Criminal Justice and Corrections at Waukesha County Technical College

Waukesha County Technical College's Criminal Justice program starts graduates at $41,591—solidly above both the national median ($33,269) and Wisconsin's median ($39,298) for this degree. That 83rd percentile national ranking reflects strong initial placement, likely into county or municipal law enforcement roles in the Milwaukee metro area. However, the moderate 60th percentile ranking within Wisconsin reveals fiercer in-state competition, with programs like Southwest Wisconsin Tech and Rasmussen placing graduates nearly $10,000 higher.

The concerning signal here is the earnings trajectory: graduates actually earn less four years out ($39,899) than at graduation. This 4% decline suggests many are staying in entry-level correctional or security roles rather than advancing into better-paying positions. At $14,125 in debt—right at program averages—the financial risk stays manageable with a 0.34 debt-to-earnings ratio, but the stagnant career progression means graduates aren't building toward significantly higher lifetime earnings.

For families considering this path, the program offers decent immediate employment but limited upward mobility. If your child is committed to criminal justice work in southeastern Wisconsin and can keep debt near this level, it's a reasonable choice. But if career advancement and growing earnings matter, look closely at what graduates are doing four years out—and whether top-performing Wisconsin programs might offer better long-term prospects despite similar upfront costs.