Criminal Justice and Corrections at Edgewood College

Similar criminal justice programs in Wisconsin suggest first-year earnings around $41,500, which positions this program right at the state median—and notably above the $37,900 national benchmark. With an estimated debt load of $27,700, the 0.67 debt-to-earnings ratio falls within reasonable territory for a bachelor's degree. However, the four-year earnings figure of $48,900 reveals modest income growth, climbing only about $7,400 over three years. That's a slower trajectory than many fields offer, though law enforcement and corrections careers often compensate through pension benefits and job security that raw salary figures don't capture.

What complicates the picture here is that we're working with estimates drawn from peer programs across Wisconsin, not actual outcomes from Edgewood graduates specifically. The wide range among Wisconsin schools—some Herzing campuses report graduates earning $67,200 while others cluster in the low $40,000s—shows how dramatically criminal justice outcomes vary by program focus and employer connections. Whether Edgewood's graduates land closer to those state troopers and federal agents or entry-level correctional officers makes all the difference financially.

For families considering this program, request placement data showing which agencies hire Edgewood graduates and at what positions. The debt level is manageable if your child secures steady public sector employment, but given the uncertainty in the estimates and the field's wide salary range, understanding the specific career pipeline from this program is essential before committing.