Criminal Justice and Corrections at Carroll University

Carroll University's Criminal Justice program sits in an uncomfortable middle ground—performing just above the national median but falling short within Wisconsin, where it ranks in the 40th percentile. While the $38,101 starting salary edges out the national average by a few hundred dollars, it trails the Wisconsin state median by over $3,400. That gap matters for in-state families who will see peers at UW-Parkside or UW-Superior earning around $42,000 right out of the gate. The $27,000 debt load is manageable with a 0.71 ratio, but you're paying similar debt for below-average Wisconsin outcomes.

The 12% earnings growth to $42,745 by year four is solid, suggesting the degree does build momentum. However, the small sample size here—fewer than 30 graduates—means these numbers could swing significantly with just a few data points. That's a real limitation when you're trying to assess risk.

If your child is set on criminal justice and staying in Wisconsin, the UW system schools deliver similar or better outcomes at likely lower costs. Carroll's value proposition becomes clearer if there are specific networking opportunities or program features you can verify independently, but the numbers alone don't make a compelling case against state alternatives.