Criminal Justice and Corrections

Salary data, best schools, and honest ROI assessment

Avg Earnings (4yr)

$39,338

Median Earnings

$54,649

Schools Offering

616

ROI Grade

C+

Earnings Range (4 Years After Graduation)

25th: $49,817Median: $54,64975th: $59,020

Best Schools for Criminal Justice and Corrections by Earnings

#	School	ROI	4yr Earnings	Net Price	Major Debt	Grade
1	Calumet College of Saint Joseph IN · Private	29	$106,465	$22,451	$23,856	B
2	University of New Hampshire-Main Campus NH · Public	74	$81,768	$23,805	N/A	-
3	University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online NH · Public	72	$81,768	$10,864	N/A	-
4	National University CA · Private	64	$81,299	$22,878	$28,014	B
5	Fisher College MA · Private	23	$80,136	$26,649	$27,000	C
6	George Washington University DC · Private	88	$80,070	$36,586	$20,500	B
7	Saint Mary's University of Minnesota MN · Private	77	$79,464	$11,704	$28,708	B
8	Quinnipiac University CT · Private	79	$79,098	$40,675	$27,000	C
9	Trinity Christian College IL · Private	58	$78,165	$19,125	N/A	-
10	Northeastern University MA · Private	91	$77,477	$30,915	$22,809	B
11	Anna Maria College MA · Private	28	$76,013	$28,333	$27,000	B
12	Nichols College MA · Private	45	$75,321	$33,036	$27,000	C
13	Central Christian College of Kansas KS · Private	28	$74,997	$11,404	$36,076	C
14	Seattle University WA · Private	79	$74,018	$34,662	$21,247	B
15	Concordia University-Saint Paul MN · Private	67	$73,060	$18,462	$28,076	C
16	Marymount University VA · Private	63	$73,058	$29,137	$25,000	D
17	Siena Heights University MI · Private	59	$72,791	$17,124	$22,250	B+
18	Nova Southeastern University FL · Private	53	$71,972	$30,371	N/A	-
19	Mercer University GA · Private	55	$71,602	$23,847	$46,775	F
20	Marian University WI · Private	45	$70,934	$21,937	N/A	-
21	Roger Williams University RI · Private	63	$70,747	$37,999	$26,000	C
22	Columbia Southern University AL · Private	69	$70,354	$14,580	$30,204	C+
23	Franklin Pierce University NH · Private	39	$70,125	$27,154	$27,000	C
24	Norwich University VT · Private	71	$70,075	$22,257	$26,000	C
25	Utica University NY · Private	66	$69,898	$19,108	$26,000	C
26	University of Maryland Global Campus MD · Public	63	$69,848	$22,063	$25,062	C+
27	Merrimack College MA · Private	70	$69,615	$37,927	$27,000	C
28	Herzing University-Atlanta GA · Private	11	$69,601	$21,679	$28,399	B
29	Herzing University-Minneapolis MN · Private	16	$69,601	$16,670	$28,399	B
30	Herzing University-Kenosha WI · Private	23	$69,601	$23,066	$28,399	B
31	Herzing University-Brookfield WI · Private	14	$69,601	$20,514	$28,399	B
32	American Public University System WV · Private	50	$69,546	$9,597	$19,000	B+
33	George Mason University VA · Public	86	$69,511	$17,915	$20,761	C+
34	Lynn University FL · Private	35	$68,824	$44,089	$19,500	C+
35	Reinhardt University GA · Private	27	$67,847	$24,425	$27,475	B
36	Monmouth University NJ · Private	63	$67,842	$30,988	$27,000	D
37	Salve Regina University RI · Private	69	$67,622	$36,967	$27,000	D
38	Minot State University ND · Public	63	$67,554	$12,703	$26,343	C
39	Westfield State University MA · Public	63	$67,363	$16,721	$24,422	C
40	Bowie State University MD · Public	40	$67,303	$19,298	$29,750	D
41	Centenary University NJ · Private	53	$67,181	$20,503	$20,500	C
42	Saint Edward's University TX · Private	54	$66,986	$25,578	$24,949	C
43	American University DC · Private	74	$66,970	$41,943	$23,250	C
44	Sonoma State University CA · Public	81	$66,892	$12,885	$20,000	C+
45	Felician University NJ · Private	40	$66,879	$40,045	$27,000	C
46	Saint Cloud State University MN · Public	62	$66,850	$13,529	$21,500	B
47	Western Connecticut State University CT · Public	60	$66,510	$17,604	$24,875	C
48	University of Massachusetts-Lowell MA · Public	76	$66,258	$17,163	$26,000	C
49	Tiffin University OH · Private	14	$66,059	$26,500	$30,758	C
50	Marist University NY · Private	74	$65,881	$41,544	$26,000	D

Below Average Value

Is Criminal Justice and Corrections Worth It?

Proceed With a Plan

The financial returns for Criminal Justice and Corrections are below average. At $39,338 in average earnings four years out, graduates often face a long payback period, especially at higher-cost institutions. This doesn't mean the field is worthless - it means the financial math demands careful attention to school cost and debt levels.

With 616 schools offering this major, you have significant choice. That's good news - it means you can shop for the best ROI within the field rather than settling for whatever program accepts you.

The top school for this major by earnings is University of New Hampshire-Main Campus, where graduates earn $81,768 four years out. But averages hide a wide range - where you attend and what you do with the degree matter as much as the major itself.

Best ROI Schools for Criminal Justice and Corrections All Majors ROI Calculator Compare Schools

Related Majors

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Earnings data represents median earnings 4 years after graduation for graduates of bachelor's programs, as reported by the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Individual outcomes vary significantly based on career path, location, and other factors.