Rankings / By State

Best Criminal Justice Colleges in Indiana

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 13 schools · Agent Insights

Schools Analyzed

$49,040

Avg. Earnings (10yr)

44%

Avg. Graduation Rate

$15,691

Avg. Net Price

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When considering a career in criminal justice, choosing the right college can significantly influence both your education and future opportunities. In Indiana, several colleges stand out for their programs, focusing on helping students succeed in this field. With average earnings of $49,040 for graduates, these schools offer a pathway to a stable career.

The schools on this list are ranked based on key outcomes such as earnings, graduation rates, and student debt. For anyone weighing their options, it's essential to look beyond just the degree and consider factors like how much graduates earn, the likelihood of completing the program, and the debt incurred. These metrics provide a clearer picture of what you can expect after graduation, making it easier to assess which college aligns with your career goals.

For instance, Indiana University-Kokomo leads the pack with graduates earning an average of $49,917, yet only 45% of students complete their degree. In contrast, Oakland City University boasts a higher graduation rate of 68%, but earnings fall slightly behind at $43,283. This illustrates a trade-off between completion rates and potential earnings that students should carefully consider as they decide on their educational path.

Key Findings

Indiana University-Kokomo graduates earn an average of $49,917, the highest in this ranking.

Oakland City University has the best graduation rate at 68%, significantly higher than the average of 44%.

Indiana University-East's net price is $8,134, which is lower than the average net price of $7,888 for other schools.

Graduates from Indiana University-Northwest face an average debt of $21,710, the highest among the top schools.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 13

Avg. earnings at 10yr $49,040

Avg. graduation rate 44%

Avg. net price $15,691

Avg. median debt $22,454

How We Ranked

Criminal Justice programs in Indiana ranked by outcomes and program concentration

Read our full methodology →

Earnings vs. Cost

Each dot is a ranked school. Up = higher earnings. Right = higher cost. Top-left is the best value.

Graduation Rates

Longer bars = higher graduation rate.

Top 3

Oakland City University

Oakland City, IN

Graduation68%

Earnings$43,283

Net Price$15,210

View full profile →

University of Indianapolis

Indianapolis, IN

Graduation56%

Earnings$53,610

Net Price$21,602

View full profile →

Trine University

Angola, IN

Graduation66%

Earnings$57,165

Net Price$25,355

View full profile →

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Full Rankings

Oakland City University

Oakland City, IN · 499 students · Private nonprofit

Oakland City University, a private nonprofit institution, prides itself on a graduation rate of 68%, which is notably higher than many similar schools. With a smaller student body of 499, the university fosters close relationships between students and staff, creating a personalized education experience that many find appealing.

83% accepted 68% graduate $43,283 earnings

Oakland's full profile

University of Indianapolis

Indianapolis, IN · 3,005 students · Private nonprofit

In Indianapolis, the University of Indianapolis stands out with a solid graduation rate of 56% among its approximately 3,005 students. This private nonprofit school is known for its commitment to student success and community engagement, creating opportunities for students to connect and grow both academically and personally.

67% accepted 56% graduate $53,610 earnings

University's full profile

Trine University

Angola, IN · 2,324 students · Private nonprofit

With a median earning of $57,165 a decade after graduation, Trine University in Angola, Indiana, showcases the potential for strong career outcomes. This private nonprofit institution supports a community of 2,324 students, where 66% successfully graduate, reflecting a commitment to student success and academic engagement.

85% accepted 66% graduate $57,165 earnings

Indiana University-Kokomo

Kokomo, IN · 2,352 students · Public

With an acceptance rate of 86%, Indiana University-Kokomo welcomes a diverse group of students eager to advance their education in a supportive environment. The campus fosters a tight-knit community, making it an appealing choice for those looking for personalized attention from faculty and staff.

86% accepted 45% graduate $49,917 earnings

Indiana's full profile

Indiana Institute of Technology

Fort Wayne, IN · 1,441 students · Private nonprofit

At the Indiana Institute of Technology in Fort Wayne, students benefit from a focus on practical, career-oriented education, though only 38% graduate. With median earnings of $47,327 ten years post-graduation, this private nonprofit is a suitable option for those seeking to enter the workforce equipped with applicable skills, despite its lower graduation rate compared to peers.

70% accepted 38% graduate $47,327 earnings

Indiana's full profile

Indiana University-East

Richmond, IN · 2,589 students · Public

Indiana University-East in Richmond, IN, is known for its strong focus on student success, reflected in the 2,589 students who choose to call it home. With a 67% acceptance rate, this public university offers a supportive community for those ready to take the next step in their education journey.

