Rankings / Value
Most Affordable Colleges for Criminal Justice
- 50
- Schools
- $51,028
- Avg. Earnings
- 48%
- Avg. Graduation
- $8,697
- Avg. Net Price
- $18,849
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Median graduate earnings across these 50 schools run from $36,382 to $71,588, a 2.0× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
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CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice delivers the most for the money: roughly $56,195 in median earnings against $3,203 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.
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The most affordable option, CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice ($3,203 net price), still posts $56,195 in earnings, at or above the list average. Paying more does not guarantee a better outcome.
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Florida State University graduates 84% of its students, versus a 48% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.
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CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.20× their annual earnings.
Surprising Comparisons
- #1 CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice ($56,195 earnings) outranks the list's highest earner, University of Florida-Online ($71,588), because it does more on mobility and cost.
- CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice costs $3,203 a year and Northeastern State University costs $12,710. Yet their graduates earn $56,195 and $45,379, nowhere near the $9,507 price gap.
- On value, CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice beats University of Florida-Online: 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 CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice and Florida State University. 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 $50K 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 CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice #1 overall | $56,195 ▲ +10% vs avg | $3,203 | 56% | 90 |
| 2 University of Florida-Online #2 overall | $71,588 ▲ +40% vs avg | $4,815 | 81% | 80 |
| 3 Texas A & M International University #3 overall | $48,386 ▼ -5% vs avg | $3,637 | 48% | 80 |
| $40,026 ▼ -22% vs avg | $6,364 | 46% | 79 | |
| $60,249 ▲ +18% vs avg | $9,288 | 74% | 78 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Most Affordable 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 $51,028 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 48% and an average net price of $8,697.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice — Net Price: $3,203 | Graduation Rate: 56%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Florida State University — 84% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: University of Florida-Online — Median alumni earnings: $71,588
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?
$50,026
Median earnings (10yr)
47%
Median graduation rate
$9,385
Median net price
2.4%
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 $50,026 ten years after they first enrolled, about $2,026 more than the roughly $48,000 a typical American worker takes home. The median graduation rate is 47%. Net price, what students pay after grants, runs a median of $9,385 a year, with about $18,000 in median federal debt at graduation. An average of 44% of students receive Pell grants, and the typical school moves low-income students into the top income quintile at a rate of 2.4%.
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 $50,026 against $18,000 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
New York, NY · 57% accepted · $3,203 net
Why it ranks #1
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice lands at #1 with a 90/100 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, 10% above 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 puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
University of Florida-Online lands at #2 with a 80/100 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, 40% 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 #3
Texas A & M International University lands at #3 with a 80/100 composite, led by value per dollar (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (54/100). Graduates earn a median $48,386 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $3,637 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
Elizabeth City State University lands at #4 with a 79/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (56/100). Graduates earn a median $40,026 a decade after enrolling, 22% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,364 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Florida International University lands at #5 with a 78/100 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, 18% above this list's average, and net price runs $9,288 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 #6
Florida Atlantic University lands at #6 with a 78/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (69/100). Graduates earn a median $56,746 a decade after enrolling, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $8,752 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Ferris State University lands at #7 with a 78/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (62/100). Graduates earn a median $54,735 a decade after enrolling, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $8,624 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 #8
Southeastern Oklahoma State University lands at #8 with a 78/100 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, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,039 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Edinburg, TX · 94% accepted · $4,831 net
Why it ranks #9
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley lands at #9 with a 78/100 composite, led by value per dollar (83/100) and pulled down by social mobility (57/100). Graduates earn a median $49,620 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $4,831 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
Los Angeles, CA · 91% accepted · $3,967 net
Why it ranks #10
California State University-Los Angeles lands at #10 with a 78/100 composite, led by value per dollar (86/100) and pulled down by academic quality (55/100). Graduates earn a median $59,211 a decade after enrolling, 16% above this list's average, and net price runs $3,967 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
Indiana University-Kokomo lands at #11 with a 78/100 composite, led by value per dollar (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (55/100). Graduates earn a median $49,917 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $3,968 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 #12
Fayetteville State University lands at #12 with a 78/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (56/100). Graduates earn a median $40,144 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,892 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 #13
University of Central Florida lands at #13 with a 77/100 composite, led by academic quality (87/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (70/100). Graduates earn a median $58,308 a decade after enrolling, 14% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,411 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 #14
