Criminal Justice and Corrections at Florence - Darlington Technical College

Graduates from the Criminal Justice and Corrections program at Florence - Darlington Technical College can expect a steady earnings trajectory over the years. The median earnings one year after graduation stand at $33,233, which increases to $40,012 after five years and reaches $44,534 after ten years. When adjusted for purchasing power, the five-year salary aligns with a national equivalent of approximately $42,029.41, indicating that graduates may experience a favorable financial position relative to the national average, despite the cost of living index in South Carolina being slightly lower than the national average.

The primary industries that graduates enter are predominantly in Health Care & Social Assistance, accounting for 68.8% and 45.0% of placements, followed by Manufacturing at 22.7%. This concentration suggests that the program equips students with skills applicable in sectors that are both stable and growing. However, the estimated break-even point compared to a high-school-only path is approximately 35.5 years, indicating a long-term investment in education. Overall, while the program offers a pathway into essential industries, prospective students should weigh the time required to recoup educational costs against potential earnings.