Rankings / Outcomes
Highest-Paying Colleges for Criminal Justice
- 50
- Schools
- $71,669
- Avg. Earnings
- 68%
- Avg. Graduation
- $24,182
- Avg. Net Price
- $21,966
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $56,195 at the low end to $86,863 at the top. That 1.5× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
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CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $56,195 against $3,203 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 CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice, at $3,203 annually in net price.
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Completion rates separate this field: University of Virginia-Main Campus graduates 95% of its students, well above the 68% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
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Debt-to-earnings ratios favor San Jose State University: graduates owe only 0.19× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice ($3,203/yr) and Sacred Heart University ($46,174/yr) produce graduates earning $56,195 and $75,059 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $42,971 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice outperforms University of Virginia-Main Campus: similar career earnings at a much lower net price.
- Completion is where this ranking's schools diverge most: University of Virginia-Main Campus graduates 95% of its students versus 42% at National University. 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 CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice and University of Virginia-Main Campus. 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 $72K 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
- Chetty, R., Friedman, J., Saez, E., Turner, N., & Yagan, D. (2017). Mobility Report Cards: The Role of Colleges in Intergenerational Mobility. NBER Working Paper No. 23618.
- U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics.
- National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
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 Virginia-Main Campus #1 overall | $86,863 ▲ +21% vs avg | $21,565 | 95% | 66 |
| 2 Massachusetts Maritime Academy #2 overall | $82,392 ▲ +15% vs avg | $21,582 | 77% | 64 |
| 3 Loyola University Maryland #3 overall | $82,652 ▲ +15% vs avg | $30,574 | 80% | 64 |
| $80,928 ▲ +13% vs avg | $24,478 | 75% | 63 | |
| $78,988 ▲ +10% vs avg | $13,760 | 67% | 62 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Highest-Paying Colleges for Criminal Justice
This analysis ranks 50 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $71,669 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 68% and an average net price of $24,182.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice — Net Price: $3,203 | Graduation Rate: 56%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: University of Virginia-Main Campus — 95% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: University of Virginia-Main Campus — Median alumni earnings: $86,863
Data Insight
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?
$71,466
Median earnings (10yr)
68%
Median graduation rate
$23,568
Median net price
2.4%
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 50 schools on this list, graduates earn a median of $71,466 ten years after they first enrolled, about $23,466 more than the roughly $48,000 a typical American worker takes home. The median graduation rate is 68%. Net price, what students pay after grants, runs a median of $23,568 a year, with about $23,000 in median federal debt at graduation. An average of 28% of students receive Pell grants, and the typical school moves low-income students into the top income quintile at a rate of 2.4%.
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 $71,466 and typical debt of $23,000, 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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Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Charlottesville, VA · 17% accepted · $21,565 net
Why it ranks #1
University of Virginia-Main Campus lands at #1 with a 66/100 composite, led by academic quality (95/100) and pulled down by social mobility (59/100). Graduates earn a median $86,863 a decade after enrolling, 21% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,565 a year, well under 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 #2
Massachusetts Maritime Academy lands at #2 with a 64/100 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, 15% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,582 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 #3
Loyola University Maryland lands at #3 with a 64/100 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, 15% 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 #4
Ohio Northern University lands at #4 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $80,928 a decade after enrolling, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,478 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
San Jose State University lands at #5 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (71/100). Graduates earn a median $78,988 a decade after enrolling, 10% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,760 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 #6
George Mason University lands at #6 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (60/100). Graduates earn a median $76,343 a decade after enrolling, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,915 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 #7
American University lands at #7 with a 60/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (38/100). Graduates earn a median $77,370 a decade after enrolling, 8% above this list's average, and net price runs $41,943 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
Prescott, AZ · 77% accepted · $40,287 net
Why it ranks #8
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott lands at #8 with a 60/100 composite, led by academic quality (77/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (33/100). Graduates earn a median $84,131 a decade after enrolling, 17% above this list's average, and net price runs $40,287 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
Daytona Beach, FL · 65% accepted · $41,272 net
Why it ranks #9
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach lands at #9 with a 60/100 composite, led by academic quality (79/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (34/100). Graduates earn a median $84,131 a decade after enrolling, 17% above this list's average, and net price runs $41,272 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 #10
Marist University lands at #10 with a 60/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (33/100). Graduates earn a median $77,819 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $41,544 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
Seattle University lands at #11 with a 59/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (41/100). Graduates earn a median $75,272 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $34,662 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 #12
Immaculata University lands at #12 with a 59/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $75,701 a decade after enrolling, 6% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,258 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 #13
