Criminal justice programs in Oceanside, CA

3 schools within 30 miles of Oceanside, CA offer police academy & criminal justice programs, and one is in Oceanside itself. Police officers in California earn a median $118,880 a year, according to the BLS.

Within 30 miles
3
Closest
2 mi
Public colleges
3
Median pay in CA
$118,880

3 police academy & criminal justice schools within 30 mi of Oceanside, CA

School results

  1. MiraCosta College

    Oceanside, CA · 2.4 mi · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • Automotive technician
    • Medical assistant
    • +2
  2. Palomar College

    San Marcos, CA · 8.8 mi · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • Electrician
    • HVAC technician
    • +12
  3. San Diego Miramar College

    San Diego, CA · 24 mi · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • Automotive technician
    • Diesel & heavy equipment mechanic
    • +5

What police officers earn in California

Median pay means half earn more and half earn less. Pay grows with experience, certifications and overtime.

Median pay
$118,880
$57.15 an hour
Typical range
$76,300–$153,190
10th to 90th percentile
Jobs in CA
65,940
Job growth, 2025–35
+3.5%
51,500 openings a year (U.S.)

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, and Employment Projections.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the closest police academy & criminal justice schools to Oceanside?

The closest are MiraCosta College (Oceanside, 2 mi), Palomar College (San Marcos, 9 mi), and San Diego Miramar College (San Diego, 24 mi). In total, 3 schools within 30 miles teach police academy & criminal justice.

How much do police academy & criminal justice programs near Oceanside cost?

For the 3 schools nearby that report it, the average yearly net price after aid ranges from $3,337 to $7,339. Ask each school for the full program cost, including tools, books and exam fees.

How much do police officers make near Oceanside?

Across California, the median pay is $118,880 a year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay varies by employer, experience and certifications.

How do I choose a police academy & criminal justice school in Oceanside?

Ask each school about accreditation, total cost after financial aid, hands-on lab hours, certification exam prep, class sizes and job placement. Request info from two or three schools so you can compare their answers side by side.