Criminal Justice and Corrections at Herzing University-Kenosha

Herzing University-Kenosha's criminal justice graduates earn $67,229 in their first year—placing them at the top of both Wisconsin and national rankings, far exceeding the state median of $41,527 and more than doubling the national benchmark of $37,856. At $28,399 in typical debt, the financial entry point is reasonable, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.42. For parents worried about their child's ability to launch financially after graduation, these numbers stand out dramatically in a field often criticized for weak earnings.

The complication here is the earnings trajectory: four years out, median pay drops to $58,875, an unusual 12% decline. This likely reflects career transitions within law enforcement and corrections—graduates may start in higher-paying roles and then move into different positions, change agencies, or leave the field. Still, even at year four, earnings remain significantly above typical outcomes for this degree. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) suggests these results are reasonably stable, though not based on thousands of data points.

For families considering criminal justice programs in Wisconsin, this clearly outperforms the alternatives. The debt load is manageable, the initial earnings provide a solid foundation, and even with the later decline, graduates maintain strong earning power compared to peers statewide. If your child is committed to law enforcement or corrections work, this program delivers measurable financial advantage over competing options.