Criminal Justice in Massachusetts 2026

Best Colleges for Criminal Justice in Massachusetts 2026

Criminal justice programs in Massachusetts prepare students for careers in law enforcement, corrections, homeland security, and legal services. Many programs include hands-on experience through internships with local agencies.

We analyzed 48 colleges and universities in Massachusetts offering Criminal Justice programs, evaluating them on national ranking, acceptance rate, tuition costs, student-to-faculty ratio, and graduation outcomes. Here are the top 10 programs for 2026.

Quick Comparison: Top Criminal Justice Programs in Massachusetts

Detailed School Profiles

1. Boston University

Location: Boston, Massachusetts • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 11.1%
• In-State Tuition: $68,102 | Out-of-State: $68,102
• Enrollment: 18,248 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
• Graduation Rate: 89% | Median Earnings (6yr): $49,200
• Average Financial Aid: $41,036

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2. Northeastern University

Location: Boston, Massachusetts • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 5.2%
• In-State Tuition: $66,162 | Out-of-State: $66,162
• Enrollment: 1,802 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
• Graduation Rate: 91% | Median Earnings (6yr): $54,400
• Average Financial Aid: $33,662

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3. Boston College (BC)

Location: Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 16.4%
• In-State Tuition: $70,702 | Out-of-State: $70,702
• Enrollment: 10,085 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
• Graduation Rate: 91% | Median Earnings (6yr): $57,000
• Average Financial Aid: $44,021

View full Boston College (BC) profile →

4. Clark University

Location: Worcester, Massachusetts • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 39.5%
• In-State Tuition: $58,867 | Out-of-State: $58,867
• Enrollment: 2,214 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
• Graduation Rate: 77% | Median Earnings (6yr): $37,000
• Average Financial Aid: $25,691

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5. Pine Manor College

Location: Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 41%
• In-State Tuition: $30,660 | Out-of-State: $31,660
• Enrollment: 423 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
• Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $29,000
• Average Financial Aid: $29,891

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6. Anna Maria College (AMC)

Location: Paxton, Massachusetts • Setting: Rural

• Acceptance Rate: 50.3%
• In-State Tuition: $44,571 | Out-of-State: $44,571
• Enrollment: 906 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
• Graduation Rate: 46% | Median Earnings (6yr): $33,400
• Average Financial Aid: $25,509

View full Anna Maria College (AMC) profile →

7. University of Massachusetts (UMass)

Location: Amherst, Massachusetts • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 59.7%
• In-State Tuition: $17,772 | Out-of-State: $40,449
• Enrollment: 23,671 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
• Graduation Rate: 83% | Median Earnings (6yr): $41,200
• Average Financial Aid: $9,694

View full University of Massachusetts (UMass) profile →

8. Eastern Nazarene College (ENC)

Location: Quincy, Massachusetts • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 66%
• In-State Tuition: $29,924 | Out-of-State: $29,924
• Enrollment: 23 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
• Graduation Rate: 39% | Median Earnings (6yr): $34,500
• Average Financial Aid: $23,801

View full Eastern Nazarene College (ENC) profile →

9. Becker College

Location: Worcester, Massachusetts • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 66%
• In-State Tuition: $35,600 | Out-of-State: $39,200
• Enrollment: 1,839 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
• Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $34,600
• Average Financial Aid: $20,008

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10. Elms College

Location: Chicopee, Massachusetts • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 67%
• In-State Tuition: $34,114 | Out-of-State: $35,788
• Enrollment: 1,531 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
• Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $43,100
• Average Financial Aid: $24,525

View full Elms College profile →

How to Choose the Right Criminal Justice Program in Massachusetts

Selecting the best Criminal Justice program depends on your career goals, budget, and learning preferences. Here are key factors to evaluate:

• Accreditation: Verify the program holds relevant professional accreditation, which affects both educational quality and career eligibility.
• Career Outcomes: Look at job placement rates, median starting salaries, and employer partnerships. Programs with strong internship pipelines give graduates a significant advantage.
• Faculty Expertise: Schools with lower student-to-faculty ratios and active researchers typically offer more mentorship opportunities and cutting-edge coursework.
• Financial Fit: Compare net price after financial aid, not just sticker price. In-state public universities often deliver excellent value for Massachusetts residents.
• Campus Resources: Consider research labs, industry connections, career services, and student organizations related to Criminal Justice.

Explore More

Looking for more college comparisons? Check out our College Comparison Tool to evaluate schools side by side, or use our Admissions Calculator to estimate your chances at top Criminal Justice programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best colleges for Criminal Justice in Massachusetts?
Based on national rankings, acceptance rates, and program quality, the top Criminal Justice programs in Massachusetts include Boston University, Northeastern University, and Boston College (BC).

How much does a Criminal Justice degree cost in Massachusetts?
In-state tuition for Criminal Justice programs in Massachusetts averages around $45,647 per year. Out-of-state students typically pay significantly more. Financial aid can substantially reduce the net cost.

What can I do with a Criminal Justice degree from a Massachusetts school?
Graduates from Massachusetts's Criminal Justice programs pursue careers across multiple sectors. The state's economic landscape and industry connections provide graduates with strong networking opportunities and career pathways.