Criminal Justice and Corrections at Quinsigamond Community College

Quinsigamond's criminal justice program delivers solid earnings that outpace both the national median ($33,269) and Massachusetts state median ($37,533), placing graduates in the 79th percentile nationally. Starting at $40,039 and climbing to $45,098 by year four, these numbers represent genuine earning power—though it's worth noting this program sits in the middle of the pack among Massachusetts community colleges, with Bunker Hill and Mass Bay graduates earning $2,500-$7,500 more annually.

The debt picture requires closer attention. At $16,250, graduates carry more than double the state median of $7,500 for this field. While the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 remains manageable, other Massachusetts schools demonstrate you can access similar career paths with substantially less borrowing. For a family watching costs carefully, that gap matters: it's potentially $8,750 in additional debt compared to the state median.

This program works if location or specific circumstances make Quinsigamond the practical choice—the earnings justify the investment, and the 13% salary growth shows career progression. But if your student has flexibility in where they attend, comparing financial aid packages across Massachusetts community colleges could save thousands without sacrificing career prospects. The program performs well; the question is whether the higher debt load is necessary given other strong in-state options.