Criminal Justice and Corrections at Chippewa Valley Technical College
a compact campus enrolling 4,127 students in Eau Claire, WI.
Program Analysis
Graduates earn $37,671/yr, roughly in line with the $39,484 national median for Criminal Justice and Corrections. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
With a 61.3x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 35% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Criminal Justice and Corrections career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.
With first-year pay of $37,671 far exceeding the $11,000 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
A #189 ranking among 469 Criminal Justice and Corrections programs places Chippewa Valley Technical College in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.
A 47% earnings increase from $37,671 to $55,472 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.
The 17 apprenticeship pathways connected to Criminal Justice and Corrections reflect strong industry infrastructure for this trade. Apprenticeships typically lead to journeyman-level wages.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Criminal Justice and Corrections graduates by median salary.
| Career Path | Median Salary | Growth | AI-ProofAI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Managers, all other | $136,550 | +4.5% | 53% |
| First-line supervisors of police and detectives | $105,980 | +2.9% | 67% |
| Detectives and criminal investigators | $93,580 | -0.7% | 47% |
About Criminal Justice and Corrections Careers
Your career in criminal justice often begins on the front lines, where demand is steady. You might start as a security guard, patrolling a corporate campus, monitoring surveillance feeds, and logging daily activity. Many graduates pursue a path as a police or sheriff's patrol officer, where your "office" is a patrol car and your daily tasks involve responding to calls, community engagement, and detailed incident reporting back at the station.
Read the full Criminal Justice and Corrections career guide →
Compare & Explore
Criminal Justice and Corrections Overview
Criminal Justice and Corrections at Other Schools
Other Majors at Chippewa Valley Technical College
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.