Criminal justice programs in San Diego, CA

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

Within 30 miles
6
Closest
7 mi
Public colleges
5
Median pay in CA
$118,880

6 police academy & criminal justice schools within 30 mi of San Diego, CA

School results

  1. San Diego Miramar College

    San Diego, CA · 6.6 mi · Public

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

  2. Grossmont College

    El Cajon, CA · 7.5 mi · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • Culinary arts
    • Respiratory therapist

  3. ATA College

    El Cajon, CA · 8.9 mi · Private

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • HVAC technician
    • Medical assistant
    • +1

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  5. Southwestern College

    Chula Vista, CA · 15 mi · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • Automotive technician
    • Medical assistant
    • +13

  6. Palomar College

    San Marcos, CA · 23 mi · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • Electrician
    • HVAC technician
    • +12

  7. MiraCosta College

    Oceanside, CA · 28 mi · Public

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

What police officers earn in California

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

Police officer salary in CaliforniaHow to become a police officer

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 San Diego?

The closest are San Diego Miramar College (San Diego, 7 mi), Grossmont College (El Cajon, 8 mi), and ATA College (El Cajon, 9 mi). In total, 6 schools within 30 miles teach police academy & criminal justice.

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

For the 6 schools nearby that report it, the average yearly net price after aid ranges from $3,337 to $19,157. Ask each school for the full program cost, including tools, books and exam fees.

How much do police officers make near San Diego?

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 San Diego?

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.

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