RWU Criminal Justice Program Ranks in Top 10% in U.S., 1st in R.I.

College Factual finds graduates of RWU program earn above national average

By Edward Fitzpatrick
State police head
In 1990, Assumpico graduated from RWU with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. As head of the Rhode Island State Police, she is one of the most high-profile graduates of the program. Image Credit: David Silverman

BRISTOL, R.I. ­­– The criminal justice program at Roger Williams University ranks in the top 10 percent of all criminal justice programs in the nation and first among programs of its type in Rhode Island, according to a new national report.

The RWU criminal justice program placed 27th out of 415 schools nationwide – moving up from 40th place in last year’s ranking, according to College Factual, a data analytics website with a strong focus on student outcomes.

RWU ranked tops among the four criminal justice programs at colleges in Rhode Island – up from second place in last year’s ranking, College Factual reported. The RWU criminal justice program ranked fourth among colleges in New England.

“Roger Williams University is among your best bets if you’re planning on studying Criminal Justice and Corrections,” College Factual stated.

“We are pleased to have received this external recognition of the quality of our criminal justice program,” RWU Interim President Andy Workman said. “It is a testament to the excellence of the education that our students receive in the classroom and in their work in communities outside the gates of the university.”

“The high ranking is a reflection of our dedicated and student-centered faculty, who are experienced, credentialed scholars and practitioners from around the country,” RWU School of Justice Studies Dean Eric F. Bronson said. “In combination with experiential learning, students get a world-class education from experienced, hands-on educators who have published in numerous scholarly and professional journals.”

The College Factual rankings take into account factors such as overall quality, program accreditation and average earnings of graduates. Based on PayScale survey data, a student who graduates from RWU with a degree in criminal justice will make average early-career earnings of $36,616 and average mid-career earnings of $64,034, College Factual reported. That is above the national early-career average of $35,273 and national average mid-career earnings of $59,161.

“Criminal justice majors from Roger Williams University receive an earnings boost of around 6.5 percent above the typical income of criminal justice and corrections graduates,” College Factual stated. “Only 3 percent of Roger Williams University graduates are in loan default. That is certainly striking, because the national average is 7 percent. High-quality education for veterans and military members has earned the school top marks.”

Based in Troy, N.Y., College Factual analyzes more than 2,500 colleges and universities, including 350 college majors, for students in more than 160 countries.