Best Criminal Justice and Corrections Schools in California

California has 29 colleges offering Criminal Justice and Corrections programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 7,055 recent graduates. Graduates earn $33,668 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $34,693.

School choice matters significantly: National University graduates earn $42,682 while University of Antelope Valley graduates earn $22,534 — a $20,148 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

29
Schools in CA
$33,668
CA Avg. Earnings
$34,693
National Avg.
663
Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Criminal Justice and Corrections in California

Public Schools (15)
$34,237
avg. 2yr earnings
Private Schools (4)
$36,920
avg. 2yr earnings

Private schools produce $2,683 more in early earnings on average, but typically cost more. Compare net price to determine which offers better ROI.

Criminal Justice and Corrections Schools in California, Ranked by Earnings

#1
N

National University

San Diego, CA · Private

$42,682
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $53,819
Graduates: 83
Acceptance: N/A
#2
C

California Baptist University

Riverside, CA · Private

$41,789
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $33,512
Graduates: 66
Acceptance: 73.6%
#3
A

Ashford University

San Diego, CA ·

$40,265
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $43,251
Graduates: 665
Acceptance: N/A
#4
S

Sonoma State University

Rohnert Park, CA · Public

$39,009
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $34,504
Graduates: 62
Acceptance: 94.7%
#5
S

San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA · Public

$38,609
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $37,329
Graduates: 253
Acceptance: 96.2%
#6
C

California State University-Sacramento

Sacramento, CA · Public

$38,195
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $33,592
Graduates: 495
Acceptance: 93.6%
#7
S

San Jose State University

San Jose, CA · Public

$37,748
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $34,457
Graduates: 107
Acceptance: 80.2%
#8
U

University of Phoenix-California

Ontario, CA ·

$36,887
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $39,195
Graduates: 1,937
Acceptance: N/A
#9
C

California Lutheran University

Thousand Oaks, CA · Private

$36,275
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $42,541
Graduates: 22
Acceptance: 88.9%
#10
C

California State University-East Bay

Hayward, CA · Public

$36,145
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $39,264
Graduates: 266
Acceptance: 96.8%
#11
C

California State University-Stanislaus

Turlock, CA · Public

$34,942
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $31,743
Graduates: 216
Acceptance: 97.5%
#12
C

California State University-Fullerton

Fullerton, CA · Public

$34,872
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $32,658
Graduates: 429
Acceptance: 86.7%
#13
D

DeVry University-California

Ontario, CA · For-Profit

$34,650
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $37,292
Graduates: 148
Acceptance: 43.3%
#14
H

Humphreys University-Stockton and Modesto Campuses

Stockton, CA ·

$34,420
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $31,463
Graduates: 20
Acceptance: N/A
#15
C

California State University-Long Beach

Long Beach, CA · Public

$33,565
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $31,210
Graduates: 192
Acceptance: 47.1%
#16
C

California State University-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public

$33,281
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $32,136
Graduates: 197
Acceptance: 91.9%
#17
C

California State University-Dominguez Hills

Carson, CA · Public

$33,179
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $32,872
Graduates: 314
Acceptance: 91.3%
#18
C

California State University-Chico

Chico, CA · Public

$32,988
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $33,845
Graduates: 193
Acceptance: 93.7%
#19
C

California Aeronautical University

Bakersfield, CA ·

$32,925
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $36,192
Graduates: 16
Acceptance: N/A
#20
C

California State University-San Bernardino

San Bernardino, CA · Public

$31,986
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $30,928
Graduates: 369
Acceptance: 98.3%
#21
C

California State University-Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA · Public

$30,926
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $28,455
Graduates: 61
Acceptance: 88.2%
#22
C

California State University-Fresno

Fresno, CA · Public

$30,248
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $29,175
Graduates: 394
Acceptance: 96.4%
#23
P

Platt College-Los Angeles

Alhambra, CA ·

$28,366
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: N/A
#24
P

Platt College-Ontario

Ontario, CA ·

$28,366
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: N/A
#25
P

Platt College-Riverside

Riverside, CA ·

$28,366
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: N/A
#26
P

Platt College-Anaheim

Anaheim, CA ·

$28,366
2yr Earnings
Acceptance: N/A
#27
S

San Diego State University

San Diego, CA · Public

$27,860
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $31,547
Graduates: 422
Acceptance: 34.4%
#28
L

La Sierra University

Riverside, CA · Private

$26,933
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $28,359
Graduates: 85
Acceptance: 93.3%
#29
U

University of Antelope Valley

Lancaster, CA ·

$22,534
2yr Earnings
1yr Earnings: $25,967
Graduates: 43
Acceptance: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Criminal Justice and Corrections in California?
National University ranks #1 for Criminal Justice and Corrections in California with median graduate earnings of $42,682 within two years of graduation. There are 29 schools offering Criminal Justice and Corrections programs in the state.
How much do Criminal Justice and Corrections graduates earn in California?
Criminal Justice and Corrections graduates in California earn an average of $33,668 within two years of graduation. This is 3% below the national average of $34,693 for this major.
What is the hardest Criminal Justice and Corrections school to get into in California?
San Diego State University is the most selective Criminal Justice and Corrections program in California with an acceptance rate of 34.4%. The average acceptance rate across Criminal Justice and Corrections programs in the state is 83.5%.
Should I attend a public or private school for Criminal Justice and Corrections in California?
In California, private Criminal Justice and Corrections programs produce average earnings of $36,920 vs $34,237 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 15 public and 4 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in California

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Criminal Justice and Corrections in Other States

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Data updated June 2026. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.