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2024 Best Criminal Justice Studies Schools

454 Colleges in the United States
46,814 Criminal Justice Studies Degrees Awarded
If you pursue a degree in criminal justice studies, you won't be alone. The field of study is the #16 most popular program in the country. This means there are lots of options to choose from when you decide to get your degree.

In 2024, College Factual analyzed 454 schools in order to identify the top ones for its Best Criminal Justice Studies Schools ranking. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 46,814 degrees in criminal justice studies during the 2020-2021 academic year.

What's on this page: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great Criminal Justice Studies School

Best Criminal Justice Studies Schools The criminal justice studies program you select can have a big impact on your future. That's why we developed our collection of Best Schools for Criminal Justice Studies rankings. We derive our Best Overall Criminal Justice Studies School rankings by rolling up our degree-level rankings after weighting them by the number of degrees awarded at each school.

In order to find the schools that are the best fit for you, you may want to filter to one of the degree levels below.

Criminal Justice Studies Rankings by Degree Level

Associate Degrees in Criminal Justice Studies
Bachelor's Degrees in Criminal Justice Studies
Master's Degrees in Criminal Justice Studies
Doctor's Degrees in Criminal Justice Studies

When choosing the right school for you, it's important to arm yourself with all the facts you can. To that end, we've created a number of major-specific rankings, including this Best Criminal Justice Studies Schools list to help you make the college decision. If you'd like to restrict your choices to just one part of the country, you can filter this list by location.

In addition to our rankings, you can take two colleges and compare them based on the criteria that matters most to you in our unique tool, College Combat. Test it out when you get a chance! You may also want to bookmark the link and share it with others who are trying to make the college decision.

If you want to learn more about how we derive our rankings, see College Factual's Methodology.


 

Best Schools for Criminal Justice Studies in the United States

The schools below may not offer all types of criminal justice studies degrees so you may want to filter by degree level first. However, they are great for the degree levels they do offer. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Top Schools in Criminal Justice Studies

1
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In DC
74 Criminal Justice Studies Degrees Awarded

George Washington University is one of the best schools in the country for getting a degree in criminal justice studies. Located in the city of Washington, GWU is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #49 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means GWU is a great university overall.

There were about 74 criminal justice studies students who graduated with this degree at GWU in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in criminal justice studies from George Washington University

2
Boston U crest
Boston University
Boston, MA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
5th Most Popular In MA
77 Criminal Justice Studies Degrees Awarded

Boston University is a great decision for students pursuing a degree in criminal justice studies. Located in the large city of Boston, Boston U is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #54 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Boston U is a great university overall.

There were about 77 criminal justice studies students who graduated with this degree at Boston U in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in criminal justice studies from Boston University

3
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In WV
730 Criminal Justice Studies Degrees Awarded

American Public University System is a wonderful option for students pursuing a degree in criminal justice studies. American Military University is a very large private for-profit university located in the fringe town of Charles Town. A Best Colleges rank of #144 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means American Military University is a great university overall.

There were roughly 730 criminal justice studies students who graduated with this degree at American Military University in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in criminal justice studies from American Public University System

4
Florida State crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
3rd Most Popular In FL
608 Criminal Justice Studies Degrees Awarded

It's difficult to beat Florida State University if you wish to pursue a degree in criminal justice studies. Florida State is a very large public university located in the city of Tallahassee. A Best Colleges rank of #121 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Florida State is a great university overall.

There were approximately 608 criminal justice studies students who graduated with this degree at Florida State in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in criminal justice studies from Florida State University

5
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
6th Most Popular In MA
71 Criminal Justice Studies Degrees Awarded

Located in the city of Boston, Northeastern is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #59 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Northeastern is a great university overall.

There were approximately 71 criminal justice studies students who graduated with this degree at Northeastern in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in criminal justice studies from Northeastern University

6
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In TX
898 Criminal Justice Studies Degrees Awarded

SHSU is a very large public university located in the distant town of Huntsville. This university ranks 27th out of 115 colleges for overall quality in the state of Texas.

There were approximately 898 criminal justice studies students who graduated with this degree at SHSU in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in criminal justice studies from Sam Houston State University

7
Purdue University Global crest
Purdue University Global
West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University Global is a fairly large public university located in the city of West Lafayette. This university ranks 11th out of 42 colleges for overall quality in the state of Indiana.More information about a degree in criminal justice studies from Purdue University Global

7
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8
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In OH
323 Criminal Justice Studies Degrees Awarded

Located in the large city of Cincinnati, UC is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #166 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means UC is a great university overall.

