Rankings / Online Masters
Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice
- 50
- Schools
- $50,207
- Avg. Earnings
- 37%
- Avg. Graduation
- $17,930
- Avg. Net Price
- $22,464
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
-
Median graduate earnings across these 50 schools run from $31,349 to $84,131, a 2.7× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
-
University of Florida-Online delivers the most for the money: roughly $71,588 in median earnings against $4,815 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.
-
The most affordable option, University of Florida-Online ($4,815 net price), still posts $71,588 in earnings, at or above the list average. Paying more does not guarantee a better outcome.
-
University of Florida-Online graduates 81% of its students, versus a 37% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.
-
University of Florida-Online carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.21× their annual earnings.
Surprising Comparisons
- #1 University of Florida-Online ($71,588 earnings) outranks the list's highest earner, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide ($84,131), because it does more on mobility and cost.
- University of Florida-Online costs $4,815 a year and Southern New Hampshire University costs $36,708. Yet their graduates earn $71,588 and $50,318, nowhere near the $31,893 price gap.
- On value, University of Florida-Online beats Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide: comparable career payoff at a fraction of the net price.
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 University of Florida-Online. 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 $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 2026-07-20
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 University of Florida-Online #1 overall | $71,588 ▲ +43% vs avg | $4,815 | 81% | 100 |
| 2 Southern New Hampshire University #2 overall | $50,318 ▲ +0% vs avg | $36,708 | 44% | 100 |
| 3 | $84,131 ▲ +68% vs avg | $18,725 | 21% | 100 |
| $61,289 ▲ +22% vs avg | $17,550 | 39% | 100 | |
| $44,232 ▼ -12% vs avg | $12,684 | 36% | 100 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice
This analysis ranks 50 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $50,207 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 37% and an average net price of $17,930.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: University of Florida-Online — Net Price: $4,815 | Graduation Rate: 81%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: University of Florida-Online — 81% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide — Median alumni earnings: $84,131
Research Note
The most expensive quartile of colleges costs 373% more than the most affordable — but their graduates earn just 34% more.
Legal Profession Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the legal profession and the justice system?
$48,364
Median earnings (10yr)
34%
Median graduation rate
$18,725
Median net price
1.9%
Avg. mobility rate
Law and criminal-justice programs feed careers where outcomes hinge on two numbers most rankings ignore: bar passage and employment in the field. Salaries are famously bimodal, with a cluster at large firms and a long tail in public-interest and government roles. Debt loads can be heavy, so program quality carries unusual stakes.
Across the 50 schools on this list, graduates earn a median of $48,364 ten years after they first enrolled, about $364 more than the roughly $48,000 a typical American worker takes home. The median graduation rate is 34%. Net price, what students pay after grants, runs a median of $18,725 a year, with about $22,500 in median federal debt at graduation. An average of 42% of students receive Pell grants, and the typical school moves low-income students into the top income quintile at a rate of 1.9%.
What we’re seeing: the gap between programs with strong bar-passage and placement records and the rest is wide, and debt makes that gap consequential. Median earnings of $48,364 against $22,500 in typical debt show why fit and outcomes matter more here than prestige alone.