The College of New Jersey lands at #13 with a 59/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (57/100). Graduates earn a median $73,323 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $27,646 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
University of Scranton lands at #14 with a 58/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (36/100). Graduates earn a median $74,652 a decade after enrolling, 4% above this list's average, and net price runs $32,568 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
Western New England University lands at #15 with a 57/100 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, 2% 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 #16
Iona University lands at #16 with a 57/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (41/100). Graduates earn a median $73,595 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $29,188 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 #17
Salve Regina University lands at #17 with a 56/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (29/100). Graduates earn a median $72,975 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $36,967 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 #18
University of Florida-Online lands at #18 with a 56/100 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, 0% 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 carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
Rutgers University-Newark lands at #19 with a 56/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (74/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (59/100). Graduates earn a median $74,479 a decade after enrolling, 4% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,703 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 #20
Merrimack College lands at #20 with a 56/100 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, 5% 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 #21
University of Washington-Tacoma Campus lands at #21 with a 56/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (79/100) and pulled down by social mobility (43/100). Graduates earn a median $78,466 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,163 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 #22
Saint Louis University lands at #22 with a 56/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $70,783 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $24,398 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 #23
Loyola University Chicago lands at #23 with a 55/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (34/100). Graduates earn a median $71,530 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $36,079 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 #24
Rutgers University-Camden lands at #24 with a 55/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (74/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (58/100). Graduates earn a median $74,479 a decade after enrolling, 4% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,745 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 #25
Seton Hall University lands at #25 with a 55/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (45/100). Graduates earn a median $70,196 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $31,446 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 #26
Sacred Heart University lands at #26 with a 55/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (25/100). Graduates earn a median $75,059 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $46,174 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 #27
Roger Williams University lands at #27 with a 55/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (29/100). Graduates earn a median $70,266 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $37,999 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 #28
Farmingdale State College lands at #28 with a 54/100 composite, led by value per dollar (78/100) and pulled down by social mobility (61/100). Graduates earn a median $69,781 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,867 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 #29
San Francisco State University lands at #29 with a 54/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by academic quality (66/100). Graduates earn a median $68,077 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,278 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 #30
Monmouth University lands at #30 with a 54/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (41/100). Graduates earn a median $67,991 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $30,988 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
Charleston, SC · 23% accepted · $20,723 net
Why it ranks #31
Citadel Military College of South Carolina lands at #31 with a 53/100 composite, led by academic quality (74/100) and pulled down by social mobility (55/100). Graduates earn a median $72,085 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $20,723 a year, well under 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 #32
Lewis University lands at #32 with a 53/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (63/100). Graduates earn a median $66,099 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,028 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 #33
Rockhurst University lands at #33 with a 53/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $67,102 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $25,884 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 #34
California State University-East Bay lands at #34 with a 53/100 composite, led by value per dollar (77/100) and pulled down by social mobility (61/100). Graduates earn a median $71,401 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $9,320 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 #35
Norwich University lands at #35 with a 53/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $65,575 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,257 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 #36
Suffolk University lands at #36 with a 53/100 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, 6% below 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, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #37
San Diego State University lands at #37 with a 52/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (62/100). Graduates earn a median $64,909 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,364 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 #38
Sonoma State University lands at #38 with a 52/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (66/100). Graduates earn a median $65,986 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,885 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 #39
Gwynedd Mercy University lands at #39 with a 52/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (43/100). Graduates earn a median $67,145 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $27,483 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 #40
University at Albany lands at #40 with a 52/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (72/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (61/100). Graduates earn a median $67,979 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,167 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 #41
