Criminal Justice and Corrections at Fisher College
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Fisher College's Criminal Justice program punches well above its weight nationally, placing graduates in the 93rd percentile for earnings—nearly $8,000 above the typical program. First-year earnings of $45,695 significantly outpace both national and Massachusetts medians, putting this program neck-and-neck with much more selective institutions like Northeastern and Nichols College.
The $27,000 in typical debt sits right at national and state averages, yielding a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59—meaning graduates earn enough in their first year to cover about 170% of their loan balance. For a school serving a substantial population of Pell Grant recipients (42%), these outcomes suggest strong career placement, likely leveraging Boston's concentration of law enforcement, corrections, and security employers.
The one caveat: Fisher ranks at the 60th percentile within Massachusetts, reflecting the state's generally strong outcomes for this field rather than any program weakness. For parents weighing options, this program delivers comparable results to more expensive alternatives while maintaining accessibility. Given the solid earnings and reasonable debt load, Fisher represents a legitimate path into criminal justice careers without the premium price tag of Boston's elite institutions.
Where Fisher College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all criminal justice and corrections bachelors's programs nationally
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 Fisher College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Fisher College graduates earn $46k, placing them in the 93th percentile of all criminal justice and corrections bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Criminal Justice and Corrections bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (27 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fisher College | $45,695 | — | $27,000 | 0.59 |
| Northeastern University | $51,363 | $59,550 | $22,809 | 0.44 |
| Nichols College | $45,774 | $52,867 | $27,000 | 0.59 |
| Curry College | $45,103 | $51,527 | $25,000 | 0.55 |
| Salem State University | $44,812 | $51,926 | $26,220 | 0.59 |
| Bridgewater State University | $43,735 | $52,806 | $26,696 | 0.61 |
| National Median | $37,856 | — | $26,130 | 0.69 |
Other Criminal Justice and Corrections Programs in Massachusetts
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Massachusetts schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern University Boston | $63,141 | $51,363 | $22,809 |
| Nichols College Dudley | $40,375 | $45,774 | $27,000 |
| Curry College Milton | $46,220 | $45,103 | $25,000 |
| Salem State University Salem | $11,978 | $44,812 | $26,220 |
| Bridgewater State University Bridgewater | $11,389 | $43,735 | $26,696 |
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 Fisher College, approximately 42% 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 40 graduates with reported earnings and 47 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.