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
University of Florida-Online lands at #1 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (87/100) and pulled down by academic quality (68/100). Graduates earn a median $71,588 a decade after enrolling, 43% above this list's average, and net price runs $4,815 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 #2
Southern New Hampshire University lands at #2 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (93/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (31/100). Graduates earn a median $50,318 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $36,708 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
Daytona Beach, FL · 58% accepted · $18,725 net
Why it ranks #3
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide lands at #3 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (77/100) and pulled down by academic quality (41/100). Graduates earn a median $84,131 a decade after enrolling, 68% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,725 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 #4
Bellevue University lands at #4 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (90/100) and pulled down by academic quality (46/100). Graduates earn a median $61,289 a decade after enrolling, 22% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,550 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 #5
University of West Alabama lands at #5 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (50/100). Graduates earn a median $44,232 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,684 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 #6
Franklin University lands at #6 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (91/100) and pulled down by academic quality (31/100). Graduates earn a median $51,892 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $25,243 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
Waldorf University lands at #7 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (91/100) and pulled down by academic quality (41/100). Graduates earn a median $51,165 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,693 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 #8
Grand Canyon University lands at #8 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (93/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $42,186 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,472 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
University Park, PA · 91% accepted · $19,550 net
Why it ranks #9
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus lands at #9 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (69/100) and pulled down by academic quality (52/100). Graduates earn a median $63,435 a decade after enrolling, 26% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,550 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 #10
Empire State University lands at #10 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (70/100) and pulled down by academic quality (49/100). Graduates earn a median $54,080 a decade after enrolling, 8% above this list's average, and net price runs $11,676 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 #11
University of Arkansas Grantham lands at #11 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (69/100) and pulled down by academic quality (39/100). Graduates earn a median $63,496 a decade after enrolling, 26% above this list's average, and net price runs $8,370 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
Manchester, NH · $10,864 net
Why it ranks #12
University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online lands at #12 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (71/100) and pulled down by academic quality (37/100). Graduates earn a median $66,479 a decade after enrolling, 32% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,864 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 #13
National University lands at #13 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (89/100) and pulled down by academic quality (46/100). Graduates earn a median $67,548 a decade after enrolling, 35% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,878 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 #14
Liberty University lands at #14 with a 100/100 composite, led by academic quality (61/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (36/100). Graduates earn a median $44,813 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $29,357 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 #15
Purdue University Global lands at #15 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (65/100) and pulled down by academic quality (48/100). Graduates earn a median $36,596 a decade after enrolling, 27% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,770 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 #16
Herzing University-Madison lands at #16 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (57/100) and pulled down by academic quality (36/100). Graduates earn a median $36,909 a decade after enrolling, 26% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,327 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 #17
University of Maryland Global Campus lands at #17 with a 100/100 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, 30% 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
Why it ranks #18
Bryant & Stratton College-Online lands at #18 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (52/100) and pulled down by academic quality (31/100). Graduates earn a median $32,568 a decade after enrolling, 35% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,187 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 #19
Upper Iowa University lands at #19 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (90/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $52,766 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $20,942 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 #20
Remington College-Shreveport Campus lands at #20 with a 100/100 composite, led by academic quality (58/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (31/100). Graduates earn a median $31,349 a decade after enrolling, 38% below this list's average, and net price runs $30,758 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 #21
Saint Leo University lands at #21 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (90/100) and pulled down by academic quality (52/100). Graduates earn a median $48,364 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $21,293 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 #22
Arizona State University Digital Immersion lands at #22 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (71/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (64/100). Graduates earn a median $62,668 a decade after enrolling, 25% above this list's average. 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 #23
Belhaven University lands at #23 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (52/100). Graduates earn a median $46,440 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,676 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
Fort Wayne, IN · $20,473 net
Why it ranks #24
Indiana Institute of Technology-College of Professional Studies lands at #24 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (61/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $47,327 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,473 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
Shreveport, LA · 51% accepted · $7,022 net
Why it ranks #25
Louisiana State University-Shreveport lands at #25 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (74/100) and pulled down by social mobility (51/100). Graduates earn a median $47,477 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,022 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
Oklahoma City, OK · 92% accepted · $16,692 net
Why it ranks #26
Mid-America Christian University lands at #26 with a 100/100 composite, led by academic quality (67/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $46,116 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,692 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 #27
University of Cincinnati-Clermont College lands at #27 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (70/100) and pulled down by academic quality (32/100). Graduates earn a median $54,810 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,803 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 #28
Eastern University lands at #28 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (39/100). Graduates earn a median $51,655 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $26,662 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 #29
Indiana Wesleyan University-National & Global lands at #29 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (69/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (55/100). Graduates earn a median $59,986 a decade after enrolling, 19% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,898 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
Kent State University at Trumbull lands at #30 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (67/100) and pulled down by academic quality (44/100). Graduates earn a median $45,388 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,135 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 #31
Fisher College lands at #31 with a 100/100 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, 1% 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 #32
