Median Earnings (1yr)
$39,571
78th percentile (60th in WI)
Median Debt
$12,000
16% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.30
Manageable
Sample Size
61
Adequate data

Analysis

Fox Valley Technical College graduates enter the workforce earning $39,571—a solid start that beats the national median by $6,300 and lands them in the 78th percentile nationally. However, within Wisconsin, this program sits squarely in the middle of the pack at the 60th percentile, trailing schools like Southwest Wisconsin Technical College by over $12,000. The manageable $12,000 debt load means graduates owe just 30% of their first year's salary, below both the state and national medians, making this a financially accessible entry point into law enforcement and corrections careers.

What makes this program particularly appealing is the 24% earnings growth trajectory—graduates see their income climb to $49,106 by year four, suggesting real career advancement opportunities rather than wage stagnation. That kind of growth, combined with minimal debt, creates breathing room for young professionals to establish themselves financially while building experience in the field.

For families weighing technical college options in Wisconsin, Fox Valley delivers reliable outcomes without standout performance. Your child won't graduate with impressive starting earnings compared to peers at other Wisconsin schools, but they also won't be burdened by debt while figuring out their career path. It's a sensible choice for someone committed to criminal justice work who values affordability and steady income growth over maximizing initial earnings.

Where Fox Valley Technical College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all criminal justice and corrections associates's programs nationally

Fox Valley Technical CollegeOther criminal justice and corrections programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Fox Valley Technical College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Fox Valley Technical College graduates earn $40k, placing them in the 78th percentile of all criminal justice and corrections associates programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin

Criminal Justice and Corrections associates's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (23 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Fox Valley Technical College$39,571$49,106$12,0000.30
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College$51,806$43,336$12,7500.25
Rasmussen University-Wisconsin$47,447$45,519$24,4080.51
Northwood Technical College$44,966—$10,2520.23
Waukesha County Technical College$41,591$39,899$14,1250.34
Blackhawk Technical College$40,164$36,298$10,4930.26
National Median$33,269—$14,2300.43

Other Criminal Justice and Corrections Programs in Wisconsin

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Wisconsin schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
Fennimore
$4,796$51,806$12,750
Rasmussen University-Wisconsin
Green Bay
$11,982$47,447$24,408
Northwood Technical College
Rice Lake
$4,524$44,966$10,252
Waukesha County Technical College
Pewaukee
$4,720$41,591$14,125
Blackhawk Technical College
Janesville
$4,170$40,164$10,493

About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Fox Valley Technical College, approximately 12% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Sample Size: Based on 61 graduates with reported earnings and 71 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.