If you are dedicated to justice and safety, a degree in Criminal Justice could be the perfect fit for you. You may be passionate about helping to improve the justice system as it relates to minority groups, you may be fascinated by the justice process, or you may just want to make the world a safer place. Whatever your reason for studying criminal justice, a bachelor’s degree is your first step toward a career as a parole officer, police officer, state trooper, detective, security guard, crime scene investigator, fraud investigator, or a number of other options. 
The pay rate for these jobs is varied, but Payscale shows the average salary for someone with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice is anywhere between $45,000 and $71,000. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that Police Officers and Detectives make a median pay of over $60,000. Detectives and Criminal Investigators make a mean annual pay of over $80,000, and Private Detectives make approximately $50,000 a year.
With a Bachelor of Arts or Science in Criminal Justice, your career path is open, and your choices are endless. These programs are affordable and filled with customization options. Check out our 30 Top Value Colleges for a Criminal Justice Degree, and start pursuing your dream career.
Selection Criteria
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Colleges Rank publishes college degree rankings with the belief of how one’s higher education should be: both affordable and an investment of continued value for the students who pursue them. The staff of BVS collects data from reputable sources in order to calculate Net Price and the short and long-term value of every ranked degree. Collected data is simplified into weighted categories before scoring and then scaled through a BVS Score up to 100. The weighted categories are:
- Degree Investment Return (25%)
- Student & Alumni Evaluation (25%)
- Cost Value (25%)
- Matriculation (10%)
- Academic Success (15%)
No matter what degree you decide on, we hope our research and support has made the selection process easier. There are numerous resources BVS utilizes to collect information on degrees, and we encourage you to check them out for yourself!
Here are the 30 Top Value Colleges for a Criminal Justice Degree for 2020!
#30 St. Mary’s University – San Antonio, TX
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
Website
St. Mary’s University is a Catholic and Marianist institution that takes a holistic approach to education. Students in the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice program learn the professional skills they need to succeed in the field while also building a strong foundation of liberal arts studies. Hands-on training comes through an internship experience through a variety of real-world organizations, including the San Antonio Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Students also learn practical skills through classes such as Criminal Justice Administration, Ethics in Criminal Justice, and International Justice System. Along with a set of core courses, students take five elective courses of their choice. These electives can range from criminology classes to sociology and political science. The program requires a total of 120 semester hours. In the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, students can also earn a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology or in Forensic Science.
St. Mary’s was named No. 15 in Top Criminal Justice Degrees and Top Colleges for Criminal Justice in America by College Choice and Niche, respectively. A student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1 allows students to form real relationships with their professors and peers. The Core Curriculum of St. Mary’s studies the self in relation to others, to social structures, to the natural world, and to God. It fosters a community that values respect, integrity, and collaboration. St. Mary’s is also home to many innovative centers and institutes such as the Center for Catholic Studies, the SABER Research Institute, and the Harvey Najim Center. St. Mary’s is also a great value school, and it’s been recognized as such by both U.S. News & World Report and Money.
Net Price: $17,806
#29 Hilbert College – Hamburg, NY
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Website
Hilbert College requires 33 program credit hours and a total of 120 credit hours for a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. There are several scholarship opportunities for criminal justice majors. Students can gain real-world experience through internships, and interns of Hilbert College have worked at the United States Department of Defense, the Ocean City Police Department, the Virginia Beach Police Department, and other organizations at both the local and nationwide level. The Criminal Justice program is offered as a Bachelor’s degree or an Associate’s degree. The BS in Criminal Justice includes concentrations in Corrections, Family Violence, Forensic Investigation, Investigations, Juvenile Justice, Law, Police Management, and Security. Courses in the program cover a wide range of topics, including criminology, criminal law, family counseling, financial investigations, probation and parole, and more. Courses include Crime and Society, Police Management, and Research Methods in Social Sciences.
In order to enhance their coursework, students are encouraged to get involved outside of class. They can join the Criminal Justice and Forensic Science Association, a co-curricular organization. The Elite Club focuses on fitness and wellness in preparation for criminal justice-related careers. Hilbert College also offers several other student clubs and organizations. It’s considered one of the Top Criminal Justice Colleges in America by Niche, and College Choice named it No. 17 in Top Criminal Justice Degrees. It’s accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Net Price: $17,783
#28 University of Maryland, College Park – College Park, MD
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Website
At the University of Maryland, College Park’s Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice is a national leader in research. Topics of study include Criminological Theory Development and Testing, Criminal Justice Policy and Practice, Emergent Issues in Crime and Justice, and Statistical Methods and Data Analysis. Along with research, students in the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program can get involved by joining the honors program, which involves rigorous courses taught by a tenured faculty member. Internships also offer practical experience, and students can participate in up to 12 credit hours of internships. U.S. News & World Report ranked UMD as the No. 1 Top Criminology Schools, and Niche called it No. 12 in Top Colleges for Criminal Justice in America.
