Rankings / By State
Best Criminal Justice Colleges in Maryland
- 14
- Schools
- $53,092
- Avg. Earnings
- 40%
- Avg. Graduation
- $15,194
- Avg. Net Price
- $18,331
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $36,748 at the low end to $82,652 at the top. That 2.2× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
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Carroll Community College offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $44,349 against $2,725 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
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The most budget-friendly option on this list is Carroll Community College, at $2,725 annually in net price.
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Completion rates separate this field: Loyola University Maryland graduates 80% of its students, well above the 40% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
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Debt-to-earnings ratios favor Anne Arundel Community College: graduates owe only 0.18× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- The top spot belongs to Wor-Wic Community College ($36,748 earnings), not the highest earner, Loyola University Maryland ($82,652). That is what weighting mobility and value over salary alone produces.
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. Carroll Community College ($2,725/yr) and Loyola University Maryland ($30,574/yr) produce graduates earning $44,349 and $82,652 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $27,849 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, Carroll Community College outperforms Loyola University Maryland: similar career earnings at a much lower net price.
The Takeaway
The through line among the top-ranked schools is plain. They pair solid graduate earnings with affordable costs and meaningful social mobility. Prestige and selectivity matter far less than whether students end up better off.
What This Means for Students
Your shortlist should start with Carroll Community College and Loyola University Maryland. For each school, look up the net price your family would actually pay, weigh it against typical graduate earnings, and build the decision around the return instead of the name recognition.
Why this ranking matters
These schools are ranked on outcomes that compound: graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value, all drawn from federal tax records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $48K ten years after enrollment.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Wor-Wic Community College #1 overall | $36,748 ▼ -31% vs avg | $9,360 | 27% | 77 |
| 2 Loyola University Maryland #2 overall | $82,652 ▲ +56% vs avg | $30,574 | 80% | 73 |
| 3 Community College of Baltimore County #3 overall | $43,729 ▼ -18% vs avg | $9,844 | 17% | 71 |
| $61,335 ▲ +16% vs avg | $13,868 | 43% | 70 | |
| $44,349 ▼ -16% vs avg | $2,725 | 43% | 70 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Criminal Justice Colleges in Maryland
This analysis ranks 14 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $53,092 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 40% and an average net price of $15,194.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: Carroll Community College — Net Price: $2,725 | Graduation Rate: 43%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Loyola University Maryland — 80% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Loyola University Maryland — Median alumni earnings: $82,652
Data Insight
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Legal Profession Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the legal profession and the justice system?
$47,623
Median earnings (10yr)
34%
Median graduation rate
$13,603
Median net price
1.5%
Avg. mobility rate
Legal education is high-stakes. Graduates carry significant debt into a profession where earnings split sharply between large-firm and public-sector tracks, and bar passage is non-negotiable. The programs that deliver value combine strong bar preparation, real placement into legal employment, and costs that do not force graduates onto the large-firm track just to service loans.
The median graduation rate across these 14 schools is 34%. Median graduate earnings reach $47,623 ten years after enrollment. Average net price, the cost after grants, is $13,603 a year, and median federal debt at graduation is about $21,993. Some 35% of students receive Pell grants, and mobility, the share of low-income students who reach the top quintile, averages 1.5%.
The earnings premium at the top of legal education masks a long tail of modest outcomes, and debt amplifies every decision. With median earnings of $47,623 and typical debt of $21,993, choosing a program with strong bar-passage rates and employment outcomes matters far more than chasing a brand name.
The podium
Build your ranking
Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.
Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Wor-Wic Community College lands at #1 with a 77/100 composite, led by value per dollar (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (51/100). Graduates earn a median $36,748 a decade after enrolling, 31% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,360 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
Loyola University Maryland lands at #2 with a 73/100 composite, led by academic quality (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (42/100). Graduates earn a median $82,652 a decade after enrolling, 56% above this list's average, and net price runs $30,574 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
Community College of Baltimore County lands at #3 with a 71/100 composite, led by value per dollar (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (42/100). Graduates earn a median $43,729 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,844 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
University of Baltimore lands at #4 with a 70/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (69/100) and pulled down by academic quality (57/100). Graduates earn a median $61,335 a decade after enrolling, 16% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,868 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Carroll Community College lands at #5 with a 70/100 composite, led by value per dollar (91/100) and pulled down by academic quality (53/100). Graduates earn a median $44,349 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $2,725 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
McDaniel College lands at #6 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $60,663 a decade after enrolling, 14% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,916 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Prince George's Community College lands at #7 with a 67/100 composite, led by value per dollar (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (45/100). Graduates earn a median $47,548 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,672 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
Anne Arundel Community College lands at #8 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (48/100). Graduates earn a median $46,219 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,915 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Cecil College lands at #9 with a 67/100 composite, led by value per dollar (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (44/100). Graduates earn a median $43,952 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,658 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Stevenson University lands at #10 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (45/100). Graduates earn a median $62,079 a decade after enrolling, 17% above this list's average, and net price runs $26,505 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Bowie State University lands at #11 with a 61/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (64/100) and pulled down by academic quality (49/100). Graduates earn a median $54,537 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,298 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
Coppin State University lands at #12 with a 61/100 composite, led by value per dollar (68/100) and pulled down by academic quality (45/100). Graduates earn a median $46,490 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,977 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Princess Anne, MD · 96% accepted · $13,338 net
Why it ranks #13
University of Maryland Eastern Shore lands at #13 with a 59/100 composite, led by social mobility (62/100) and pulled down by academic quality (53/100). Graduates earn a median $47,697 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,338 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
University of Maryland Global Campus lands at #14 with a 55/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (71/100) and pulled down by academic quality (42/100). Graduates earn a median $65,287 a decade after enrolling, 23% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,063 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 14 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Choosing the right college for criminal justice can shape a student's career path and earning potential. In Maryland, 17 institutions offer programs focused on this field, each with unique strengths that can either boost or hinder a graduate's future. With average earnings for graduates at around $52,627, it’s clear that picking the right school matters.
What differentiates the top schools in this list is not just their program offerings, but their outcomes. Metrics such as earnings, graduation rates, debt levels, and mobility reveal which institutions are truly preparing students for success. For example, a school with a high graduation rate but low earnings may not be the best choice if financial stability is a priority for you.
Take Loyola University Maryland and Wor-Wic Community College, for instance. Loyola graduates enjoy average earnings of $82,652 and an impressive graduation rate of 80%. In contrast, Wor-Wic graduates earn $36,748 and have a graduation rate of just 27%. This stark difference highlights the trade-offs that come with each program, and understanding these can guide your decision-making process.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
Social mobility carries the heaviest weight in this ranking, and the measure comes from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built from more than 30 million anonymized tax records. Across the 9 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 1.5%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. Prince George's Community College leads the group at 2.5%, with Wor-Wic Community College (2.1%) and Community College of Baltimore County (1.6%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 8.1% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. Wor-Wic Community College enrolls the most, at 19%, a sign it is reaching the students mobility is meant to lift. A high mobility rate paired with strong access is the combination that changes a generation's trajectory.
For the low-income students who do enroll, the success rate (the odds of reaching the top quintile) averages 23.3% across the list, peaking at 41.2% at McDaniel College.
These campuses can also be measured on social capital: the cross-class friendships Opportunity Insights links to long-run economic outcomes. Economic connectedness here averages 1.53, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and Loyola University Maryland is highest at 1.86.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
When comparing schools, the differences in earnings and graduation rates can reveal much about program quality. For example, while Loyola University Maryland has high earnings and a strong graduation rate, Wor-Wic Community College lags significantly despite its lower costs. This raises questions about the long-term return on investment for students choosing between these programs.
As you sift through this data, consider your own priorities. Are you looking for a strong earning potential after graduation, or is minimizing debt your main concern? Factors like location, campus culture, and specific program strengths should also weigh heavily in your decision. Make a list of what matters most to you and use these metrics to guide your choices.
Ultimately, the decision of where to attend college is deeply personal and has long-term implications. The right choice can lead to a stable career and financial independence, while the wrong one might result in overwhelming debt with limited job prospects. One family's decision to invest in a higher-priced program could pay off significantly, while another might find success at a more affordable institution with a focus on student support and outcomes.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Criminal Justice Colleges in Maryland: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Criminal Justice Colleges in Maryland ranking? +
Wor-Wic Community College in Salisbury, MD ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Criminal Justice Colleges in Maryland ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $36,748 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 27% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
Loyola University Maryland posts the highest median earnings on this list: $82,652 ten years after enrollment, well above the $53,092 average across the 14 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, Carroll Community College leads: graduates earn a median $44,349 against net price of about $2,725 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
Loyola University Maryland has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 80%, compared with a 40% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $15,194 a year across the 14 ranked schools with cost data. Carroll Community College is among the most affordable at roughly $2,725. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Criminal Justice Colleges in Maryland ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 14 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
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