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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #481 | Commerce, TX | $46,596 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $9,709 | 92.2% | 42.8% | |
| #482 | Valdosta, GA | $46,593 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $9,378 | 72.3% | 42.4% | |
| #483 | Bethune-Cookman UniversityPrivate | Daytona Beach, FL | $46,540 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $10,896 | 88.2% | 30.5% |
| #484 | Mount Mercy UniversityPrivate | Cedar Rapids, IA | $46,517 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $17,070 | 82.5% | 57.7% |
| #485 | Chadron State CollegePublic | Chadron, NE | $46,495 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $10,047 | — | 50.4% |
| #486 | Nevada State UniversityPublic | Henderson, NV | $46,443 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $11,438 | 86.8% | 33.6% |
| #487 | Bob Jones UniversityPrivate | Greenville, SC | $46,332 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $14,287 | — | 64.8% |
| #488 | Mcneese State UniversityPublic | Lake Charles, LA | $46,223 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $10,482 | 78.3% | 47.0% |
| #489 | Cameron UniversityPublic | Lawton, OK | $46,197 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $8,752 | — | 30.7% |
| #490 | Silver City, NM | $46,184 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $8,381 | — | 32.2% | |
| #491 | La Roche UniversityPrivate | Pittsburgh, PA | $46,184 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $16,152 | 75.8% | 57.2% |
| #492 | Martin, TN | $46,142 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $7,151 | 88.2% | 52.5% | |
| #493 | Nashville, TN | $46,062 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $15,005 | 70.1% | 34.0% | |
| #494 | Blackburn CollegePrivate | Carlinville, IL | $46,004 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $16,838 | 63.2% | 57.5% |
| #495 | Houston, TX | $45,961 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $16,437 | 96.9% | 22.2% | |
| #496 | Las Vegas, NM | $45,868 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $13,511 | — | 26.2% | |
| #497 | Florida Memorial UniversityPrivate | Miami Gardens, FL | $45,656 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $21,882 | 85.3% | 31.1% |
| #498 | Thomas More UniversityPrivate | Crestview Hills, KY | $45,500 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $15,841 | 90.3% | 40.5% |
| #499 | Hammond, LA | $45,393 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $10,507 | 99.3% | 45.4% | |
| #500 | West Liberty UniversityPublic | West Liberty, WV | $45,353 Median Criminal Justice Earnings | $12,714 | 97.3% | 59.5% |
