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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #241 | Saint Xavier UniversityPrivate | Chicago, IL | $56,414 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $7,572 | 84.3% | 56.6% |
| #242 | The University Of OlivetPrivate | Olivet, MI | $56,379 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $19,656 | 83.3% | 35.3% |
| #243 | Shippensburg, PA | $56,376 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $18,709 | 86.5% | 55.7% | |
| #244 | Troy UniversityPublic | Troy, AL | $56,317 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $12,656 | 96.0% | 50.3% |
| #245 | Bay Path UniversityPrivate | Longmeadow, MA | $56,262 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $11,948 | 85.2% | 43.9% |
| #246 | Mequon, WI | $56,188 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $34,991 | 78.2% | 68.3% | |
| #247 | Ann Arbor, MI | $56,188 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $28,829 | 69.3% | 47.6% | |
| #248 | Chicopee, MA | $56,168 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $8,099 | 85.3% | 68.1% | |
| #249 | Temple UniversityPublic | Philadelphia, PA | $56,164 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $22,694 | 80.4% | 75.0% |
| #250 | Columbia CollegePrivate | Columbia, MO | $56,128 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $23,967 | — | 42.2% |
| #251 | Buffalo, NY | $56,034 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $7,405 | 73.0% | 33.3% | |
| #252 | Saint Martin's UniversityPrivate | Lacey, WA | $55,951 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $22,810 | 89.8% | 51.9% |
| #253 | Cullowhee, NC | $55,903 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $8,816 | 81.8% | 60.3% | |
| #254 | Howard UniversityPrivate | Washington, DC | $55,902 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $46,051 | 41.3% | 70.0% |
| #255 | Highland Heights, KY | $55,835 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $2,603 | 67.7% | 52.2% | |
| #256 | Mississippi CollegePrivate | Clinton, MS | $55,832 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $25,984 | 29.1% | 59.3% |
| #257 | Miami, FL | $55,830 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $7,003 | 54.7% | 74.4% | |
| #258 | University Park, IL | $55,811 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $9,563 | 48.3% | 22.1% | |
| #259 | Hays, KS | $55,790 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $7,661 | 90.3% | 47.7% | |
| #260 | Springfield, IL | $55,780 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $5,778 | 85.9% | 53.2% |
