Best Colleges for Criminal Justice in 2025–26

30 colleges with strong criminal justice programs, ranked by size and selectivity.

Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, NH

99.5% acceptance$17,200 in-state

University of Cincinnati

Cincinnati, OH

76% acceptance$13,424 in-state

Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw, GA

69.2% acceptance$5,808 in-state

American Public University System

Charles Town, WV

$8,400 in-state

California State University-Fullerton

Fullerton, CA

90.5% acceptance$7,470 in-state

Texas State University

San Marcos, TX

89.3% acceptance$11,450 in-state

California State University-Long Beach

Long Beach, CA

46.3% acceptance$7,350 in-state

Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL

24.2% acceptance$5,656 in-state

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus

Cincinnati, OH

85.3% acceptance$13,976 in-state

California State University-Sacramento

Sacramento, CA

94% acceptance$8,018 in-state

George Mason University

Fairfax, VA

87.5% acceptance$14,220 in-state

El Paso Community College

El Paso, TX

$4,080 in-state

California State University-Fresno

Fresno, CA

95.3% acceptance$7,350 in-state

California State University-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

91.3% acceptance$7,160 in-state

CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College

New York, NY

$5,170 in-state

Sam Houston State University

Huntsville, TX

90.3% acceptance$9,228 in-state

California State University-San Bernardino

San Bernardino, CA

93.7% acceptance$8,093 in-state

Metropolitan State University of Denver

Denver, CO

98.8% acceptance$11,124 in-state

Suffolk County Community College

Selden, NY

$6,630 in-state

Northwest Vista College

San Antonio, TX

$3,412 in-state

Post University

Waterbury, CT

$16,327 in-state

University of Memphis

Memphis, TN

72% acceptance$10,728 in-state

Tarleton State University

Stephenville, TX

89.6% acceptance$8,302 in-state

University at Albany

Albany, NY

69.1% acceptance$10,866 in-state

University of Houston-Downtown

Houston, TX

90% acceptance$7,708 in-state

Eastern Kentucky University

Richmond, KY

77.6% acceptance$10,320 in-state

Columbia Southern University

Orange Beach, AL

$6,760 in-state

ECPI University

Virginia Beach, VA

74.5% acceptance$18,484 in-state

New Mexico State University-Main Campus

Las Cruces, NM

89% acceptance$8,183 in-state

CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice

New York, NY

57.1% acceptance$7,470 in-state

About criminal justice as a major

Criminal Justice is a practical major aimed at students considering law enforcement, corrections, courts, forensics, federal agencies (FBI, ATF, DEA, Secret Service), or graduate study in law. It typically combines coursework in criminology theory, criminal law, policing, courts, corrections, and ethics — with some programs adding cybercrime, forensic science, or homeland security tracks. Career options range widely: local policing, federal agency work (which usually requires fitness standards, citizenship, and clean background plus an academy training period), legal/paralegal support, victim advocacy, juvenile justice, and policy analysis at state and federal levels. Many criminal justice grads continue to law school or to a master's in public administration. The major is also a feeder into corrections administration and probation/parole work where master's degrees can fast-track career advancement.

Salary range

$45,000 – $65,000 starting in local policing; $65,000-$95,000 federal entry-level; $100,000+ for senior federal/forensic roles

Study path

4-year BA or BS in Criminal Justice. Core: intro to criminal justice → policing → criminal law → corrections → research methods → senior capstone or internship semester. Federal-agent paths typically also require physical training, additional testing, and an academy program.

How to choose a criminal justice program

Consider whether you want a theoretical criminology program (research/analysis focused, common at large public flagships) or a more applied law enforcement track (CJ-focused with police academy partnerships, common at regional state schools). Look for programs with partnerships with local police departments, courts, and federal agencies. Internship opportunities with the FBI, ATF, US Marshals Service, or state agencies are valuable. If forensic science interests you, AAFS-accredited forensic science programs (separate from general CJ) provide better lab career prospects. Programs at schools with adjacent law schools or pre-law advising are useful if you might continue to law school.

Common career paths for criminal justice graduates

Police Officer, FBI Agent, Probation Officer, Crime Analyst, Corrections Administrator, Federal Agent (ATF, DEA, Secret Service), Forensic Scientist, Victim Advocate, Paralegal, Homeland Security Officer

Real careers, real salaries

See all →
Police Officer$72K
+3% by 2032

Scholarships for criminal justice students

There are scholarships specifically for students studying criminal justice. Search our database to find awards you qualify for.

Find criminal justice scholarships →
Best criminal justice colleges ranked →Compare collegesCheck your chancesNet price calculatorBrowse all colleges

Last updated: November 2025. Live acceptance rates and tuition pulled from each college's most recent reporting.

KidToCollege is free to use and editorially independent. Data sourced from public records including IPEDS, Common Data Sets, College Board and FAFSA.gov. Always verify deadlines and requirements directly with institutions. Not a guarantee of admission or financial aid.