Criminal Justice and Corrections at Madonna University

Madonna University's Criminal Justice program shows something unusual: graduates start earning slightly below average but catch up quickly, with earnings jumping 42% to reach $51,691 by year four. That's a significantly stronger trajectory than most criminal justice programs, where earnings tend to plateau early. However, starting at $36,296 means you're looking at a tight first year—roughly $17,000 below what top Michigan programs offer right out of the gate.

The debt picture helps soften that early crunch. At $19,771, Madonna graduates carry about $7,000 less debt than the typical Michigan criminal justice student, which matters when you're living on an entry-level salary. This program sits right at the state median for earnings (40th percentile) but keeps debt well below average, creating manageable monthly payments during those crucial early years.

The real question is whether your child can navigate that initial period. If they're willing to start in a lower-paying role with growth potential—perhaps moving from corrections officer to probation officer or into administrative positions—this program offers a reasonable path forward. But if they need higher immediate earnings or are comparing to programs like Siena Heights (which starts graduates at $67,000), understand that Madonna's value comes from modest debt and steady advancement, not from early earning power.