Criminal Justice and Corrections at University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

UW-Oshkosh's Criminal Justice program starts graduates at below-average salaries for Wisconsin—landing at the 40th percentile among state programs with first-year earnings of $39,394. That's about $2,000 less than the typical Wisconsin criminal justice graduate earns. However, the trajectory tells a more interesting story: earnings jump to $58,148 by year four, a 48% increase that significantly outpaces what most programs in this field deliver. The $25,000 in median debt is manageable, particularly once that four-year earning power kicks in.

The challenge is the slow start. While graduates eventually catch up and surpass their peers, that first year at $39,394 means recent graduates will feel financially stretched—especially compared to peers at other Wisconsin programs who start $2,000-$3,000 higher. The state's top programs (several Herzing campuses) place graduates at $67,000, though those are likely specialized law enforcement tracks rather than general criminal justice degrees.

For families comfortable with a graduate taking an entry-level role that builds toward better opportunities, this program works. The debt burden isn't excessive, and the strong earnings growth suggests graduates are advancing into supervisor or specialized positions. But if your student needs to earn well immediately after graduation, recognize they'll start behind their Wisconsin peers before catching up around year three or four.