UMD has over 40,000 students, meaning that each student benefits from the resources offered at a big school. Students have access to the Advising Center, the Maryland Data Analysis Center, and the Center for Substance Abuse Research, to name a few. They’re also able to participate in one of many clubs and organizations, including the Criminal Justice Student Association and the Alpha Phi Sigma Honor Society. They complete core courses such as Criminal Law in Action, Criminological and Criminal Justice Research Methods, and Statistics for Criminology and Criminal Justice. These requirements are supplemented by plenty of electives, so each student can direct their own education. After graduation, the alumni network of over 300,000 provides professional connections and career help. The program has also been recognized for its affordability. It’s ranked among the Top 50 by Forbes in America’s Top Value Colleges 2019 and by Money in Top Colleges for Your Money 2019.
Net Price: $17,241
#27 University of Louisville – Louisville, KY
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Website
Students at the University of Louisville have access to important connections in the local and national Criminal Justice field. Faculty of the Criminal Justice program are actively involved in research and service across critical issues in criminal justice and public safety. The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice can be completed in a traditional classroom setting or online. The program requires a minimum of 121 credit hours, including 54 major requirements and 23 elective requirements. The U of L also offers an accelerated BS to MS degree program. The BS in Criminal Justice requires courses including “Crime and Justice in the United States,” “Criminal Behavior,” and “Juvenile Justice.” Electives are varied, and include classes like “Crime and the Media,” “Crime Victims and Victimization,” and “International Terrorism.”
The traditional coursework at the U of L is supplemented with internships, volunteer opportunities, and community. Internships should be viewed as the student’s capstone project and can be completed with local and nationwide criminal justice organizations. Criminal Justice majors have access to the Honors Program Alpha Phi Sigma, and the U of L is currently forming a chapter of the American Criminal Justice Association. The U of L is also home to the Southern Police Institute, an advanced training institute for law enforcement practitioners. The U of L is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. It’s ranked at No. 87 in Top Colleges in the South by Forbes and at No. 2 in Top Colleges in Kentucky by Niche. U.S. News & World Report ranked it No. 30 in Top Criminology Schools.
Net Price: $17,008
#26 Michigan State University – East Lansing, MI
Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice
Website
Michigan State University encourages its students to get engaged. A Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice involves the foundational courses Criminal Procedure, Criminology, Introduction to Criminal Justice, and Methods of Criminal Justice Research. These can be supplemented with a minor in either Security Management or Law, Justice, and Public Policy. This coursework is supported by experiential learning through internships, research, study abroad, entrepreneurship experiences, volunteering, professional associations, service learning, and more. Students can participate in undergraduate interdisciplinary research on topics related to crime, justice, law, and victimization. There are many opportunities for students to get involved in research and research-based training.
Throughout their time at MSU, students are supported through a variety of centers, offices, and resources. Each student works with an advisor to create a Student Planning Guide to help them through their four-year curriculum. From there, they can receive career advising, resume help, interview preparation, job placement assistance, and more. They have access to many resources through the Center for Service Learning and Civic Engagement, the Collaborative Learning Center, the Criminal Justice Student Association, the Family Resource Center, the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities, the Writing Center, and more. There are over 900 student groups and organizations, and the alumni network is over 500,000 across the globe. MSU is ranked at No. 10 for Top Criminology Schools by U.S. News & World Report and No. 5 for Top Criminal Justice Degrees by College Choice. It sits at No. 59 on Money‘s Top Colleges for Your Money 2019, and Forbes ranked it at No. 23 in Top Colleges in the Midwest.
Net Price: $16,684
#25 Florida State University – Tallahassee, FL
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Website
Florida State University strives to give its students a full experience that prepares them for careers in the criminal justice field. The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice is augmented with a double major, a minor, or a 15 credit hour internship. The BS in Criminal Justice requires 36 credit hours in criminology and 120 credit hours in total. The degree is offered on-campus and entirely online for greater flexibility. Along with Criminal Justice, FSU also offers bachelor’s degrees in Criminology and Cyber Criminology. The Criminal Justice degree can be specialized in Criminology or Victim Services. Some of the core classes within the program are Crimes Against Humanity, Introduction to Criminal Justice, and White Collar Crime. FSU is ranked at No. 5 in Top Criminology Schools by U.S. News & World Report and No. 4 Top Colleges for Criminal Justice in America by Niche.