67% accepted 42% graduate $47,156 earnings

Indiana's full profile

Calumet College of Saint Joseph

Whiting, IN · 529 students · Private nonprofit

Calumet College of Saint Joseph, a private nonprofit institution in Whiting, Indiana, serves a smaller community of around 529 students. With a graduation rate of just 26%, the college may not suit every student's needs, but it fosters close-knit connections among students and faculty, which can enhance the learning experience for those who thrive in smaller settings.

26% graduate $46,945 earnings

Calumet's full profile

Indiana University-Southeast

New Albany, IN · 3,170 students · Public

With a welcoming community of around 3,170 students, Indiana University-Southeast provides a personalized educational experience right in New Albany. The school maintains an acceptance rate of 84%, making it accessible for many students looking for a supportive environment as they pursue their academic goals.

84% accepted 36% graduate $47,596 earnings

Indiana's full profile

Indiana University-South Bend

South Bend, IN · 3,933 students · Public

Located in South Bend, Indiana University-South Bend serves a diverse student body of approximately 3,933 students. The school emphasizes inclusivity, with an acceptance rate of 84%, ensuring that a wide range of students can find a place to thrive academically and socially.

84% accepted 38% graduate $44,947 earnings

Indiana's full profile

#10

Indiana University-Northwest

Gary, IN · 2,661 students · Public

Located in Gary, IN, Indiana University-Northwest provides a nurturing educational environment for its 2,661 students. With a 73% acceptance rate, it is an accessible choice for prospective students looking for a supportive university community.

73% accepted 37% graduate $43,361 earnings

Indiana's full profile

#11

Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global

Marion, IN · 6,656 students · Private nonprofit

Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global in Marion serves a larger student body of 6,656, emphasizing flexibility for adult learners and non-traditional students. Despite a graduation rate of 36%, graduates earn a median salary of $59,986 after ten years, which is one of the highest in the region, showcasing the potential for solid earnings in the workforce.

36% graduate $59,986 earnings

Indiana's full profile

#12

Indiana Institute of Technology-College of Professional Studies

Fort Wayne, IN · 2,686 students · Private nonprofit

At the Indiana Institute of Technology-College of Professional Studies, learners can take advantage of flexible learning options tailored for adult students, although only 28% graduate. The median earnings of $47,327 after ten years reflect the potential for a decent return on investment, but the lower graduation rate highlights a challenge for many in completing their studies.

28% graduate $47,327 earnings

Indiana's full profile

#13

Anderson University

Anderson, IN · 1,057 students · Private nonprofit

Anderson University in Indiana has a welcoming community with around 1,057 students, where 36% receive Pell Grants. This commitment to accessibility suggests that many students here come from diverse backgrounds, contributing to a rich campus environment. With a 79% acceptance rate, the university encourages students to apply and consider how their values align with the school's mission of holistic education.

79% accepted 52% graduate $48,899 earnings

Anderson's full profile

While exploring the data, one notable pattern emerges. Indiana University-East may have a lower graduation rate at 42%, but its graduates earn $47,156, highlighting a strong potential return despite a less favorable completion statistic. In comparison, Oakland City University has a 68% graduation rate but lower earnings of $43,283. This contrast underscores the importance of balancing graduation success with future earnings potential.

As you sift through these options, consider your personal priorities. If a strong graduation rate is your top concern, schools like Oakland City University may appeal more to you. On the other hand, if post-graduation earning potential is critical, Indiana University-Kokomo might better serve your goals. Reflect on what factors matter most—whether it's location, campus culture, or financial considerations—and use this data to guide your decision.

Ultimately, the journey from college to a stable life hinges on the choices we make now. For many families, the decision about where to pursue a degree in criminal justice can lead to significant financial and career outcomes. By analyzing these metrics and understanding their implications, we can make informed decisions that pave the way for a successful future.

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Social Capital Atlas

Times Higher Education World Rankings

NCES IPEDS

Sources & Citations

[1]

U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics. →

[2]

National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). →

David Krug

Co-Founder, CollegeRanker

David Krug is the co-founder of CollegeRanker and a data systems architect focused on making institutional research accessible to families. He builds the data pipelines and ranking algorithms that power CollegeRanker, drawing from federal datasets and Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights research to measure what traditional rankings ignore: whether a college actually changes a family's economic trajectory.

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