Criminal Justice programs produce graduates with career earnings ranging from $150,457 to $20,254 across 439 ranked programs. The $1,942 gap below national averages reflects the field's public service focus, though top programs demonstrate that law enforcement and public safety careers can yield substantial financial returns when graduates target specialized roles.
Leading the list is Neumann University, achieving the highest program earnings at $150,457. Southern Illinois University-Carbondale follows at $104,017, with Anna Maria College rounding out the top tier at $100,072. These programs demonstrate how strategic program selection within justice studies can significantly impact long-term career trajectories and median earnings potential.
| Rank | School | Location | Earnings | Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #221 | Howard UniversityPrivate | Washington, DC | $48,062 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $44,234 | 34.9% | 68.9% |
| #222 | San Bernardino, CA | $48,034 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $3,298 | 98.3% | 54.6% | |
| #223 | Indianapolis, IN | $48,010 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $5,748 | 81.4% | 53.9% | |
| #224 | Miami, FL | $48,001 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $7,112 | 58.8% | 73.9% | |
| #225 | Moorhead, MN | $47,995 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $13,260 | 52.6% | 54.6% | |
| #226 | Vermillion, SD | $47,981 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $13,687 | 99.0% | 61.4% | |
| #227 | Peru State CollegePublic | Peru, NE | $47,968 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $9,266 | — | 37.7% |
| #228 | University Park, PA | $47,946 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $18,032 | 80.3% | 85.7% | |
| #229 | Columbia CollegePrivate | Columbia, MO | $47,907 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $26,212 | — | 45.7% |
| #230 | Honolulu, HI | $47,849 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $31,894 | 92.6% | 58.1% | |
| #231 | Colorado Mesa UniversityPublic | Grand Junction, CO | $47,835 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $11,547 | 81.4% | 41.5% |
| #232 | Oklahoma City, OK | $47,816 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $17,373 | — | 33.3% | |
| #233 | Colorado Springs, CO | $47,815 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $11,562 | 96.6% | 45.3% | |
| #234 | Bradley UniversityPrivate | Peoria, IL | $47,789 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $17,762 | 76.7% | 72.1% |
| #235 | Mercy UniversityPrivate | Dobbs Ferry, NY | $47,718 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $13,092 | 85.5% | 48.1% |
| #236 | Saint Paul, MN | $47,710 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $21,812 | 91.9% | 68.4% | |
| #237 | Cumberland UniversityPrivate | Lebanon, TN | $47,688 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $16,827 | 67.0% | 47.0% |
| #238 | Warrensburg, MO | $47,678 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $11,862 | 68.6% | 49.4% | |
| #239 | Hampton UniversityPrivate | Hampton, VA | $47,540 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $29,338 | 48.3% | 55.7% |
| #240 | Lincoln UniversityPublic | Lincoln University, PA | $47,530 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $11,585 | 78.4% | 52.1% |
