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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #441 | Delhi, NY | $49,141 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $12,025 | 89.0% | 45.4% | |
| #442 | Joplin, MO | $49,114 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $9,759 | 97.0% | 41.6% | |
| #443 | Fairmont, WV | $49,055 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $8,434 | 98.6% | 44.3% | |
| #444 | Saint Louis, MO | $49,010 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $9,827 | — | 27.6% | |
| #445 | New Albany, IN | $49,003 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $3,782 | 84.5% | 39.2% | |
| #446 | Harding UniversityPrivate | Searcy, AR | $48,992 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $15,418 | 70.5% | 68.8% |
| #447 | Jacksonville, AL | $48,988 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $12,472 | 77.7% | 54.7% | |
| #448 | Florence, AL | $48,913 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $9,741 | 87.3% | 54.9% | |
| #449 | Alabama A & M UniversityPublic | Normal, AL | $48,912 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $16,500 | 58.0% | 24.0% |
| #450 | Trine UniversityPrivate | Angola, IN | $48,877 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $19,661 | 85.5% | 64.4% |
| #451 | Laredo, TX | $48,833 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $3,097 | 44.4% | 46.5% | |
| #452 | King UniversityPrivate | Bristol, TN | $48,784 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $22,696 | 99.7% | 47.9% |
| #453 | Tusculum UniversityPrivate | Greeneville, TN | $48,680 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $20,766 | 72.2% | 25.4% |
| #454 | Petersburg, VA | $48,624 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $13,220 | 88.6% | 39.4% | |
| #455 | Emporia State UniversityPublic | Emporia, KS | $48,574 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $11,452 | 97.7% | 56.1% |
| #456 | Kent, OH | $48,569 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $15,280 | 86.3% | 63.7% | |
| #457 | Atlanta, GA | $48,543 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $4,288 | — | 17.4% | |
| #458 | Hattiesburg, MS | $48,468 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $19,867 | 99.1% | 49.1% | |
| #459 | Durham, NC | $48,443 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $13,032 | 87.0% | 41.6% | |
| #460 | Murray State UniversityPublic | Murray, KY | $48,437 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $6,242 | 85.7% | 61.3% |
