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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #421 | Laredo, TX | $48,833 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $3,097 | 44.4% | 46.5% | |
| #422 | King UniversityPrivate | Bristol, TN | $48,784 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $22,696 | 99.7% | 47.9% |
| #423 | Tusculum UniversityPrivate | Greeneville, TN | $48,680 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $20,766 | 72.2% | 25.4% |
| #424 | Petersburg, VA | $48,624 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $13,220 | 88.6% | 39.4% | |
| #425 | Emporia State UniversityPublic | Emporia, KS | $48,574 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $11,452 | 97.7% | 56.1% |
| #426 | Kent, OH | $48,569 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $15,280 | 86.3% | 63.7% | |
| #427 | Hattiesburg, MS | $48,468 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $19,867 | 99.1% | 49.1% | |
| #428 | Durham, NC | $48,443 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $13,032 | 87.0% | 41.6% | |
| #429 | Murray State UniversityPublic | Murray, KY | $48,437 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $6,242 | 85.7% | 61.3% |
| #430 | Southeastern UniversityPrivate | Lakeland, FL | $48,343 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $29,498 | 53.0% | 42.5% |
| #431 | Dalton State CollegePublic | Dalton, GA | $48,341 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $3,962 | — | 25.3% |
| #432 | Lincoln UniversityPublic | Jefferson City, MO | $48,315 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $20,070 | — | 20.8% |
| #433 | Spartanburg, SC | $48,209 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $11,618 | 67.3% | 43.0% | |
| #434 | Goldey-Beacom CollegePrivate | Wilmington, DE | $48,005 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $11,367 | 84.5% | 57.4% |
| #435 | Cape Girardeau, MO | $47,934 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $12,704 | 73.5% | 57.9% | |
| #436 | Point Park UniversityPrivate | Pittsburgh, PA | $47,830 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $22,436 | 96.9% | 58.5% |
| #437 | Prairie View, TX | $47,743 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $12,120 | 79.3% | 43.2% | |
| #438 | Athens State UniversityPublic | Athens, AL | $47,683 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | — | — | — |
| #439 | Clayton State UniversityPublic | Morrow, GA | $47,627 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $7,405 | 68.5% | 39.9% |
| #440 | El Paso, TX | $47,211 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $7,863 | 99.9% | 50.2% |
