Analysis
In Massachusetts, criminal justice programs show a wide earnings range, with Dean College's estimated outcomes sitting near the state median but well below what students achieve at programs like Northeastern or even peer institutions like Curry College and Fisher College. Based on comparable programs in the state, graduates can expect around $42,325 in first-year earnings against roughly $27,000 in debtβa 0.64 ratio that's manageable on paper but tells only part of the story.
The challenge is that criminal justice careers often start at modest salaries, and the gap between Dean's estimated outcomes and top performers in Massachusetts suggests significant variation in either career placement support or the specific roles graduates secure. At schools with reported data, students are landing positions that pay $3,000 to $9,000 more annually, which compounds over time. Even Salem State, a public university with presumably lower tuition, shows stronger earnings outcomes.
For parents considering Dean College specifically, the lack of published data means you're operating with educated guesses rather than this school's actual track record. If your child is set on criminal justice, ask Dean directly about graduate placement rates, typical employers, and whether alumni outcomes justify the private college price point. State schools and programs with proven outcomes offer more certainty for roughly the same debt burden.
Where Dean 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $44,960 | $42,325* | β | $27,000* | β | |
| $63,141 | $51,363* | $59,550 | $22,809* | 0.44 | |
| $40,375 | $45,774* | $52,867 | $27,000* | 0.59 | |
| $35,013 | $45,695* | β | $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 | β | $37,856* | β | $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 Dean College, approximately 30% 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.