Campus Police Officer

Also called: University Police Officer, College Police Officer

A sworn officer who patrols a college or university campus, responding to crimes, emergencies, and student safety concerns.

A day in the life

Campus officers patrol dorms on bikes, run safety talks for freshmen, respond to break-ins and medical emergencies, and handle huge crowds at football games. Many universities give officers free tuition.

Pay over a career

Starting
$45k
Typical
$64k
High
$92k

Estimate from BLS patrol officers at colleges and universities.

Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.

Training

High school diploma, about 1 year after high school. High school diploma (degree preferred) and police academy certification.

Ways in: On-the-job training, Certification, 2-year college. Training cost: Get paid while you train.

Majors to look at: Criminal Justice.

Outlook

Growing about average (about 3% over 10 years). BLS police and detectives, 2025-35.

Will it last? Our AI estimate

Low risk for 10 years. Campus cameras and safety apps assist; patrol, crowd events and helping students in crisis stay human.

Start now, in high school

Classes: Psychology, Health, Spanish, PE / strength training.

Official data: O*NET occupation 33-3051.

More Police & Local Law Enforcement careers

Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.