Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degree) at Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global

Median Earnings (1yr)

$43,448

82nd percentile

60th percentile in Indiana

Median Debt

$33,938

30% above national median

Analysis

Indiana Wesleyan's online Criminal Justice program charges more than most competitors—$33,938 in median debt versus $24,828 statewide—but struggles to justify the premium. While graduates earn $43,448 in their first year (ranking in the 82nd percentile nationally), that places them only in the 60th percentile among Indiana programs. Several in-state alternatives deliver similar or better outcomes at significantly lower cost: Vincennes University graduates earn $46,644, and Purdue Global hits $45,984, both with less debt burden.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.78 isn't terrible, and nearly half the student body receives Pell grants, suggesting the program serves working adults seeking career advancement. However, earnings growth over four years barely keeps pace with inflation at just 4%, which raises questions about whether this degree opens doors to better-paying positions or simply formalizes existing work experience.

For families comparing options, this comes down to convenience versus cost. If the online format and Indiana Wesleyan's support services are worth roughly $9,000 more in debt than state alternatives, it could work for a working adult with limited options. But traditional students should strongly consider starting at a community college or choosing one of the stronger-performing state programs that deliver better earnings without the debt premium.

Where Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global Stands

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

Earnings Distribution

How Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global 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
Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global	$43,448	$45,085	+4%
Oakland City University	$46,038	$59,489	+29%
Indiana University-Bloomington	$35,572	$51,792	+46%
University of Indianapolis	$44,418	$50,758	+14%
Ball State University	$39,991	$47,500	+19%

Compare to Similar Programs in Indiana

Criminal Justice and Corrections bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Indiana (28 total in state)

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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt	Debt/Earnings
Indiana Wesleyan University-National & GlobalMarion	$8,216	$43,448	$45,085	$33,938	0.78
Calumet College of Saint JosephWhiting	$22,650	$55,587	—	$23,856	0.43
Vincennes UniversityVincennes	$6,886	$46,644	$46,026	$21,030	0.45
Oakland City UniversityOakland City	$27,150	$46,038	$59,489	$24,657	0.54
Purdue University GlobalWest Lafayette	$10,110	$45,984	$43,072	$40,244	0.88
Indiana University-EastRichmond	$8,179	$45,204	$44,403	$28,686	0.63
National Median	—	$37,856	—	$26,130	0.69

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with criminal justice and corrections graduates

Financial Examiners

Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.

$90,400/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Emergency Management Directors

Plan and direct disaster response or crisis management activities, provide disaster preparedness training, and prepare emergency plans and procedures for natural (e.g., hurricanes, floods, earthquakes), wartime, or technological (e.g., nuclear power plant emergencies or hazardous materials spills) disasters or hostage situations.

$86,130/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in criminal justice, corrections, and law enforcement administration. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Compliance Officers

Examine, evaluate, and investigate eligibility for or conformity with laws and regulations governing contract compliance of licenses and permits, and perform other compliance and enforcement inspection and analysis activities not classified elsewhere.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Environmental Compliance Inspectors

Inspect and investigate sources of pollution to protect the public and environment and ensure conformance with Federal, State, and local regulations and ordinances.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers

Monitor and evaluate compliance with equal opportunity laws, guidelines, and policies to ensure that employment practices and contracting arrangements give equal opportunity without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Government Property Inspectors and Investigators

Investigate or inspect government property to ensure compliance with contract agreements and government regulations.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Regulatory Affairs Specialists

Coordinate and document internal regulatory processes, such as internal audits, inspections, license renewals, or registrations. May compile and prepare materials for submission to regulatory agencies.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Customs Brokers

Prepare customs documentation and ensure that shipments meet all applicable laws to facilitate the import and export of goods. Determine and track duties and taxes payable and process payments on behalf of client. Sign documents under a power of attorney. Represent clients in meetings with customs officials and apply for duty refunds and tariff reclassifications. Coordinate transportation and storage of imported goods.

$78,420/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Detectives and Criminal Investigators

Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.

$77,270/yrJobs growth:

Police Identification and Records Officers

Collect evidence at crime scene, classify and identify fingerprints, and photograph evidence for use in criminal and civil cases.

$77,270/yrJobs growth:

Intelligence Analysts

Gather, analyze, or evaluate information from a variety of sources, such as law enforcement databases, surveillance, intelligence networks or geographic information systems. Use intelligence data to anticipate and prevent organized crime activities, such as terrorism.

$77,270/yrJobs growth:

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 Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global, approximately 48% 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 77 graduates with reported earnings and 91 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.