Rankings / By State
Best Criminal Justice Colleges in Minnesota
- 13
- Schools
- $50,750
- Avg. Earnings
- 44%
- Avg. Graduation
- $14,676
- Avg. Net Price
- $16,408
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
-
Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $42,162 at the low end to $64,705 at the top. That 1.5× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
-
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $58,170 against $11,704 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
-
The most budget-friendly option on this list is Minnesota North College, at $10,432 annually in net price.
-
Completion rates separate this field: Saint Mary's University of Minnesota graduates 67% of its students, well above the 44% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
-
Debt-to-earnings ratios favor Alexandria Technical & Community College: graduates owe only 0.24× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- The top spot belongs to Saint Mary's University of Minnesota ($58,170 earnings), not the highest earner, Metropolitan State University ($64,705). That is what weighting mobility and value over salary alone produces.
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. Minnesota North College ($10,432/yr) and Crown College ($26,672/yr) produce graduates earning $45,570 and $48,057 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $16,240 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota outperforms Metropolitan State University: 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 Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. 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 $49K 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 Saint Mary's University of Minnesota #1 overall | $58,170 ▲ +15% vs avg | $11,704 | 67% | 70 |
| 2 Alexandria Technical & Community College #2 overall | $49,393 ▼ -3% vs avg | $13,691 | 60% | 66 |
| 3 Crown College #3 overall | $48,057 ▼ -5% vs avg | $26,672 | 54% | 63 |
| $58,056 ▲ +14% vs avg | $12,212 | 50% | 62 | |
| $45,570 ▼ -10% vs avg | $10,432 | 42% | 61 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Criminal Justice Colleges in Minnesota
This analysis ranks 13 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $50,750 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 44% and an average net price of $14,676.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: Saint Mary's University of Minnesota — Net Price: $11,704 | Graduation Rate: 67%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Saint Mary's University of Minnesota — 67% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Metropolitan State University — Median alumni earnings: $64,705
Our Analysis Found
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?
$49,393
Median earnings (10yr)
45%
Median graduation rate
$13,869
Median net price
0.9%
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 13 schools is 45%. Median graduate earnings reach $49,393 ten years after enrollment, roughly $1,393 more than the national worker average of $48,000. Average net price, the cost after grants, is $13,869 a year, and median federal debt at graduation is about $14,750. Some 24% of students receive Pell grants, and mobility, the share of low-income students who reach the top quintile, averages 0.9%.
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 $49,393 and typical debt of $14,750, 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
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota lands at #1 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (60/100). Graduates earn a median $58,170 a decade after enrolling, 15% above this list's average, and net price runs $11,704 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 #2
Alexandria Technical & Community College lands at #2 with a 66/100 composite, led by value per dollar (76/100) and pulled down by social mobility (54/100). Graduates earn a median $49,393 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,691 a year. 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 #3
Crown College lands at #3 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (88/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (45/100). Graduates earn a median $48,057 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $26,672 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 #4
University of Minnesota-Crookston lands at #4 with a 62/100 composite, led by value per dollar (73/100) and pulled down by social mobility (56/100). Graduates earn a median $58,056 a decade after enrolling, 14% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,212 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Minnesota North College lands at #5 with a 61/100 composite, led by value per dollar (76/100) and pulled down by academic quality (51/100). Graduates earn a median $45,570 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,432 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
Metropolitan State University lands at #6 with a 60/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (73/100) and pulled down by social mobility (52/100). Graduates earn a median $64,705 a decade after enrolling, 27% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,863 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 #7
Bemidji State University lands at #7 with a 60/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (67/100) and pulled down by social mobility (56/100). Graduates earn a median $53,755 a decade after enrolling, 6% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,261 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 #8
Southwest Minnesota State University lands at #8 with a 59/100 composite, led by value per dollar (69/100) and pulled down by social mobility (53/100). Graduates earn a median $51,342 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,291 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College lands at #9 with a 58/100 composite, led by value per dollar (75/100) and pulled down by academic quality (41/100). Graduates earn a median $45,665 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,677 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
Rochester Community and Technical College lands at #10 with a 57/100 composite, led by value per dollar (71/100) and pulled down by academic quality (47/100). Graduates earn a median $45,287 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,435 a year. 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
Lake Superior College lands at #11 with a 55/100 composite, led by value per dollar (70/100) and pulled down by social mobility (45/100). Graduates earn a median $46,449 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,492 a year. 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 #12
Central Lakes College-Brainerd lands at #12 with a 55/100 composite, led by value per dollar (74/100) and pulled down by social mobility (48/100). Graduates earn a median $42,162 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,869 a year. 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 #13
North Hennepin Community College lands at #13 with a 55/100 composite, led by value per dollar (74/100) and pulled down by social mobility (47/100). Graduates earn a median $51,142 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,186 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
Cut it by what you care about
The same 13 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Criminal justice programs in Minnesota are drawing attention for their potential to launch rewarding careers. With an average earning potential of $50,370, students are increasingly considering these options as they think about their futures. This list ranks 14 colleges that offer solid programs in this field, each with distinct features and outcomes.
What truly sets these schools apart are their graduation rates, average earnings, and student debt levels. For instance, the completion rate among these programs averages 43%, highlighting the importance of persistence in achieving a degree. The metrics below provide a snapshot of how each institution performs, focusing on what really matters for students and their families.
Take Alexandria Technical & Community College and Metropolitan State University, for example. Alexandria has a graduation rate of 60% and offers students a manageable net price of $13,691, while Metropolitan State has a higher earning potential at $64,705, but a lower graduation rate of 42% and greater debt at $17,100. These contrasts illustrate the trade-offs students face when choosing between programs and their financial implications.
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.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
When we look closely at the data, a notable pattern emerges. Alexandria Technical & Community College outperforms Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College significantly, with a graduation rate of 60% compared to Fond du Lac's 23%. This difference highlights the importance of support systems and program structures that can help students succeed, ultimately influencing their earning potential and job readiness.
As you consider these schools, think about what matters most to you. Are you prioritizing lower costs, or are you focused on graduation rates and potential earnings? Weigh the net price against the expected debt and see how each school’s outcomes align with your personal and financial goals. Campus culture and program fit also play crucial roles that data alone can’t capture.
The stakes here are high. Choosing the right college can be the difference between a stable career and financial uncertainty. Each family has its own unique situation, and the decision about where to study criminal justice is part of a larger journey toward a fulfilling life. Making informed choices now can pave the way for a more secure 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Criminal Justice Colleges in Minnesota: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Criminal Justice Colleges in Minnesota ranking? +
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota in Winona, MN ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Criminal Justice Colleges in Minnesota ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $58,170 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 67% 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? +
Metropolitan State University posts the highest median earnings on this list: $64,705 ten years after enrollment, well above the $50,750 average across the 13 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, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota leads: graduates earn a median $58,170 against net price of about $11,704 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? +
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 67%, compared with a 44% 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 $14,676 a year across the 13 ranked schools with cost data. Minnesota North College is among the most affordable at roughly $10,432. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Criminal Justice Colleges in Minnesota 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 13 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
Related Rankings
