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Wisconsin Criminal Justice At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Criminal Justice Salary$82,725
National ComparisonWisconsin offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 6.6% below the national trend.
Primary Licensing BodyWisconsin POST Commission
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online criminal justice degree in Wisconsin offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. Wisconsin offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 6.6% below the national trend. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a top-ranked national program, Wisconsin students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Top Online Criminal Justice Schools in Wisconsin

The following schools offer accredited online criminal justice programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in Wisconsin.

How we rank schools: Rankings are based on available IPEDS and College Scorecard data including graduation rate, admission rate, program availability, completions, and published tuition. Data is informational only -- always confirm details directly with each school.

#1

Rasmussen University-Wisconsin

Green Bay, WI In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 61%
Tuition
In‑state$11,982
Out‑of‑state$11,982
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 34

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Wisconsin

Criminal Justice professionals in Wisconsin experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for Wisconsin.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Wisconsin)
Attorney$119,970
Judge or Magistrate$83,620
Police Supervisor$99,160
Detective or Criminal Investigator$92,910
Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer$78,980
Correctional Officer$74,490
Probation Officer$60,470
Forensic Science Technician$61,920
Paralegal or Legal Assistant$56,520
Information Security Analyst$99,210

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Criminal Justice Degree in Wisconsin?

Choosing a program in Wisconsin can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in Wisconsin offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
  • Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
  • Licensing Alignment: Programs in Wisconsin often align with POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) requirements specific to the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online criminal justice programs in Wisconsin accredited?

Yes, the programs listed above are accredited by recognized regional or national agencies. For Wisconsin, this includes accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring your degree meets high academic standards.

How does Criminal Justice pay in Wisconsin compare to other states?

Wisconsin offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 6.6% below the national trend. This makes Wisconsin a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for criminal justice in Wisconsin?

The Wisconsin POST Commission oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in Wisconsin. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.


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