Rankings / By State
Best Criminal Justice Colleges in Massachusetts
- 35
- Schools
- $52,462
- Avg. Earnings
- 42%
- Avg. Graduation
- $17,421
- Avg. Net Price
- $18,759
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $36,966 at the low end to $82,392 at the top. That 2.2× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
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Middlesex Community College offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $50,651 against $2,624 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
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Cost and quality are not at odds here. The most affordable school, Middlesex Community College at $2,624 a year in net price, delivers earnings of $50,651, matching or exceeding the list average.
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Completion rates separate this field: Massachusetts Maritime Academy graduates 77% of its students, well above the 42% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
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Debt-to-earnings ratios favor Massachusetts Bay Community College: graduates owe only 0.12× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. Middlesex Community College ($2,624/yr) and Endicott College ($40,654/yr) produce graduates earning $50,651 and $58,336 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $38,030 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, Middlesex Community College outperforms Massachusetts Maritime Academy: similar career earnings at a much lower net price.
- Completion is where this ranking's schools diverge most: Massachusetts Maritime Academy graduates 77% of its students versus 16% at Quincy College. Access without completion is opportunity unclaimed.
The Takeaway
The schools that win this ranking are not the priciest or the most selective. They turn students into earners without burying them in debt, which is exactly what our outcomes-first methodology is built to surface.
What This Means for Students
If you are choosing from this list, start with Middlesex Community College and Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Pull each school's net price for your income band, weigh projected earnings against the debt you would take on, and let payoff rather than prestige drive your shortlist.
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 $53K 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 Massachusetts Maritime Academy #1 overall | $82,392 ▲ +57% vs avg | $21,582 | 77% | 77 |
| 2 Westfield State University #2 overall | $57,346 ▲ +9% vs avg | $16,721 | 55% | 74 |
| 3 Worcester State University #3 overall | $60,624 ▲ +16% vs avg | $13,381 | 58% | 73 |
| $38,663 ▼ -26% vs avg | $5,547 | 22% | 73 | |
| $46,651 ▼ -11% vs avg | $28,333 | 44% | 73 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Criminal Justice Colleges in Massachusetts
This analysis ranks 35 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $52,462 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 42% and an average net price of $17,421.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: Middlesex Community College — Net Price: $2,624 | Graduation Rate: 23%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Massachusetts Maritime Academy — 77% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Massachusetts Maritime Academy — Median alumni earnings: $82,392
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?
$52,506
Median earnings (10yr)
44%
Median graduation rate
$15,996
Median net price
1.7%
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.
Across the 35 schools on this list, graduates earn a median of $52,506 ten years after they first enrolled, about $4,506 more than the roughly $48,000 a typical American worker takes home. The median graduation rate is 44%. Net price, what students pay after grants, runs a median of $15,996 a year, with about $23,081 in median federal debt at graduation. An average of 34% of students receive Pell grants, and the typical school moves low-income students into the top income quintile at a rate of 1.7%.
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 $52,506 and typical debt of $23,081, choosing a program with strong bar-passage rates and employment outcomes matters far more than chasing a brand name.