Metropolitan College of New York lands at #32 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (58/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (31/100). Graduates earn a median $46,236 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $28,882 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 #33
Southeastern Oklahoma State University lands at #33 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (63/100). Graduates earn a median $45,079 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,039 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 #34
Buena Vista University lands at #34 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $49,156 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,846 a year. 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 #35
University of the Southwest lands at #35 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (62/100) and pulled down by social mobility (49/100). Graduates earn a median $45,389 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,927 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 #36
Lamar University lands at #36 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (60/100). Graduates earn a median $49,652 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,366 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 #37
Spring Arbor University lands at #37 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $51,732 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,353 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 #38
McMurry University lands at #38 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (56/100). Graduates earn a median $48,779 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,581 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 #39
Baker College lands at #39 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (75/100) and pulled down by academic quality (43/100). Graduates earn a median $35,833 a decade after enrolling, 29% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,157 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 #40
Crown College lands at #40 with a 100/100 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, 4% 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 carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #41
Maranatha Baptist University lands at #41 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $45,593 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $26,005 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 #42
West Los Angeles College lands at #42 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (38/100). Graduates earn a median $38,537 a decade after enrolling, 23% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,634 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 #43
Park University lands at #43 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (92/100) and pulled down by academic quality (45/100). Graduates earn a median $56,309 a decade after enrolling, 12% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,032 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 #44
University of Mount Olive lands at #44 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (93/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $47,139 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,853 a year. 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 #45
Kent State University at Ashtabula lands at #45 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (65/100) and pulled down by academic quality (39/100). Graduates earn a median $45,388 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,205 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
Presque Isle, ME · 100% accepted · $7,035 net
Why it ranks #46
University of Maine at Presque Isle lands at #46 with a 100/100 composite, led by value per dollar (78/100) and pulled down by social mobility (47/100). Graduates earn a median $40,956 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,035 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 #47
Wilmington University lands at #47 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (89/100) and pulled down by academic quality (39/100). Graduates earn a median $53,844 a decade after enrolling, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,644 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #48
Los Angeles Pacific University lands at #48 with a 100/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (53/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (39/100). Net price runs $22,677 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 #49
SUNY College of Technology at Canton lands at #49 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (57/100). Graduates earn a median $47,860 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,268 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 #50
Livingstone College lands at #50 with a 100/100 composite, led by social mobility (64/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (45/100). Graduates earn a median $32,600 a decade after enrolling, 35% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,479 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 50 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Choosing the right online master's program in criminal justice involves careful consideration of various factors, especially as more students turn to flexible learning options. With an average earning potential of $61,071 for graduates in this field, it's clear that a degree can open doors to rewarding careers. However, not all programs yield the same outcomes, making it crucial to evaluate which ones lead to the best financial and professional success.
The top schools in this ranking distinguish themselves through strong graduation rates, manageable debt levels, and promising post-graduation earnings. For instance, the average graduation rate across these programs is 58%, but some institutions significantly outperform this average. As you explore the list below, pay attention to earnings and debt figures, as they provide insight into both the financial investment required and the potential return on that investment.
Take Florida State University and University of Central Florida as an example. Florida State graduates earn an average of $61,675 with an impressive 84% graduation rate, while University of Central Florida graduates earn slightly less at $58,308 but boast a higher graduation rate of 77%. This contrast highlights the different trade-offs you may face when selecting a program: higher earnings but lower completion rates or a more supportive environment that may lead to better graduation outcomes.
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 24 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 1.9%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. Park University leads the group at 3.9%, with Saint Leo University (3.6%) and Franklin University (3.5%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 12.8% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. National University enrolls the most, at 30.4%, 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 16.4% across the list, peaking at 28.2% at Buena Vista University.
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 1.44, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and Eastern University is highest at 1.74.
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
Where These Schools Are Located
When we look closer at the data, a clear pattern emerges: Florida State University's higher graduation rate of 84% compared to Sam Houston State University's 55% may lead to significantly different outcomes for students. While both schools have solid earnings potential, the ability to graduate can greatly influence long-term success and career advancement.
Now that you've seen the options, consider your own priorities. Think about what matters most — is it the program's location, the specific focus within criminal justice, or the support services available to online learners? Aligning these factors with your individual circumstances can help you make a more informed choice that suits your career goals and financial situation.
Ultimately, the data reflects the importance of choosing a program that not only fits your aspirations but also sets you up for a stable future. A degree in criminal justice can be a valuable asset, but understanding the implications of your choice, like debt levels and graduation rates, is crucial to ensuring that your investment pays off down the road.
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 Online Master's in Criminal Justice: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice ranking? +
University of Florida-Online in Gainesville, FL ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $71,588 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 81% 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? +
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide posts the highest median earnings on this list: $84,131 ten years after enrollment, well above the $50,207 average across the 49 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, University of Florida-Online leads: graduates earn a median $71,588 against net price of about $4,815 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? +
University of Florida-Online has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 81%, compared with a 37% 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 $17,930 a year across the 49 ranked schools with cost data. University of Florida-Online is among the most affordable at roughly $4,815. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice 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 50 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
