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
Earnings Distribution
How Fox Valley Technical College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fox Valley Technical College | $39,571 | $49,106 | +24% |
| Gateway Technical College | $38,881 | $45,787 | +18% |
| Chippewa Valley Technical College | $37,671 | $45,578 | +21% |
| Rasmussen University-Wisconsin | $47,447 | $45,519 | -4% |
| Milwaukee Area Technical College | $38,027 | $43,658 | +15% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Criminal Justice and Corrections associates's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (23 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,916 | $39,571 | $49,106 | $12,000 | 0.30 | |
| $4,796 | $51,806 | $43,336 | $12,750 | 0.25 | |
| $11,982 | $47,447 | $45,519 | $24,408 | 0.51 | |
| $4,524 | $44,966 | — | $10,252 | 0.23 | |
| $4,720 | $41,591 | $39,899 | $14,125 | 0.34 | |
| $4,170 | $40,164 | $36,298 | $10,493 | 0.26 | |
| National Median | — | $33,269 | — | $14,230 | 0.43 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with criminal justice and corrections graduates
Financial Examiners
Emergency Management Directors
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary
Compliance Officers
Environmental Compliance Inspectors
Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers
Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
Regulatory Affairs Specialists
Customs Brokers
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Police Identification and Records Officers
Intelligence Analysts
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.