Criminal Justice at Western Dakota Technical College
a compact campus enrolling 733 students in Rapid City, SD.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $27,459 place Western Dakota Technical College below the $39,484 national median for Criminal Justice — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.
With a 28.5x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 40% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Criminal Justice career paths face changes, but the trade's physical demands provide a buffer.
At $15,750 against $27,459/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.
A #413 ranking among 469 Criminal Justice programs places Western Dakota Technical College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.
The $27,459-to-$49,288 earnings arc over five years reflects a 79% gain — well above average career growth for trade school graduates.
The 17 apprenticeship pathways connected to Criminal Justice 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 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
Criminal Justice opens doors to multiple career tracks. Our pillar guide covers every mapped occupation with salary data and AI resilience ratings.
Compare & Explore
Criminal Justice Overview
Criminal Justice at Other Schools
Other Majors at Western Dakota Technical College
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.