CUNY John Jay combines exceptional affordability with specialized career preparation in criminal justice fields. As a Mobility Engine institution, the college produces $8,909 in earnings beyond expectations while maintaining remarkably low debt levels at $11,000 median, supporting economic advancement for first-generation and low-income students.
With above-average outcomes, driven by moderate long-term earnings relative to educational investment costs
With exceptional performance, reflecting the institution's remarkably low net costs and controlled debt levels
With exceptional performance, indicating above-average enrollment of Pell-eligible and first-generation students
With excellent performance, demonstrating effectiveness in converting access into earnings growth for disadvantaged students
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Exceptional affordability with specialized criminal justice programs
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice leads in affordability performance, ranking in the 98.5th percentile nationally for cost-effectiveness. Located in New York City, this large public institution maintains moderately selective admission standards with a 57.2% acceptance rate while delivering specialized career preparation in criminal justice fields.
CUNY John Jay enrolls 59.2% Pell-eligible students and 48.5% first-generation students, reflecting its mission to serve diverse populations. The institution ranks #41 nationally in Azimuth's composite analysis, with composite performance at the 97.5th percentile.
Graduates earn $8,909 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 83.6th percentile nationally for earnings uplift. This combination of exceptional affordability, strong access, and above-average outcomes places CUNY John Jay firmly within the Mobility Engine quadrant, where institutions convert educational opportunity into economic advancement for underrepresented students.
CUNY John Jay delivers remarkable value through exceptionally low costs combined with specialized program outcomes. The institution's net price averages just $3,046 annually, ranking among the most affordable four-year colleges nationally.
Graduate earnings reach $56,195 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 61st percentile nationally. While earnings are above average, the institution's true strength lies in cost management.
Students seeking affordable pathways into criminal justice, law enforcement, and public safety careers. Well-suited for first-generation students (48.5%) and Pell-eligible students (59.2%) who want specialized programs at low cost.
CUNY John Jay's Mobility Engine designation reflects strong outcomes for students from diverse economic backgrounds, particularly those interested in corrections, forensic science, and behavioral analysis.
CUNY John Jay admits approximately 57.2% of applicants, meaning roughly 3 in 5 applicants receives an offer of admission. This places the institution in the moderately selective category, providing reasonable admission odds for qualified students interested in criminal justice education.
The peer median admission rate of 78.1% indicates that CUNY John Jay maintains somewhat higher selectivity standards than typical public institutions. However, this level of selectivity remains accessible for students with solid academic preparation, unlike highly competitive universities where admission becomes unpredictable even for strong candidates.
The institution's admission rate reflects its role as a specialized college focusing on criminal justice and related fields, allowing for more targeted recruitment while maintaining reasonable access for interested students. For prospective applicants, this selectivity level suggests that strong academic performance and demonstrated interest in criminal justice or public safety careers will significantly improve admission prospects.
Students should view CUNY John Jay as a realistic option rather than a reach school, particularly those with SAT scores in the 1000-1250 range and genuine interest in law enforcement or forensic science career paths.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
CUNY John Jay represents exceptional affordability among four-year institutions, with published cost of attendance reaching $13,712 per year. This includes $7,470 in-state tuition, room and board costs, and $1,500 for books and supplies.
However, the average student pays just $3,046 after financial aid, representing savings of $10,666 from the sticker price. This dramatic reduction reflects the institution's commitment to accessible public education and substantial state subsidies for New York residents.
The average net price of $3,046 falls well below the peer median of $15,590, creating a $12,544 advantage for CUNY John Jay students. This affordability extends across all income levels, with even the highest-earning families paying just $12,827 annually.
Federal College Scorecard data shows CUNY John Jay ranking among the most affordable four-year institutions nationally, making higher education accessible to students who might otherwise face prohibitive costs. The financial aid system effectively targets support toward students with the greatest need while maintaining low costs for all families.
For students prioritizing affordability without sacrificing educational quality, CUNY John Jay delivers exceptional value through its combination of low sticker prices and generous aid packages.
CUNY John Jay graduates demonstrate modest but steady earnings growth over time. Median earnings rise from $50,293 six years after enrollment to $56,676 at eight years and $56,195 at ten years, representing 11.7% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes are based on a ten-year cohort of 2,289 graduates, providing confidence in the reported figures across diverse program areas. Graduates earn $8,909 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing CUNY John Jay in the 83.6th percentile for earnings uplift relative to student demographics and institutional characteristics.
Low-income graduates earn $48,400, demonstrating the institution's effectiveness in supporting economic mobility for disadvantaged students. Earnings span from $35,780 at the 25th percentile to $80,288 at the 75th percentile, reflecting career trajectory differences across criminal justice specializations.
Approximately 22.7% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating solid preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education in law enforcement and related fields.
Computer Support Specialist.
119 graduates
Applied Economics.
47 graduates
Public Administration, Other.
67 graduates
Criminalistics and Criminal Science.
164 graduates
Corrections Administration.
1582 graduates
CUNY John Jay offers 13 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for ranking analysis. Corrections Administration dominates enrollment with 1,582 graduates earning $55,358 annually, ranking #1 nationally and achieving a perfect 100.0 value score.
Applied Behavior Analysis ranks #1 nationally with 481 graduates earning $49,895, also achieving a perfect 100.0 value score. Criminology ranks #5 nationally and #2 in New York State, graduating 230 students with median earnings of $51,389 and a strong 91.8 value score.
Criminalistics and Criminal Science ranks #2 nationally with 164 graduates earning $55,359. Legal Studies ranks #5 nationally and #1 in New York State, graduating 157 students with median earnings of $51,332.
Computer Support Specialist ranks #8 nationally, producing the highest graduate earnings at $65,483 despite smaller enrollment of 119 students. The institution's flagship programs consistently achieve top national rankings, reflecting specialized expertise in criminal justice education and strong employer recognition in law enforcement sectors.
Explore alternatives with comparable outcomes based on location, selectivity, and value:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
University Of New Haven Higher acceptance rate (23.3 percentage points higher) with similar program focus and located 65 miles away; similar graduate earnings | CT | 81% | $60,126 | Compare |
East Stroudsburg University Of Pennsylvania Higher acceptance rate (35.7 percentage points higher) and located 64 miles away; similar graduate earnings | PA | 93% | $56,148 | Compare |
Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary-Overbrook Higher acceptance rate (42.8 percentage points higher) and located 86 miles away; similar graduate earnings | PA | 100% | $55,225 | Compare |
Western Illinois University Higher acceptance rate (17.7 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | IL | 75% | $54,163 | Compare |
Hilbert College Higher acceptance rate (40.8 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | NY | 98% | $48,309 | Compare |
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
University Of North Texas Similar quality tier (#41 ranked) | TX | 72% | $57,010 | #41 | Compare |
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