There were about 323 criminal justice studies students who graduated with this degree at UC in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in criminal justice studies from University of Cincinnati - Main Campus

9
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
21st Most Popular In TX
66 Criminal Justice Studies Degrees Awarded

TCU is a large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Fort Worth. A Best Colleges rank of #80 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means TCU is a great university overall.

There were roughly 66 criminal justice studies students who graduated with this degree at TCU in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in criminal justice studies from Texas Christian University

10
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In NV
181 Criminal Justice Studies Degrees Awarded

Located in the city of Las Vegas, CSN is a public college with a very large student population. This college ranks 3rd out of 9 colleges for overall quality in the state of Nevada.

There were roughly 181 criminal justice studies students who graduated with this degree at CSN in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in criminal justice studies from College of Southern Nevada

11
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In FL
646 Criminal Justice Studies Degrees Awarded

Located in the suburb of Orlando, UCF is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 7th out of 77 schools for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were approximately 646 criminal justice studies students who graduated with this degree at UCF in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in criminal justice studies from University of Central Florida

12
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
10th Most Popular In MN
80.0% Growth in Graduates

Minnesota State Mankato is a large public university located in the small city of Mankato. This university ranks 13th out of 52 schools for overall quality in the state of Minnesota.

There were roughly 20 criminal justice studies students who graduated with this degree at Minnesota State Mankato in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in criminal justice studies from Minnesota State University - Mankato

13
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In FL
643 Criminal Justice Studies Degrees Awarded

Located in the suburb of Miami, FIU is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #183 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means FIU is a great university overall.

There were roughly 643 criminal justice studies students who graduated with this degree at FIU in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in criminal justice studies from Florida International University

14
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In NV
346 Criminal Justice Studies Degrees Awarded

Located in the midsize city of Las Vegas, UNLV is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #149 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UNLV is a great university overall.

There were roughly 346 criminal justice studies students who graduated with this degree at UNLV in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in criminal justice studies from University of Nevada - Las Vegas

15
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
6th Most Popular In MI
46 Criminal Justice Studies Degrees Awarded

Located in the town of Adrian, Siena Heights University is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. This university ranks 21st out of 57 colleges for overall quality in the state of Michigan.

There were roughly 46 criminal justice studies students who graduated with this degree at Siena Heights University in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in criminal justice studies from Siena Heights University

16
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In MD
367 Criminal Justice Studies Degrees Awarded

Located in the large suburb of Adelphi, UMGC is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #150 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UMGC is a great university overall.

There were approximately 367 criminal justice studies students who graduated with this degree at UMGC in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in criminal justice studies from University of Maryland Global Campus

17
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In IL
203 Criminal Justice Studies Degrees Awarded

Located in the city of Chicago, UIC is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 6th out of 85 colleges for overall quality in the state of Illinois.

There were about 203 criminal justice studies students who graduated with this degree at UIC in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in criminal justice studies from University of Illinois at Chicago

18
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
3rd Most Popular In CA
391 Criminal Justice Studies Degrees Awarded

Located in the city of San Diego, SDSU is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #141 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means SDSU is a great university overall.

There were roughly 391 criminal justice studies students who graduated with this degree at SDSU in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in criminal justice studies from San Diego State University

19
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
5th Most Popular In IN
115 Criminal Justice Studies Degrees Awarded

Located in the city of Bloomington, IU Bloomington is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #55 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means IU Bloomington is a great university overall.

There were approximately 115 criminal justice studies students who graduated with this degree at IU Bloomington in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in criminal justice studies from Indiana University - Bloomington

20
Century College crest
Century College
White Bear Lake, MN
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
7th Most Popular In MN
11.1% Growth in Graduates

Century College is a medium-sized public college located in the large suburb of White Bear Lake. This college ranks 19th out of 52 schools for overall quality in the state of Minnesota.

There were roughly 27 criminal justice studies students who graduated with this degree at Century College in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in criminal justice studies from Century College

21
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In CA
420 Criminal Justice Studies Degrees Awarded

Located in the large city of San Diego, UAGC is a private for-profit university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 50th out of 168 schools for overall quality in the state of California.

There were approximately 420 criminal justice studies students who graduated with this degree at UAGC in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in criminal justice studies from The University of Arizona Global Campus

22
University of New Haven crest
University of New Haven
West Haven, CT
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
4th Most Popular In CT
41 Criminal Justice Studies Degrees Awarded

University of New Haven is a medium-sized private not-for-profit university located in the large suburb of West Haven. This university ranks 8th out of 28 schools for overall quality in the state of Connecticut.

