Criminal Justice at Madison Area Technical College
serving 9,273 students in Madison, WI.
Program Analysis
Graduates earn $39,174/yr, roughly in line with the $39,484 national median for Criminal Justice. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
The 42.9x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.
AI risk is moderate — 36% task exposure — and the 0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Criminal Justice graduates.
With first-year pay of $39,174 far exceeding the $13,375 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
Ranked #224 out of 469 programs, Madison Area Technical College's Criminal Justice offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.
With 17 registered apprenticeships mapped to Criminal Justice, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.
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 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% |
Criminal Justice Career Guide
See the full career breakdown for Criminal Justice — job titles, salary ranges, and growth projections for graduates from Madison Area Technical College and 468 other schools.
Compare & Explore
Criminal Justice Overview
Criminal Justice at Other Schools
Other Majors at Madison Area Technical College
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.