University of North Florida lands at #14 with a 77/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (70/100). Graduates earn a median $56,343 a decade after enrolling, 10% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,154 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
Dalton State College lands at #15 with a 77/100 composite, led by value per dollar (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (55/100). Graduates earn a median $40,251 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,012 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
San Bernardino, CA · 94% accepted · $4,564 net
Why it ranks #16
California State University-San Bernardino lands at #16 with a 77/100 composite, led by value per dollar (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (61/100). Graduates earn a median $59,977 a decade after enrolling, 18% above this list's average, and net price runs $4,564 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 #17
Portland State University lands at #17 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (52/100). Graduates earn a median $57,906 a decade after enrolling, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $9,552 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
Florida State University lands at #18 with a 76/100 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, 21% above this list's average, and net price runs $11,297 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 #19
California State University-Stanislaus lands at #19 with a 76/100 composite, led by value per dollar (83/100) and pulled down by social mobility (65/100). Graduates earn a median $63,188 a decade after enrolling, 24% above this list's average, and net price runs $6,067 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 #20
The University of Texas at El Paso lands at #20 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (46/100). Graduates earn a median $50,923 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $9,403 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 #21
Lamar University lands at #21 with a 76/100 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, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,366 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 #22
Rhode Island College lands at #22 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (67/100). Graduates earn a median $56,318 a decade after enrolling, 10% above this list's average, and net price runs $9,478 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 #23
Clayton State University lands at #23 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (58/100). Graduates earn a median $49,179 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,365 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 #24
Bethel University lands at #24 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (60/100). Graduates earn a median $47,482 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,595 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 #25
Austin Peay State University lands at #25 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (61/100). Graduates earn a median $44,301 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,735 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
East Texas A&M University lands at #26 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (92/100) and pulled down by academic quality (53/100). Graduates earn a median $50,296 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,841 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
Bakersfield, CA · 94% accepted · $5,652 net
Why it ranks #27
California State University-Bakersfield lands at #27 with a 75/100 composite, led by value per dollar (81/100) and pulled down by social mobility (60/100). Graduates earn a median $59,009 a decade after enrolling, 16% above this list's average, and net price runs $5,652 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
University of North Georgia lands at #28 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (59/100). Graduates earn a median $50,135 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,823 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 #29
California State University-Fullerton lands at #29 with a 75/100 composite, led by value per dollar (83/100) and pulled down by social mobility (64/100). Graduates earn a median $62,951 a decade after enrolling, 23% above this list's average, and net price runs $6,555 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 #30
Kentucky State University lands at #30 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (47/100). Graduates earn a median $36,382 a decade after enrolling, 29% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,040 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
Portales, NM · 92% accepted · $4,904 net
Why it ranks #31
Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus lands at #31 with a 75/100 composite, led by value per dollar (82/100) and pulled down by social mobility (51/100). Graduates earn a median $38,550 a decade after enrolling, 24% below this list's average, and net price runs $4,904 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
Pembroke, NC · 93% accepted · $10,260 net
Why it ranks #32
University of North Carolina at Pembroke lands at #32 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (58/100). Graduates earn a median $43,407 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,260 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 #33
Gordon State College lands at #33 with a 75/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (41/100). Graduates earn a median $37,871 a decade after enrolling, 26% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,105 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
Eastern Kentucky University lands at #34 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (58/100). Graduates earn a median $45,795 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,040 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
San Antonio, TX · 87% accepted · $10,836 net
Why it ranks #35
The University of Texas at San Antonio lands at #35 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (55/100). Graduates earn a median $57,131 a decade after enrolling, 12% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,836 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 #36
Northwestern Oklahoma State University lands at #36 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (53/100). Graduates earn a median $44,358 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,104 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
Charlotte Amalie, VI · 99% accepted · $7,469 net
Why it ranks #37
University of the Virgin Islands lands at #37 with a 74/100 composite, led by value per dollar (78/100) and pulled down by social mobility (59/100). Graduates earn a median $38,681 a decade after enrolling, 24% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,469 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
Northridge, CA · 93% accepted · $7,021 net
Why it ranks #38
California State University-Northridge lands at #38 with a 74/100 composite, led by value per dollar (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (62/100). Graduates earn a median $59,115 a decade after enrolling, 16% above this list's average, and net price runs $7,021 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 #39
