Criminal Justice and Corrections at Concordia University-Wisconsin

Concordia's criminal justice program places graduates in the middle of Wisconsin's pack—right at the state median for earnings—but shows notably stronger earning potential than most programs nationally. First-year graduates earn $41,527, outpacing the national median by nearly $4,000 and landing in the 71st percentile nationwide. The $27,000 median debt sits close to both state and national averages, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.65 that allows graduates to service loans without financial strain.

The 24% earnings growth by year four demonstrates solid career progression, with salaries climbing to $51,635. This trajectory suggests graduates are advancing beyond entry-level positions, though the program can't match the specialized outcomes at Herzing campuses, where criminal justice graduates earn significantly more (likely in specialized law enforcement or corrections roles). Still, Concordia delivers considerably better results than many Wisconsin alternatives while maintaining similar debt levels.

For parents evaluating the investment, this program offers reasonable value: your child will likely earn more than most criminal justice graduates nationally while taking on typical debt. The earnings won't be spectacular, but they're reliable and grow steadily. If your student is committed to criminal justice rather than exploring law enforcement specifically, Concordia provides a solid middle-ground option in Wisconsin's landscape.