Florida State University lands at #41 with a 52/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (71/100). Graduates earn a median $61,675 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,297 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 #42
La Salle University lands at #42 with a 52/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (55/100). Graduates earn a median $67,416 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,409 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
New York, NY · 57% accepted · $3,203 net
Why it ranks #43
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice lands at #43 with a 52/100 composite, led by value per dollar (90/100) and pulled down by academic quality (63/100). Graduates earn a median $56,195 a decade after enrolling, 22% below this list's average, and net price runs $3,203 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 #44
Utica University lands at #44 with a 51/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $63,277 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,108 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 #45
University of North Dakota lands at #45 with a 51/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (60/100). Graduates earn a median $63,552 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,551 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 #46
St. John's University-New York lands at #46 with a 51/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (70/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (42/100). Graduates earn a median $69,571 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $29,999 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 #47
Marymount University lands at #47 with a 51/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (42/100). Graduates earn a median $67,516 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $29,137 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 #48
Illinois State University lands at #48 with a 51/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (61/100). Graduates earn a median $62,117 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,398 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 #49
National University lands at #49 with a 51/100 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, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,878 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 #50
Florida International University lands at #50 with a 51/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (66/100). Graduates earn a median $60,249 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,288 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
Top states on this list
When considering a degree in Criminal Justice, prospective students often look for programs that not only provide a solid education but also lead to strong earnings after graduation. The schools on this list have demonstrated their ability to prepare graduates for lucrative careers in this field, with average earnings reaching $97,581.
What sets these institutions apart are the critical outcomes that matter most in a Criminal Justice program. Factors like graduate earnings, completion rates, debt levels, and mobility play key roles in determining the value of a degree. The schools listed below have excelled in these areas, making them top choices for students who want to ensure a return on their investment.
For example, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology stands out with impressive earnings of $143,372 and a high graduation rate of 96%. In contrast, MCPHS University, while offering a decent earning potential at $125,557, has a significantly lower graduation rate of 63%. This disparity highlights the importance of not just the earnings potential, but also the support systems in place for students to succeed.
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 38 schools on this list with available data, that rate averages 2.4%. CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice leads the group at 9.7%, with San Jose State University (5.4%) and Florida International University (5.2%) close behind.
Who gets in matters as much as what happens after. Across these schools, an average of 7.1% of students start in the bottom income quintile. National University leads at 30.4%, 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 37.7% 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 1.74 against a national benchmark of 1.0. American University 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
Where These Schools Are Located
The data reveals an intriguing pattern in the earnings of graduates from these programs. For instance, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology not only boasts top earnings at $143,372 but also maintains a high graduation rate of 96%. In contrast, MCPHS University, despite having a competitive earning figure of $125,557, falters with a graduation rate of just 63%. This suggests that while some schools may offer lucrative outcomes, support for student success is equally critical.
As you explore these 50 schools, consider how their financial data aligns with your personal priorities. Think about factors like location, program fit, campus culture, and your financial situation. If a school has high earnings but also a high cost of attendance, weigh that against potential debt and your career aspirations. Look for a balance that meets your academic and financial goals.
Ultimately, this data sheds light on the journey from college to a stable life. For many families, choosing the right school means the difference between a manageable financial future and overwhelming debt. With careful consideration of the metrics that matter, students can make informed decisions that pave the way for lasting success.
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
Highest-Paying Colleges for Criminal Justice: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Highest-Paying Colleges for Criminal Justice ranking? +
University of Virginia-Main Campus in Charlottesville, VA ranks #1 in our 2026 Highest-Paying Colleges for Criminal Justice ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $86,863 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 95% 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? +
University of Virginia-Main Campus posts the highest median earnings on this list: $86,863 ten years after enrollment, well above the $71,669 average across the 50 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, CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice leads: graduates earn a median $56,195 against net price of about $3,203 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 Virginia-Main Campus has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 95%, compared with a 68% 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 $24,182 a year across the 50 ranked schools with cost data. CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice is among the most affordable at roughly $3,203. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Highest-Paying Colleges for 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
Chetty, R., Friedman, J., Saez, E., Turner, N., & Yagan, D. (2017). Mobility Report Cards: The Role of Colleges in Intergenerational Mobility. NBER Working Paper No. 23618. →
U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics. →
National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). →
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