West Virginia State University lands at #39 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (54/100). Graduates earn a median $40,492 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,139 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
Missouri Southern State University lands at #40 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (54/100). Graduates earn a median $42,620 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,007 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
Greensboro, NC · 50% accepted · $10,846 net
Why it ranks #41
North Carolina A & T State University lands at #41 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (54/100). Graduates earn a median $44,440 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,846 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
SUNY Buffalo State University lands at #42 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (52/100). Graduates earn a median $52,334 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $11,346 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 #43
Valdosta State University lands at #43 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (62/100). Graduates earn a median $49,361 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,945 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
University Center, MI · 72% accepted · $10,775 net
Why it ranks #44
Saginaw Valley State University lands at #44 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (57/100). Graduates earn a median $51,955 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,775 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 #45
Florida Gulf Coast University lands at #45 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (68/100). Graduates earn a median $54,560 a decade after enrolling, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,568 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
Alexandria, LA · 92% accepted · $7,065 net
Why it ranks #46
Louisiana State University at Alexandria lands at #46 with a 73/100 composite, led by value per dollar (75/100) and pulled down by academic quality (56/100). Graduates earn a median $42,205 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,065 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
Shepherd University lands at #47 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (58/100). Graduates earn a median $49,358 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,363 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
Saint Peter's University lands at #48 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (62/100). Graduates earn a median $57,815 a decade after enrolling, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,199 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 #49
Farmingdale State College lands at #49 with a 73/100 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, 37% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,867 a year, above 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 #50
Northeastern State University lands at #50 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (60/100). Graduates earn a median $45,379 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,710 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
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
Choosing an affordable college for a degree in Criminal Justice can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available. The schools on this list share a commitment to providing quality education while keeping costs manageable. With average earnings post-graduation around $53,484, it's clear that these institutions are focused on preparing students for successful careers in this field.
What sets these colleges apart is their combination of affordability, graduation rates, and student debt levels. You'll see a range of outcomes that matter for Criminal Justice programs, including earnings potential, graduation rates, and net price of attendance. Below, you can explore how each school stacks up in these areas, helping you make a more informed decision.
For example, CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice shows strong outcomes with a net price of just $3,203 and earnings of $56,195 for graduates. In contrast, the University of Florida-Online offers higher earnings potential at $71,588, but with a higher net price of $4,815. These differences might influence your choice depending on what you value more: lower costs or higher post-graduation earnings.
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 36 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 The University of Texas at El Paso (6.8%) and Saint Peter's University (5.5%) close behind.
Who gets in matters as much as what happens after. Across these schools, an average of 12.5% of students start in the bottom income quintile. Elizabeth City State University leads at 32.1%, 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 20.5% across this list. East Texas A&M University posts the highest success rate at 44.7%. 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 1.37 against a national benchmark of 1.0. Bethel University reaches 1.82, 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
When we look closely at the data, a clear pattern emerges between schools like Texas A & M International University and The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Although both schools have similar earnings potential—$48,386 for Texas A & M and $49,620 for UTRGV—the graduation rate at Texas A & M is notably lower at 48% compared to UTRGV's 50%. This difference may affect not only the overall value of the degree but also the likelihood of completing the program.
After reviewing the list, it's essential to weigh the data against your own priorities. Consider factors like geographic location, the program's fit with your career goals, and the campus culture. For instance, if you value a lower net price, CUNY John Jay College stands out. On the other hand, if graduation rates are a top concern, the University of Florida-Online might be your better choice. Identify what's most important to you to guide your decision.
Ultimately, this data reflects a crucial reality: the path from college to a stable life is significantly influenced by these choices. One family might prioritize minimizing debt while another focuses on maximizing earnings potential. Each decision shapes the future, making it vital to approach this process thoughtfully and strategically.
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
Most Affordable Colleges for Criminal Justice: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Most Affordable Colleges for Criminal Justice ranking? +
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York, NY ranks #1 in our 2026 Most Affordable Colleges for Criminal Justice ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $56,195 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 56% 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 Florida-Online posts the highest median earnings on this list: $71,588 ten years after enrollment, well above the $51,028 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? +
Florida State University has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 84%, compared with a 48% 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 $8,697 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 Most Affordable 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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