Criminal Justice and Corrections 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 and Corrections — 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 and Corrections 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 and Corrections 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 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 Western Dakota Technical College
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.