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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #401 | Dillard UniversityPrivate | New Orleans, LA | $49,687 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $19,819 | 41.9% | 43.3% |
| #402 | Baton Rouge, LA | $49,609 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $19,047 | 35.1% | 27.1% | |
| #403 | Marshall UniversityPublic | Huntington, WV | $49,559 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $4,648 | 95.7% | 51.2% |
| #404 | Elmhurst UniversityPrivate | Elmhurst, IL | $49,480 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $17,892 | 73.6% | 70.0% |
| #405 | Lake Erie CollegePrivate | Painesville, OH | $49,426 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $20,195 | 70.4% | 38.0% |
| #406 | Angelo State UniversityPublic | San Angelo, TX | $49,416 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $12,008 | 83.0% | 44.0% |
| #407 | Hardin-Simmons UniversityPrivate | Abilene, TX | $49,389 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $13,822 | 90.0% | 46.0% |
| #408 | Albany State UniversityPublic | Albany, GA | $49,310 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $10,693 | — | 31.1% |
| #409 | Babson Park, FL | $49,224 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $27,801 | 69.4% | 28.0% | |
| #410 | Lafayette, LA | $49,201 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $11,157 | 87.0% | 52.6% | |
| #411 | Delhi, NY | $49,141 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $12,025 | 89.0% | 45.4% | |
| #412 | Joplin, MO | $49,114 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $9,759 | 97.0% | 41.6% | |
| #413 | Fairmont, WV | $49,055 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $8,434 | 98.6% | 44.3% | |
| #414 | Saint Louis, MO | $49,010 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $9,827 | — | 27.6% | |
| #415 | New Albany, IN | $49,003 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $3,782 | 84.5% | 39.2% | |
| #416 | Harding UniversityPrivate | Searcy, AR | $48,992 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $15,418 | 70.5% | 68.8% |
| #417 | Jacksonville, AL | $48,988 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $12,472 | 77.7% | 54.7% | |
| #418 | Florence, AL | $48,913 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $9,741 | 87.3% | 54.9% | |
| #419 | Alabama A & M UniversityPublic | Normal, AL | $48,912 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $16,500 | 58.0% | 24.0% |
| #420 | Trine UniversityPrivate | Angola, IN | $48,877 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $19,661 | 85.5% | 64.4% |