The podium
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Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Massachusetts Maritime Academy lands at #1 with a 77/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $82,392 a decade after enrolling, 57% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,582 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 #2
Westfield State University lands at #2 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (61/100). Graduates earn a median $57,346 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,721 a year. 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 #3
Worcester State University lands at #3 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (78/100) and pulled down by academic quality (64/100). Graduates earn a median $60,624 a decade after enrolling, 16% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,381 a year, well under 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 #4
Bristol Community College lands at #4 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (93/100) and pulled down by academic quality (56/100). Graduates earn a median $38,663 a decade after enrolling, 26% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,547 a year, well under the field. 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 #5
Anna Maria College lands at #5 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (37/100). Graduates earn a median $46,651 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $28,333 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, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Bridgewater State University lands at #6 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (56/100). Graduates earn a median $57,466 a decade after enrolling, 10% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,383 a year. 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
Bay Path University lands at #7 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (97/100) and pulled down by academic quality (54/100). Graduates earn a median $55,383 a decade after enrolling, 6% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,271 a year, well under 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 #8
Salem State University lands at #8 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (60/100). Graduates earn a median $56,662 a decade after enrolling, 8% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,996 a year. 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 #9
Fitchburg State University lands at #9 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (61/100). Graduates earn a median $53,874 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,262 a year, well under 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 #10
North Shore Community College lands at #10 with a 71/100 composite, led by value per dollar (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (57/100). Graduates earn a median $45,391 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,000 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 #11
Mount Wachusett Community College lands at #11 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (60/100). Graduates earn a median $41,118 a decade after enrolling, 22% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,931 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 #12
Western New England University lands at #12 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (39/100). Graduates earn a median $73,157 a decade after enrolling, 39% above this list's average, and net price runs $27,290 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
Massachusetts Bay Community College lands at #13 with a 69/100 composite, led by value per dollar (86/100) and pulled down by academic quality (41/100). Graduates earn a median $52,654 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $7,169 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
Curry College lands at #14 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (37/100). Graduates earn a median $54,400 a decade after enrolling, 4% above this list's average, and net price runs $29,207 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Suffolk University lands at #15 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (39/100). Graduates earn a median $67,506 a decade after enrolling, 29% above this list's average, and net price runs $29,618 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
Massasoit Community College lands at #16 with a 68/100 composite, led by value per dollar (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (42/100). Graduates earn a median $46,111 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,460 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
Why it ranks #17
Cape Cod Community College lands at #17 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (43/100). Graduates earn a median $43,670 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,296 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 #18
Bunker Hill Community College lands at #18 with a 67/100 composite, led by value per dollar (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (44/100). Graduates earn a median $47,618 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,818 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
Why it ranks #19
Quincy College lands at #19 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (55/100). Graduates earn a median $52,506 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,126 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
Northern Essex Community College lands at #20 with a 67/100 composite, led by value per dollar (86/100) and pulled down by academic quality (47/100). Graduates earn a median $42,862 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,046 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
Why it ranks #21
Nichols College lands at #21 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (36/100). Graduates earn a median $58,063 a decade after enrolling, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $33,036 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #22
Springfield Technical Community College lands at #22 with a 66/100 composite, led by value per dollar (85/100) and pulled down by academic quality (52/100). Graduates earn a median $36,966 a decade after enrolling, 30% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,662 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
Why it ranks #23
Springfield College lands at #23 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (36/100). Graduates earn a median $48,036 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $30,587 a year, above 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 #24
Holyoke Community College lands at #24 with a 65/100 composite, led by value per dollar (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (49/100). Graduates earn a median $37,277 a decade after enrolling, 29% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,068 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
Why it ranks #25
Merrimack College lands at #25 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (28/100). Graduates earn a median $75,584 a decade after enrolling, 44% above this list's average, and net price runs $37,927 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #26
Fisher College lands at #26 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (92/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (39/100). Graduates earn a median $49,669 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $26,649 a year, above 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 #27
Berkshire Community College lands at #27 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (77/100) and pulled down by academic quality (40/100). Graduates earn a median $38,832 a decade after enrolling, 26% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,921 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 #28
University of Massachusetts-Lowell lands at #28 with a 64/100 composite, led by academic quality (72/100) and pulled down by social mobility (54/100). Graduates earn a median $64,874 a decade after enrolling, 24% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,163 a year. 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 #29
University of Massachusetts-Boston lands at #29 with a 63/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (70/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (58/100). Graduates earn a median $65,865 a decade after enrolling, 26% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,707 a year. 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 #30
American International College lands at #30 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (40/100). Graduates earn a median $53,124 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,274 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #31
Endicott College lands at #31 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (26/100). Graduates earn a median $58,336 a decade after enrolling, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $40,654 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #32
Quinsigamond Community College lands at #32 with a 62/100 composite, led by value per dollar (74/100) and pulled down by academic quality (44/100). Graduates earn a median $45,949 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,090 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
Why it ranks #33
Dean College lands at #33 with a 60/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (32/100). Graduates earn a median $38,109 a decade after enrolling, 27% below this list's average, and net price runs $30,684 a year, above 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 #34
Middlesex Community College lands at #34 with a 59/100 composite, led by value per dollar (93/100) and pulled down by social mobility (41/100). Graduates earn a median $50,651 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $2,624 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
Why it ranks #35
Roxbury Community College lands at #35 with a 52/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (33/100). Graduates earn a median $38,773 a decade after enrolling, 26% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,244 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
Cut it by what you care about
The same 35 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Choosing the right college for criminal justice can feel overwhelming. With many options in Massachusetts, students and families are considering factors that impact their future success in the field. For context, graduates in criminal justice from these schools earn an average of $52,385 annually.
