Median Earnings (1yr)
$36,824
45th percentile (40th in MA)
Median Debt
$26,348
5% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.72
Manageable
Sample Size
20
Limited data

Analysis

Emmanuel College's criminology graduates earn nearly $4,000 less than the Massachusetts median for this major, landing in just the 40th percentile statewide. That gap matters in Boston's expensive metro area—nearby Framingham State and Stonehill graduates pull in over $40,000, while Emmanuel students start at $36,824. The debt load of $26,348 isn't dramatically high, but coupled with below-average earnings, new graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.72, meaning they owe roughly nine months' salary.

The limited sample size here—fewer than 30 graduates—means one or two outliers could skew these numbers significantly in either direction. Still, the pattern is concerning: Emmanuel ranks below both state and national medians despite its Boston location, where criminal justice opportunities should be abundant. The 81% admission rate and relatively modest SAT scores suggest this isn't a highly selective environment, which may affect job placement networks.

For criminology specifically, parents should know their child could likely achieve better outcomes at Massachusetts public universities or nearby private colleges. Unless Emmanuel offers compelling personal fit reasons—smaller classes, specific faculty connections, or a unique program focus—the earnings differential is hard to justify, especially when state schools like UMass Dartmouth deliver similar outcomes at lower cost.

Where Emmanuel College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all criminology bachelors's programs nationally

Emmanuel CollegeOther criminology programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Emmanuel College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Emmanuel College graduates earn $37k, placing them in the 45th percentile of all criminology bachelors programs nationally.

Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts

Criminology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (8 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Emmanuel College$36,824—$26,3480.72
Assumption University$48,600—$27,0000.56
Framingham State University$41,431$52,600$25,9740.63
Stonehill College$40,928$55,475$25,0000.61
Lasell University$40,527$56,726$27,0000.67
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth$37,535$53,581$27,0000.72
National Median$37,476—$25,0000.67

Other Criminology Programs in Massachusetts

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Massachusetts schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Assumption University
Worcester
$49,414$48,600$27,000
Framingham State University
Framingham
$11,630$41,431$25,974
Stonehill College
Easton
$54,500$40,928$25,000
Lasell University
Newton
$26,000$40,527$27,000
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth
North Dartmouth
$15,208$37,535$27,000

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 Emmanuel College, approximately 20% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 20 graduates with reported earnings and 28 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.