# Best Criminal Justice Colleges in California

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 50 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-criminal-justice-california

## Methodology

Criminal Justice programs in California ranked by outcomes and program concentration

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

Choosing the right college for criminal justice in California can be a pivotal decision for aspiring law enforcement professionals. These schools not only offer programs tailored to the field but also have demonstrated strong outcomes for graduates. With an average earning potential of $51,479 for graduates across this list, understanding which programs provide the best return on investment is essential.

What sets the top schools apart in this ranking are key outcomes like graduation rates, earnings, and the level of student debt. When reviewing the list below, pay attention to metrics such as the percentage of graduates employed and their average earnings. These factors play a critical role in determining the long-term value of the educational experience.

For instance, San Jose State University stands out with an impressive earning potential of $78,988, significantly higher than the average earnings of $51,479 for graduates in this field. In contrast, California State University-Stanislaus, while still a solid choice, has an average earning potential of $63,188. This difference highlights the importance of selecting a program that aligns with your career aspirations and financial goals.

## Key Findings

- San Jose State University graduates earn $78,988 on average, the highest in this list.
- California State University-Fullerton has a 70% graduation rate, the highest among the top five.
- The average graduate earns $51,479, but some programs lead to significantly higher earnings.
- California State University-Stanislaus has the lowest net price among the top schools at $6,067.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [San Jose State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/san-jose-state-university) | San Jose, CA | 67% | $78,988 | $13,760 | $15,000 | 0.19x |
| 2 | [San Diego State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/san-diego-state-university) | San Diego, CA | 77% | $64,909 | $15,364 | $15,000 | 0.23x |
| 3 | [San Francisco State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/san-francisco-state-university) | San Francisco, CA | 50% | $68,077 | $12,278 | $15,371 | 0.23x |
| 4 | [Sonoma State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/sonoma-state-university) | Rohnert Park, CA | 59% | $65,986 | $12,885 | $16,705 | 0.25x |
| 5 | [College of the Siskiyous](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/college-of-the-siskiyous) | Weed, CA | 32% | $39,098 | $11,120 | $10,750 | 0.27x |
| 6 | [La Sierra University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/la-sierra-university) | Riverside, CA | 64% | $61,824 | $45,566 | $27,000 | 0.44x |
| 7 | [College of the Sequoias](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/college-of-the-sequoias) | Visalia, CA | 36% | $39,092 | $480 | $4,500 | 0.12x |
| 8 | [Sierra College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/sierra-college) | Rocklin, CA | 40% | $45,294 | $7,245 | $10,500 | 0.23x |
| 9 | [California State University-Stanislaus](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/california-state-university-stanislaus) | Turlock, CA | 56% | $63,188 | $6,067 | $13,540 | 0.21x |
| 10 | [National University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/national-university) | San Diego, CA | 42% | $67,548 | $22,878 | $25,000 | 0.37x |
| 11 | [Barstow Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/barstow-community-college) | Barstow, CA | 36% | $35,104 | $12,773 | $3,500 | 0.1x |
| 12 | [Point Loma Nazarene University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/point-loma-nazarene-university) | San Diego, CA | 76% | $63,998 | $38,729 | $22,990 | 0.36x |
| 13 | [California State University-Fullerton](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/california-state-university-fullerton) | Fullerton, CA | 70% | $62,951 | $6,555 | $13,750 | 0.22x |
| 14 | [California State University-Long Beach](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/california-state-university-long-beach) | Long Beach, CA | 69% | $64,403 | $10,440 | $14,289 | 0.22x |
| 15 | [California State University-Sacramento](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/california-state-university-sacramento) | Sacramento, CA | 56% | $64,876 | $9,338 | $15,000 | 0.23x |
| 16 | [California State University-Los Angeles](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/california-state-university-los-angeles) | Los Angeles, CA | 53% | $59,211 | $3,967 | $13,000 | 0.22x |
| 17 | [Las Positas College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/las-positas-college) | Livermore, CA | 51% | $51,088 | $5,377 | N/A | N/A |
| 18 | [California State University-San Bernardino](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/california-state-university-san-bernardino) | San Bernardino, CA | 55% | $59,977 | $4,564 | $14,715 | 0.25x |
| 19 | [California State University-Northridge](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/california-state-university-northridge) | Northridge, CA | 57% | $59,115 | $7,021 | $13,872 | 0.23x |
