Criminal Justice and Corrections at Kansas Wesleyan University

Kansas Wesleyan's criminal justice program generates first-year earnings of $37,301—slightly below both the Kansas median ($39,317) and national average ($37,856). More concerning, this places graduates in the 40th percentile among Kansas programs, meaning six out of ten similar programs in the state produce better outcomes. When other Kansas schools like Fort Hays State ($42,428) and Washburn ($40,052) deliver 14-18% higher earnings, the price-to-performance calculation becomes harder to justify.

The debt load of $24,330 is actually lower than state and national benchmarks, resulting in a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.65. For a family focused on minimizing borrowing, this represents a real advantage. However, with over 40% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are likely weighing whether an extra $3,000-5,000 in debt at a state school might unlock substantially higher earning potential.

The critical caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so these numbers could shift significantly year to year. For parents willing to take that uncertainty, the lower debt provides a cushion. But those prioritizing earnings should recognize that Kansas offers several stronger-performing alternatives at comparable or lower costs, making this a harder program to recommend unless location or fit factors heavily into the decision.