What sets the top schools apart in this ranking are the key outcomes like graduate rates, earnings, debt levels, and overall program concentration. The schools listed below have been evaluated based on how well they prepare their graduates for the job market, with a focus on both financial success and student completion rates. Understanding these metrics can help clarify which programs might be the right fit for you.
For instance, Massachusetts Maritime Academy stands out with a strong earning potential of $82,392, alongside a 77% graduation rate. In contrast, Middlesex Community College has a significantly lower earning potential of $50,651 and a graduation rate of only 23%. This contrast highlights the trade-offs between different programs and their outcomes, giving you a reason to consider not just the numbers, but the overall environment and opportunities each school provides.
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
The backbone of this ranking is social-mobility data from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, which draws on more than 30 million tax records. A school's mobility rate is the share of its students who move from the bottom income quintile to the top. Among the 33 schools on this list with available data, that rate averages 1.7%. American International College leads the group at 2.7%, with Suffolk University (2.7%) and Quincy College (2.5%) close behind.
Who gets in matters as much as what happens after. Across these schools, an average of 10.1% of students start in the bottom income quintile. Roxbury Community College leads at 36.6%, which signals an admissions door that is actually open to low-income students. Schools that pair high access with high mobility are the ones driving generational change.
Once low-income students enroll, their odds of reaching the top income quintile average 22.4% across this list. Massachusetts Maritime Academy posts the highest success rate at 61.3%. Access without completion and career momentum is an incomplete picture, and this is the number that completes it.
Social capital, measured by economic connectedness, captures the degree of cross-class friendship on campus, another dimension Opportunity Insights ties to long-run outcomes. Across these schools it averages 1.45 against a national benchmark of 1.0. Endicott College reaches 1.87, the highest on the list.
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
The data reveals an interesting trend: while Massachusetts Maritime Academy leads in earnings and graduation rates, Middlesex Community College struggles with its completion rate. This stark difference—54 percentage points in graduation rates—suggests that program support and resources significantly impact student success. Higher earnings are often linked to stronger programs, and it's evident that the environment and curriculum at top schools play a crucial role.
After reviewing the list, consider your own priorities. If financial burden is a concern, weighing net prices is essential. For example, Middlesex Community College has a net price of just $2,624, which might appeal to those looking for affordability. However, if job readiness and earning potential are more critical, schools like Massachusetts Maritime Academy may warrant the higher investment. Think about what matters most to you—whether it's location, campus culture, or financial considerations—and use these insights to guide your decision.
Ultimately, the path from college to a stable life is shaped by these choices. With an average graduation rate of 42% among these schools, it's clear that not all programs yield the same results. One family's choice can set the tone for future opportunities. This data should encourage families to think critically about their options and how these decisions align with long-term goals.
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 Massachusetts: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Criminal Justice Colleges in Massachusetts ranking? +
Massachusetts Maritime Academy in Buzzards Bay, MA ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Criminal Justice Colleges in Massachusetts ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $82,392 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 77% 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? +
Massachusetts Maritime Academy posts the highest median earnings on this list: $82,392 ten years after enrollment, well above the $52,462 average across the 35 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, Middlesex Community College leads: graduates earn a median $50,651 against net price of about $2,624 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? +
Massachusetts Maritime Academy has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 77%, compared with a 42% 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 $17,421 a year across the 35 ranked schools with cost data. Middlesex Community College is among the most affordable at roughly $2,624. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Criminal Justice Colleges in Massachusetts 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 35 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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