Criminal Justice and Corrections at Viterbo University

Based on comparable criminal justice programs in Wisconsin, graduates typically earn around $42,000 in their first year—nearly $4,000 above the national median for this degree. With estimated debt of $27,700, that translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.67, which is manageable by industry standards. The challenge is that these figures come from peer programs across the state, not Viterbo's specific track record, so actual outcomes could vary.

The competitive landscape in Wisconsin reveals a significant divide. Specialized programs at Herzing campuses produce first-year earnings around $67,000, while public universities like UW-Parkside hit roughly $42,000. If Viterbo's program performs similarly to the state median—which seems reasonable given its profile—students would be entering a field where debt is recoverable within about eight months of earnings. Criminal justice careers often feature steady advancement and benefits that improve the total compensation picture beyond starting salary.

What matters most here is understanding where Viterbo's graduates actually land. Are they securing positions in corrections, law enforcement, probation services, or court administration? Do they stay local or compete in Milwaukee's stronger job market? Without program-specific data, you're betting that Viterbo's outcomes mirror the Wisconsin median. Given the debt load, that's a bet that requires conversations with current students and recent alumni about actual job placements before writing a tuition check.