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
Earnings Distribution
How Emmanuel College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Criminology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (8 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $46,686 | $36,824 | — | $26,348 | 0.72 | |
| $49,414 | $48,600 | — | $27,000 | 0.56 | |
| $11,630 | $41,431 | $52,600 | $25,974 | 0.63 | |
| $54,500 | $40,928 | $55,475 | $25,000 | 0.61 | |
| $26,000 | $40,527 | $56,726 | $27,000 | 0.67 | |
| $15,208 | $37,535 | $53,581 | $27,000 | 0.72 | |
| National Median | — | $37,476 | — | $25,000 | 0.67 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with criminology graduates
Sociologists
Psychologists, All Other
Neuropsychologists
Clinical Neuropsychologists
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
Loss Prevention Managers
Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other
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.