Cheapest Criminal Justice and Corrections Colleges in Massachusetts

Massachusetts state universities deliver Criminal Justice and Corrections education at remarkably consistent net costs, with seven public institutions clustering between $14,738 and $18,627 annually. Worcester State University leads affordability at $14,738 net price while maintaining a 55.50% graduation rate and producing graduates earning $40,501 within six years. The state's law enforcement sector benefits from proximity to federal agencies, state police headquarters, and major metropolitan police departments in Boston and surrounding areas. Private options like Eastern Nazarene College at $17,733 bridge the gap between public and premium pricing, though graduation rates vary significantly from 28.40% at Fisher College to 90% at Boston University. UMass-Lowell stands out with the highest graduation rate among affordable options at 70.10%, while Salem State University offers the most accessible admissions at 92.66% acceptance. Entry-level corrections officers in Massachusetts earn above the national average, making these programs practical investments for career switchers and recent graduates alike.

Programs

$14,738 – $39,866

Net Price Range

$38,485

Avg. Program Earnings

60.9%

Avg. Graduation Rate

25 Criminal Justice and Corrections Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Worcester State University Worcester, Massachusetts	$14,738	$11,286	55.5%	87.7%
2	Fitchburg State University Fitchburg, Massachusetts	$15,432	$11,046	52.7%	86.1%
3	Eastern Nazarene College Quincy, Massachusetts	$17,733	$28,610	35.3%	61.9%
4	Bridgewater State University Bridgewater, Massachusetts	$17,970	$11,389	54.6%	87.7%
5	University of Massachusetts-Boston Boston, Massachusetts	$18,282	$15,496	51.1%	80.8%
6	Salem State University Salem, Massachusetts	$18,441	$11,978	55.0%	92.7%
7	Westfield State University Westfield, Massachusetts	$18,561	$11,882	54.9%	81.5%
8	University of Massachusetts-Lowell Lowell, Massachusetts	$18,627	$16,570	70.1%	86.0%
9	College of Our Lady of the Elms Chicopee, Massachusetts	$21,436	$42,061	64.7%	90.9%
10	American International College Springfield, Massachusetts	$25,299	$42,970	42.3%	89.4%
11	Fisher College Boston, Massachusetts	$25,702	$35,013	28.4%	74.2%
12	Boston University Boston, Massachusetts	$26,996	$65,168	90.0%	14.4%
13	Clark University Worcester, Massachusetts	$27,711	$55,160	77.1%	50.3%
14	Assumption University Worcester, Massachusetts	$28,853	$49,414	74.6%	82.3%
15	Springfield College Springfield, Massachusetts	$29,187	$43,707	67.6%	75.6%
16	Anna Maria College Paxton, Massachusetts	$29,396	$43,064	40.4%	69.6%
17	Curry College Milton, Massachusetts	$29,504	$46,220	48.3%	87.5%
18	Suffolk University Boston, Massachusetts	$30,031	$45,380	59.8%	86.8%
19	Dean College Franklin, Massachusetts	$30,236	$44,960	43.2%	76.0%
20	Nichols College Dudley, Massachusetts	$31,065	$40,375	63.6%	84.9%
21	Western New England University Springfield, Massachusetts	$31,170	$46,430	63.9%	88.0%
22	Northeastern University Boston, Massachusetts	$32,116	$63,141	90.4%	6.8%
23	Merrimack College North Andover, Massachusetts	$37,899	$51,786	72.1%	74.6%
24	Endicott College Beverly, Massachusetts	$39,324	$39,212	75.4%	73.3%
25	Boston College Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts	$39,866	$67,680	91.0%	16.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $12,000 gap between the cheapest and most expensive affordable programs?

Public universities dominate the lower cost range from $14,738 to $18,627, while private institutions like American International College reach $25,299. State funding allows public schools to offer in-state tuition around $11,000-$16,000 compared to private tuition exceeding $40,000. The MassGrant Plus program further reduces costs for qualifying Massachusetts residents at state universities.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in Criminal Justice?

Higher-priced programs generally show better completion rates, with Boston University achieving 90% graduation at $26,996 net cost. However, UMass-Lowell breaks this pattern with 70.10% graduation at just $18,627. Fisher College presents the biggest risk at 28.40% graduation despite charging $25,702 annually.

Does earning potential justify the cost differences between these programs?

Graduate earnings cluster tightly between $36,141 and $42,123 regardless of program cost, suggesting similar career outcomes. Westfield State graduates earn $42,123 after paying just $18,561, while Springfield College graduates earn $36,141 despite paying $29,187. This narrow earnings range makes lower-cost public options particularly attractive.

Where do Massachusetts Criminal Justice graduates find employment opportunities?

Massachusetts hosts major federal law enforcement agencies, state police divisions, and urban departments in Boston, Worcester, and Springfield. The state's court system, corrections facilities, and probation services actively recruit locally-trained graduates. Boston's status as a regional center creates additional opportunities in private security, corporate investigations, and federal contracting positions.

Is student debt manageable for Criminal Justice graduates in Massachusetts?

Average debt loads range from $21,050 at Worcester State to $27,000 at American International College, well below national averages for four-year degrees. Given starting salaries around $36,000-$42,000, graduates face debt-to-income ratios under 65%. Public university graduates typically carry the lowest debt burdens while achieving comparable career outcomes.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.