number of detectives and criminal investigators is projected to change by 2.5% from 2020 to 2030.
Are there any options for earning an associate in criminal justice online?
There are many options for earning an online associate degree in criminal justice. A matter of fact, most schools provide an online program to assist students in their educational goals.
For those who wish to complete an associate degree, how long does it take?
Typically, full-time students complete an associate degree within two years of enrolling. A part-time student will have a different completion time, as will the duration of their study.
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