There were approximately 41 criminal justice studies students who graduated with this degree at University of New Haven in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in criminal justice studies from University of New Haven

23
Texas State crest
Texas State University
San Marcos, TX
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
4th Most Popular In TX
300 Criminal Justice Studies Degrees Awarded

Texas State is a fairly large public university located in the small city of San Marcos. This university ranks 20th out of 115 colleges for overall quality in the state of Texas.

There were roughly 300 criminal justice studies students who graduated with this degree at Texas State in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in criminal justice studies from Texas State University

24
Liberty University crest
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In VA
1,211 Criminal Justice Studies Degrees Awarded

Liberty University is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the small city of Lynchburg. This university ranks 12th out of 63 colleges for overall quality in the state of Virginia.

There were approximately 1211 criminal justice studies students who graduated with this degree at Liberty University in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in criminal justice studies from Liberty University

Rest of the Top Best Criminal Justice Studies Schools

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27
28
The American University crest
American University
Washington, DC
29
Temple crest
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA
30
St. Leo University crest
Saint Leo University
Saint Leo, FL
31
Simpson College crest
Simpson College
Indianola, IA
32

33
Seattle U crest
Seattle University
Seattle, WA

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35
36
El Centro College crest
El Centro College
Dallas, TX
37
Blinn College crest
Blinn College
Brenham, TX
38
39
Bellevue University crest
Bellevue University
Bellevue, NE
40
40

41

42
43
44
45
SC crest
Southwestern College
Winfield, KS
46
47
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49
SLU crest
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, MO

Additional Award Winners

This section shows the rest of the colleges awarded a Best Criminal Justice Studies Schools badge. Showing in this list means the college was ranked in the top 15% of the 454 different United States criminal justice studies schools we analyzed.

Rank College Location
50 Central Washington University Ellensburg, WA
51 Loyola University Chicago Chicago, IL
52 University of North Texas Denton, TX
53 Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis, IN
54 University of Central Oklahoma Edmond, OK
55 West Chester University of Pennsylvania West Chester, PA
56 Ball State University Muncie, IN
57 Rutgers University - Newark Newark, NJ
58 Westfield State University Westfield, MA
59 University of North Dakota Grand Forks, ND
60 University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte, NC
61 Waldorf University Forest City, IA
62 Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis Indianapolis, IN
63 Grand Canyon University Phoenix, AZ
64 California State University - Fullerton Fullerton, CA
65 DeSales University Center Valley, PA
66 Lewis University Romeoville, IL
67 Blackhawk Technical College Janesville, WI
68 Saint Cloud State University Saint Cloud, MN

Honorable Mentions

These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also great but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Best Criminal Justice Studies Schools award.

Rank College Location
69 Columbia College Columbia, SC
70 University of Massachusetts - Boston Boston, MA
71 California State University - Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA
72 Tarleton State University Stephenville, TX
73 Boise State University Boise, ID
74 Madonna University Livonia, MI
75 Des Moines Area Community College Ankeny, IA
76 California State University - San Bernardino San Bernardino, CA
77 Western Technical College La Crosse, WI
78 California State University - East Bay Hayward, CA
79 University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire Eau Claire, WI
80 University of Arkansas at Little Rock Little Rock, AR
81 Bethel University McKenzie, TN
82 Savannah Technical College Savannah, GA
83 Rowan University Glassboro, NJ
84 McLennan Community College Waco, TX
85 College of Southern Idaho Twin Falls, ID
86 University of Dayton Dayton, OH
87 University of Wisconsin - Platteville Platteville, WI
88 San Jose State University San Jose, CA
89 Prairie View A & M University Prairie View, TX
90 Kent State University at Kent Kent, OH

Criminal Justice Studies by Region

View the Best Criminal Justice Studies Schools for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Other U.S. Territories
Great Lakes

View All Rankings >

Criminal Justice Studies is one of 21 different types of Criminal Justice & Corrections programs to choose from.

Majors Similar to Criminal Justice Studies

Related Major Annual Graduates
Criminal Justice 32,891
Criminal Justice & Police Science 22,722
Corrections 4,039
Other Corrections & Criminal Justice 3,675
Criminal Justice and Corrections, General 1,133
Securities Services Administration/Management 849
Security & Loss Prevention Services 475
Law Enforcement Investigation & Interviewing 227
Corrections Administration 165
Juvenile Corrections 111

View All Criminal Justice Studies Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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