Analysis
Similar criminal justice programs in Wisconsin suggest first-year earnings around $39,300—slightly above the national median but trailing the state's top technical colleges by $10,000 or more. The estimated $18,200 in debt is manageable, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 that positions this investment in reasonable territory. However, schools like Southwest Wisconsin Technical College and Rasmussen University-Wisconsin consistently place graduates into higher-earning roles, with reported outcomes exceeding $47,000 annually.
The challenge here is that we're working entirely with estimates based on peer programs, not actual graduate outcomes from Maranatha Baptist specifically. The university's small program size means the Department of Education suppresses the data, leaving families to rely on broader state patterns. Wisconsin's criminal justice field shows significant variation—from $40,000 to over $50,000 first-year—depending on whether graduates land in corrections, law enforcement, or administrative roles.
For families considering this program, the estimated numbers suggest workable debt levels but not standout earnings potential. Before committing, contact Maranatha directly about job placement rates and typical employer partnerships. Understanding where their graduates actually work—and what they earn—matters more than state-wide estimates when you're evaluating a $18,000 investment in a field where credential type and connections drive outcomes.
Where Maranatha Baptist University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all criminal justice and corrections associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Criminal Justice and Corrections associates's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (23 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $20,280 | $39,298* | — | $18,188* | — | |
| $4,796 | $51,806* | $43,336 | $12,750* | 0.25 | |
| $11,982 | $47,447* | $45,519 | $24,408* | 0.51 | |
| $4,524 | $44,966* | — | $10,252* | 0.23 | |
| $4,720 | $41,591* | $39,899 | $14,125* | 0.34 | |
| $4,170 | $40,164* | $36,298 | $10,493* | 0.26 | |
| National Median | — | $33,269* | — | $14,230* | 0.43 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with criminal justice and corrections graduates
Financial Examiners
Emergency Management Directors
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary
Compliance Officers
Environmental Compliance Inspectors
Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers
Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
Regulatory Affairs Specialists
Customs Brokers
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Police Identification and Records Officers
Intelligence Analysts
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 Maranatha Baptist University, approximately 34% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 14 similar programs in WI. Actual outcomes may vary.