FSU also gives students a strong career focus. The College of Criminology works closely with the FSU Career Center to prepare students for their professional futures. Students can attend Career Panel discussions and Career Fairs, and they have access to internships at agencies like the Central Intelligence Agency, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, and the Office of the Public Defender. Students also have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and resume building by participating in research. At FSU, research spans from topics such as gun control to biosocial criminology. Criminal Justice majors have access to Eppes Hall, with state-of-the-art classrooms and labs. They have easy access to the Center for Criminology and Public Policy Research. Students can also participate in the professional law enforcement fraternity, Lambda Alpha Epsilon or in the American Society of Criminology. Forbes named FSU No. 29 in Top Colleges in the South and Money ranked it at No. 102 in Top Colleges for Your Money 2019.
Net Price: $16,450
#24 University of Albany – Albany, NY
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
Website
Students at the University of Albany can study Criminal Justice as a Bachelor of Arts, a minor, or a concentration. Courses in the program include Juvenile Justice Administration, Policing in a Free Society, and Punishment and Corrections. Classes provide technical instruction, and students gain practical experience through an internship. During the internship course, students will work directly with an off-campus organization. Students can gain further exposure by joining the honors program or the Albany Criminal Justice Association.
UAlbany was recognized as No. 2 in Top Criminology Schools by U.S. News & World Report. Its affordability was also recognized. Forbes ranked it No. 88 in America’s Top Value Colleges, and Money named it No. 85 in Top Colleges for Your Money 2019. There are more than 17,000 students at UAlbany, giving students access to the perks of a big school, such as over 300 clubs and organizations and a strong alumni network of over 200,000. Criminal Justice students also benefit from ongoing research projects: Journal of Criminal Justice and Popular Culture, Justice and Multiculturalism in the 21st Century, Miscarriages of Justice, Police Research Group, and Violence Research Group.
Net Price: $16,100
#23 Park University – Parkville, MO
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Website
There are plenty of choices for students at Park University who are interested in Criminal Justice. They can complete a Bachelor of Science degree, a Bachelor of Arts degree, an Associate’s degree, a minor, or a certificate. A BS in Criminal Justice can be enhanced with a concentration in Law Enforcement, Corrections, or Security. Students can also add a minor in Homeland Security or a certificate in Terrorism and Homeland Security. The core curriculum combines a liberal arts education with fundamental knowledge of the criminal justice system. Classes offered include Agency Administration, Criminal Law, and Criminal Procedure. Park University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. It’s ranked at No. 8 in College Choice‘s Top Criminal Justice Degrees.
The coursework in the Criminal Justice program is built upon with practical experience through internships and participation in the many clubs and organizations. Park University gives students opportunities to gain leadership training, to join honor societies, and to contribute to student-run media outlets. Among the dozens of clubs and organizations, the Criminal Justice Club is explicitly designed to create networking and professional opportunities for Criminal Justice majors. As far as internships, Park University has partnered with offices on a local and national level to offer more choices to students. The internship course is considered one of three capstone courses in the program. Students are paired with a success coach who can work alongside them throughout their academic progression. They help with curriculum development, academic help, and career success after graduation.
Net Price: $16,048
#22 University of Georgia – Athens, GA
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
Website
The Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from the University of Georgia is offered through the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Public and International Affairs. UGA is named the No. 1 Top College in Georgia by Niche, and it’s No. 13 in Top Public Schools according to U.S. News & World Report. It also made Money‘s list of Top Colleges for Your Money 2019. UGA is home to several research centers and institutions, as well as important resources for students such as the Richard B. Russell Building Special Collections Library, the Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, the Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, the Walter J. Brown Media Archives, and the Peabody Collection.
Students in the Criminal Justice program have access to many resources and opportunities. They can gain networking experience and build professional connections through the Criminal Justice Society and the local chapter of Alpha Phi Sigma, the honor society for criminal justice students. Interested students can gain experience through a study abroad summer in Liverpool, or they can participate in a semester-long internship. They’ll also build a strong theoretical foundation through courses such as Criminal Justice Administration, Criminal Justice Practice, and Research Methods in Criminal Justice. To complement these courses, students will design and complete a research project of their choosing.
