Criminal Justice and Corrections at Herzing University-Madison

Herzing University-Madison's Criminal Justice program produces graduates who out-earn 95% of their peers both nationally and within Wisconsin—a striking achievement in a field where median earnings typically hover around $38,000. With first-year earnings of $67,229, graduates here earn nearly double what their counterparts at other Wisconsin schools make, matching the state's top-performing programs.

The catch is temporal: earnings drop by 12% by year four, settling at $58,875. This could reflect graduates starting in higher-paying roles like corrections management or federal positions, then transitioning to different career paths, or it might signal market corrections after initial placements. Still, even with this decline, fourth-year earnings remain 42% above the national median, and the initial debt load of $28,399 represents just six months of first-year salary—a manageable burden given the earnings premium.

For families considering this program, the key question is whether those exceptional first-year earnings reflect sustainable career trajectories or temporary placements. The school serves a predominantly working-class population (67% receive Pell grants), and its 94% admission rate suggests it's accessible to most applicants. If your child can secure one of those high-earning initial positions and maintain career momentum, this program offers exceptional value for a criminal justice degree. The downside risk appears limited: even in the worst case, fourth-year earnings still exceed what most graduates in this field earn from the start.