Criminal Justice and Corrections at Concordia University-Wisconsin

Based on comparable criminal justice programs in Wisconsin, this associate's degree carries an estimated debt burden of $18,188—about one-third higher than the state median of $13,750 for similar programs. That debt would consume roughly 46% of first-year earnings, which peer programs suggest land around $39,300. While this debt-to-earnings ratio sits in manageable territory, several Wisconsin technical colleges produce significantly stronger outcomes: Southwest Wisconsin Technical College graduates earn over $51,800, and even mid-tier programs like Waukesha County Technical College hit $41,600.

The challenge here is transparency. With both earnings and debt figures estimated due to small graduate samples, parents are essentially flying blind on this specific program's track record. The $39,300 earnings estimate matches Wisconsin's state median exactly—suggesting typical performance at best—but you're paying a private university premium (reflected in that higher debt load) without evidence of private university returns. Technical colleges in the state are demonstrably delivering better financial outcomes for criminal justice students.

For parents considering a $18,000+ investment in an associate's degree, this program presents too much uncertainty. If criminal justice is the goal, start by investigating Wisconsin's technical colleges with proven track records. If Concordia offers specific advantages—law enforcement connections, transfer pathways to their bachelor's program, or unique career services—those would need to be substantial to justify choosing estimated outcomes over documented results elsewhere.