Net Price: $15,934
#21 University Of Nebraska – Lincoln, NE
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Website
The University of Nebraska offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice that can be completed online or in a traditional classroom setting. It also offers a minor in Criminal Justice. The BS can be achieved with a second major or an unrelated minor. Courses for the Criminal Justice program include Criminal Evidence, Procedure, and the Courts; The Police Service; and Theories of Crime and Criminal Law. These courses are taught and developed by experienced faculty involved in practical research in the criminal justice field. There are over 300 full-time faculty, plus over 100 part-time faculty, over 70% of whom have earned the highest degrees possible in their areas.
UNK is ranked No. 10 in Top Public Schools by U.S. News & World Report and No. 2 for Top Public Universities in Nebraska by Niche. There are several student-run clubs and organizations at UNK, and students can gain leadership experience and real-world practice through these organizations. UNK hosts a chapter of the Criminal Justice Honor Society, Alpha Phi Sigma, and houses the Criminal Justice Student Club. It also hosts an annual Criminal Justice Conference, as well as career fairs. UNK is ranked in Money‘s Top Colleges for Your Money 2019. It offers several scholarships specific to Criminal Justice majors, and sworn officers can apply for a waiver of 30% of their tuition charges.
Net Price: $15,909
#20 University of Central Florida – Orlando, FL
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
Website
A degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Florida requires a total of 120 credit hours. It can be completed entirely online or in a traditional classroom setting. Students can choose between a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science. For either track, students complete the following course structure: General Education Program, Core Requirements, Electives, and Capstone Requirements. It’s easy to personalize the program by adding a minor in Legal Studies, Public Administration, Psychology, or others. Plus, students can focus their education by adding a certificate in Crime Analysis and Crime Mapping; Security Management; and Victim Advocacy, among others.
The Office of Undergraduate Research and the Venture Lab foster interdisciplinary collaboration between students, faculty, and entrepreneurs. Students are encouraged to join a research team and create a real-world impact, as well as gain important practical experience. The Faculty Cluster Initiative creates more opportunities for the sharing of talent, resources, and facilities. Students also have access to important facilities like Academic Advancement Programs, Experiential Learning, the Karen L. Smith Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning, Operational Excellence and Assessment Support, Quality Enhancement Plan, and more. The Institute for Sport and Social Justice creates accessible outreach opportunities for Criminal Justice Majors. U.S. News & World Report ranked UCF at No. 10 in Most Innovative Schools and No. 26 in Top Criminology Schools. Forbes ranked it among the 50 Top Colleges in the South.
Net Price: $15,341
#19 Old Dominion University – Norfolk, VA
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice/Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Website
Old Dominion University offers both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Either can be completed on-campus or online. There are 22 full-time, experienced faculty members in the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice. The Criminal Justice program requires a total of 120 credit hours. Students can add a minor in Sociology of Children’s Rights. They must complete six foundational courses, including Criminological Theory, The Criminal Justice System, and Law and the Criminal Justice System. On top of these foundational courses, students choose a stratification course such as Sociology of Women or Sociology of Minority Families. They also add an upper-level law component and complete an internship. The internship is guaranteed through the University’s Career Advantage Program.
Along with this coursework, students have opportunities to further their education. They can earn departmental honors or can apply to work independently with faculty in the department. There are several research centers and institutes at ODU, so students have plenty of chances to get involved. Plus, ODU has over 300 student clubs, organizations, and associations. It’s ranked at No. 121 in Top Public Schools by U.S. News & World Report and at No. 120 in Top Colleges in the South by Forbes. It’s accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Graduates join a strong network of over 150,000 alumni across the United States and the globe.
Net Price: $15,213
#18 Suny College At Brockport – Brockport, NY
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Website
The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from SUNY College at Brockport focuses on both the theory and practice of criminal justice systems. The theory comes through three components: general education non-criminal justice courses, criminal justice proficiency courses, and criminal justice electives. The five core courses are Introduction to Criminal Justice, The Police Process, The Corrections Process, Research Methods, and Criminology. To these, students can add electives such as Crime Patterns, Family Violence, and Race and Crime. The practical element comes through internships, study abroad options in Waterford and Dublin, and extracurricular activities. Brockport is home to the Criminal Justice Student Association and the Criminal Justice Honor Society Alpha Phi Sigma. It also hosts an annual Criminal Justice Conference.
Resources for students include the Academic Success Center, Career Planning, the Library, Transfer Student Resources, and more. There are over 8,000 students enrolled at Brockport and several student-led organizations and clubs. Brockport is named No. 25 in Top Public Schools by U.S. News & World Report. The faculty are active in research and have professional experience in their field. Students can gain valuable connections with faculty and peers, and graduates join a wide network of alumni across the world.
Net Price: $14,960
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