| 20 | [California State University-East Bay](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/california-state-university-east-bay) | Hayward, CA | 47% | $71,401 | $9,320 | $16,544 | 0.23x |
| 21 | [California State University-Bakersfield](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/california-state-university-bakersfield) | Bakersfield, CA | 50% | $59,009 | $5,652 | $16,600 | 0.28x |
| 22 | [California State University-Dominguez Hills](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/california-state-university-dominguez-hills) | Carson, CA | 45% | $57,162 | $8,615 | $13,807 | 0.24x |
| 23 | [California Baptist University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/california-baptist-university) | Riverside, CA | 61% | $61,504 | $26,285 | $26,063 | 0.42x |
| 24 | [Mendocino College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/mendocino-college) | Ukiah, CA | 28% | $40,243 | $8,330 | $10,836 | 0.27x |
| 25 | [Solano Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/solano-community-college) | Fairfield, CA | 35% | $44,170 | $4,669 | $12,000 | 0.27x |
| 26 | [California State University-Chico](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/california-state-university-chico) | Chico, CA | 63% | $64,172 | $14,480 | $16,552 | 0.26x |
| 27 | [College of San Mateo](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/college-of-san-mateo) | San Mateo, CA | 59% | $54,172 | $536 | $14,695 | 0.27x |
| 28 | [Gavilan College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/gavilan-college) | Gilroy, CA | 43% | $47,169 | $6,542 | N/A | N/A |
| 29 | [San Diego Miramar College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/san-diego-miramar-college) | San Diego, CA | 48% | $48,224 | $3,337 | $6,750 | 0.14x |
| 30 | [Southwestern College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/southwestern-college) | Chula Vista, CA | 34% | $40,060 | $12,671 | $4,500 | 0.11x |
| 31 | [Monterey Peninsula College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/monterey-peninsula-college) | Monterey, CA | 35% | $42,176 | $11,373 | N/A | N/A |
| 32 | [Lemoore College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/lemoore-college) | Lemoore, CA | 44% | $40,292 | $10,832 | $9,500 | 0.24x |
| 33 | [Lake Tahoe Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/lake-tahoe-community-college) | South Lake Tahoe, CA | 43% | $36,657 | $8,516 | N/A | N/A |
| 34 | [Mt San Jacinto Community College District](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/mt-san-jacinto-community-college-district) | San Jacinto, CA | 36% | $38,319 | $6,806 | N/A | N/A |
| 35 | [Moreno Valley College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/moreno-valley-college) | Moreno Valley, CA | 33% | $52,133 | $6,483 | N/A | N/A |
| 36 | [Mt San Antonio College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/mt-san-antonio-college) | Walnut, CA | 42% | $46,283 | $6,490 | $5,880 | 0.13x |
| 37 | [William Jessup University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/william-jessup-university) | Rocklin, CA | 58% | $56,257 | $28,062 | $23,700 | 0.42x |
| 38 | [Rio Hondo College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/rio-hondo-college) | Whittier, CA | 26% | $44,950 | $14,379 | $5,500 | 0.12x |
| 39 | [Golden West College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/golden-west-college) | Huntington Beach, CA | 47% | $43,145 | $4,824 | $7,179 | 0.17x |
| 40 | [Shasta College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/shasta-college) | Redding, CA | 26% | $39,269 | $2,878 | $14,250 | 0.36x |
| 41 | [Evergreen Valley College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/evergreen-valley-college) | San Jose, CA | 42% | $53,077 | $12,414 | $13,219 | 0.25x |
| 42 | [Imperial Valley College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/imperial-valley-college) | Imperial, CA | 45% | $34,487 | $1,115 | N/A | N/A |
| 43 | [Ventura College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/ventura-college) | Ventura, CA | 41% | $43,430 | $-982 | $13,876 | 0.32x |
| 44 | [Madera Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/madera-community-college) | Madera, CA | 34% | N/A | $4,179 | N/A | N/A |
| 45 | [Grossmont College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/grossmont-college) | El Cajon, CA | 34% | $40,309 | $5,311 | $8,625 | 0.21x |
| 46 | [East Los Angeles College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/east-los-angeles-college) | Monterey Park, CA | 35% | $42,006 | $10,852 | $10,500 | 0.25x |
| 47 | [Antelope Valley Community College District](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/antelope-valley-community-college-district) | Lancaster, CA | 33% | $36,526 | $3,860 | $12,500 | 0.34x |
| 48 | [Los Medanos College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/los-medanos-college) | Pittsburg, CA | 40% | $42,454 | $7,443 | N/A | N/A |
| 49 | [Sacramento City College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/sacramento-city-college) | Sacramento, CA | 32% | $42,214 | $6,614 | $10,500 | 0.25x |
| 50 | [Chaffey College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/chaffey-college) | Rancho Cucamonga, CA | 34% | $42,975 | $5,672 | N/A | N/A |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Criminal Justice Colleges in California." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-criminal-justice-california

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.