Criminal Justice and Corrections at Tennessee Wesleyan University

Looking at comparable criminal justice programs across Tennessee, the estimated $35,000 debt burden here nearly matches first-year earnings of roughly $36,000—a debt-to-earnings ratio just under 1.0. While this aligns with typical outcomes statewide, it represents a tighter financial position than the national benchmark, where median debt for this major sits around $26,000. That $9,000 difference matters when you're starting a career in law enforcement or corrections, where salaries often grow slowly in the early years.

The earnings estimate itself falls slightly below the national median of $38,000, though it matches Tennessee's typical outcomes for this field. What should concern you is how far this sits from the state's stronger performers: Bethel University graduates earn an estimated $54,000, and even Middle Tennessee State—a public institution—shows earnings around $38,000. These gaps suggest significant variation in career outcomes depending on which Tennessee program your child attends.

For a family considering Tennessee Wesleyan's criminal justice program, the key question is whether accumulating debt that equals an entire year's salary makes sense when peer programs in the state appear to deliver better returns. Given the limited actual data available for this specific program, visiting campus to understand their specific job placement track record and employer connections becomes essential—not optional research.