Criminal Justice and Corrections at Anna Maria College

Similar criminal justice programs in Massachusetts suggest first-year earnings around $42,000, which positions this degree near the state median but well above the national benchmark of $38,000. With $27,000 in typical debt, graduates face a 0.64 debt-to-earnings ratio—manageable by most standards, meaning debt equals about eight months of first-year income. The four-year earnings figure of $57,000 shows meaningful progression, though it's worth noting this represents actual reported data while the first-year number is estimated from peer programs.

The challenge here is opportunity cost. Several Massachusetts schools with reported outcomes—including public Salem State and private institutions like Curry College—show their criminal justice graduates earning $3,000-$9,000 more in year one. At an open-admission college serving a substantial population of Pell-eligible students (34%), Anna Maria may offer accessibility advantages, but families should understand they're likely paying similar debt for potentially lower starting salaries than competitors.

The practical takeaway: if your child is committed to criminal justice in Massachusetts, compare financial aid packages carefully. The debt level here isn't alarming, but maximizing that first job salary—whether through internships, certifications, or choosing a program with stronger employer pipelines—matters significantly when you're starting in the low $40,000s.