Criminal Justice and Corrections at Alexandria Technical & Community College

Alexandria Technical's Criminal Justice program earns graduates $46,511 in their first year—about $13,000 more than the national median and placing it in the 95th percentile nationally. That's impressive context, though within Minnesota it tells a more nuanced story: the state's median for this field is $50,959, putting Alexandria closer to the middle of the pack among in-state options. The program ranks below several Twin Cities-area community colleges where graduates start in the low-to-mid $50,000s.

The financial picture remains solid regardless. With $12,000 in median debt—lower than both state and national benchmarks—graduates face a debt load they can reasonably manage in about three months of earnings. The 14% earnings growth to $53,077 by year four suggests career progression rather than stagnation, and the robust sample size of 100+ graduates gives these figures credibility.

For Minnesota families, this represents a safe, affordable entry into criminal justice careers. You're not getting the absolute highest earnings in the state, but you're getting reliable outcomes at a manageable cost. If your student can commute or wants to stay near Alexandria, the value proposition is clear. Those willing to relocate might explore the top-performing programs in the metro area, but the difference in first-year earnings—roughly $7,000—may not justify higher living costs or relocation.