Analysis
In Massachusetts, criminal justice programs produce a wide range of outcomes, and Cambridge College appears to land in the middle of the pack. Based on comparable programs statewide, graduates here might expect first-year earnings around $42,325—right at the state median and notably above the $37,856 national figure. The estimated $27,000 in debt sits close to both state and national norms, producing a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.64 that suggests manageable repayment for most graduates.
The challenge is that we're working entirely with estimates here, since Cambridge College's criminal justice cohort is too small for the Department of Education to report actual outcomes. What we know is that similar Massachusetts programs cluster between $42,000 and $51,000 in first-year earnings, with schools like Northeastern and Nichols reaching the higher end. Where Cambridge College falls within that range remains unclear, and with one-third of students receiving Pell grants, financial outcomes matter significantly for families who can least afford miscalculation.
The practical question: Can your child secure the kind of position—likely in corrections, probation, or law enforcement—that justifies this investment? Criminal justice credentials vary widely in value depending on the specific career path and local hiring landscape. Before committing, identify what graduates from this specific program are actually doing six months out and whether those roles align with your child's goals.
Where Cambridge College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all criminal justice and corrections bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Criminal Justice and Corrections bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (27 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $18,072 | $42,325* | — | $27,000* | — | |
| $63,141 | $51,363* | $59,550 | $22,809* | 0.44 | |
| $40,375 | $45,774* | $52,867 | $27,000* | 0.59 | |
| $35,013 | $45,695* | — | $27,000* | 0.59 | |
| $46,220 | $45,103* | $51,527 | $25,000* | 0.55 | |
| $11,978 | $44,812* | $51,926 | $26,220* | 0.59 | |
| National Median | — | $37,856* | — | $26,130* | 0.69 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with criminal justice and corrections graduates
Financial Examiners
Emergency Management Directors
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary
Compliance Officers
Environmental Compliance Inspectors
Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers
Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
Regulatory Affairs Specialists
Customs Brokers
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Police Identification and Records Officers
Intelligence Analysts
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Cambridge College, approximately 33% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 17 similar programs in MA. Actual outcomes may vary.