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2022 Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Colleges for Criminal Justice

347 Colleges in the United States
14,523 Bachelor's Degrees
Ranked #26 in popularity, criminal justice is one of the most sought-after bachelor's degree programs in the nation. This makes choosing the right school a hard decision.

In 2022, College Factual analyzed 347 schools in order to identify the top ones for its Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Colleges for Criminal Justice ranking. Combined, these schools handed out 14,523 bachelor's degrees in criminal justice to qualified students.

What's on this page: * Other Rankings

Choosing a Great Criminal Justice School for Your Bachelor's Degree

Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Colleges for Criminal Justice Your choice of school for getting your bachelor's degree in criminal justice matters. We created our Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Colleges for Criminal Justice ranking to make it a little easier to choose the right one for you.

A high popularity ranking isn't always a sign that a school has a great overall quality ranking for criminal justice, but it does mean that many students are choosing the school for some reason. This may be due to it being a great value, it offering a stellar educational experience, or the subject is a major focus of the school.

One Size Does Not Fit All

Associate Degrees in Criminal Justice
Master's Degrees in Criminal Justice
Doctor's Degrees in Criminal Justice
Overall Popularity in Criminal Justice

This is not our only ranking, nor the only degree level we have ranked. In addition to this ranking, you may want to take at the rankings for different degree levels as called out above. You can also narrow your search by location by filtering for a certain area of the country. On top of that, you can visit our other rankings for criminal justice.

In addition to College Factual's rankings, you may want to take a look at College Combat, our unique tool that lets you pit your favorite schools head-to-head and compare how they rate on factors that most interest you. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don't forget it.

The following list ranks the most popular colleges and universities for pursuing a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Most Well Attended Schools for Criminal Justice Students Working on Their Bachelor's

1
1,193 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In NY
#2 Best Quality In NY

Any student pursuing a degree in a bachelor's degree in criminal justice needs to take a look at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. John Jay is a fairly large public college located in the large city of New York. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for bachelor's degrees in criminal justice in New York.

There were approximately 1,193 criminal justice individuals who graduated with this degree at John Jay in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a bachelor’s in criminal justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice

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742 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In AZ
#1 Best Quality In AZ

You'll be surrounded by many like-minded peers at University of Phoenix - Arizona if you wish to pursue a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Located in the city of Tempe, UOPX - Arizona is a private for-profit university with a fairly large student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in criminal justice in Arizona.

There were approximately 742 criminal justice students who graduated with this degree at UOPX - Arizona in the most recent data year.

More information about a bachelor’s in criminal justice from University of Phoenix - Arizona

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424 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In TX
#1 Best Quality In TX

You'll be surrounded by many like-minded peers at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley if you want to pursue a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. UT Rio Grande Valley is a fairly large public university located in the city of Edinburg. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in criminal justice in Texas.

There were approximately 424 criminal justice students who graduated with this degree at UT Rio Grande Valley in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a bachelor’s in criminal justice from The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

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372 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In AZ

Arizona State University - Tempe is a popular choice for individuals pursuing a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Located in the midsize city of Tempe, ASU - Tempe is a public university with a very large student population. More information about a bachelor’s in criminal justice from Arizona State University - Tempe

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291 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In IL
#1 Best Quality In IL

Located in the town of Macomb, WIU is a public university with a medium-sized student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in criminal justice in Illinois.

There were about 291 criminal justice individuals who graduated with this degree at WIU in the most recent data year.

More information about a bachelor’s in criminal justice from Western Illinois University

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276 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type

National University College is a fairly large private for-profit university located in the midsize city of Bayamon.

There were about 276 criminal justice individuals who graduated with this degree at National University College in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a bachelor’s in criminal justice from National University College

7
244 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In CT
#1 Best Quality In CT

University of New Haven is a medium-sized private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of West Haven. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in criminal justice in Connecticut.

There were approximately 244 criminal justice individuals who graduated with this degree at University of New Haven in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a bachelor’s in criminal justice from University of New Haven

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218 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In VA
#1 Best Quality In VA

VCU is a very large public university located in the medium-sized city of Richmond. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in criminal justice in Virginia.

There were about 218 criminal justice individuals who graduated with this degree at VCU in the most recent data year.

More information about a bachelor’s in criminal justice from Virginia Commonwealth University

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211 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#3 Most Popular In AZ
#2 Best Quality In AZ

ASU - Skysong is a fairly large public university located in the city of Scottsdale. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #2 in quality for bachelor's degrees in criminal justice in Arizona.

There were about 211 criminal justice individuals who graduated with this degree at ASU - Skysong in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a bachelor’s in criminal justice from Arizona State University - Skysong

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209 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In MA
#1 Best Quality In MA

UMass Lowell is a large public university located in the suburb of Lowell. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in criminal justice in Massachusetts.

There were about 209 criminal justice individuals who graduated with this degree at UMass Lowell in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a bachelor’s in criminal justice from University of Massachusetts - Lowell

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197 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In NY
#8 Best Quality In NY

Monroe College is a medium-sized private for-profit college located in the large city of Bronx. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #8 in quality for bachelor's degrees in criminal justice in New York.

There were roughly 197 criminal justice students who graduated with this degree at Monroe College in the most recent data year.

More information about a bachelor’s in criminal justice from Monroe College

12
186 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In SC
#2 Best Quality In SC

Located in the city of Columbia, UofSC is a public university with a fairly large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for bachelor's degrees in criminal justice in South Carolina.

There were roughly 186 criminal justice students who graduated with this degree at UofSC in the most recent data year.

More information about a bachelor’s in criminal justice from University of South Carolina - Columbia

13
182 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In KY
#2 Best Quality In KY

Located in the town of Richmond, Eastern is a public university with a large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for bachelor's degrees in criminal justice in Kentucky.

There were approximately 182 criminal justice individuals who graduated with this degree at Eastern in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a bachelor’s in criminal justice from Eastern Kentucky University

14
176 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In NJ
#2 Best Quality In NJ

Kean is a fairly large public university located in the large suburb of Union. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for bachelor's degrees in criminal justice in New Jersey.

There were about 176 criminal justice individuals who graduated with this degree at Kean in the most recent data year.

More information about a bachelor’s in criminal justice from Kean University

15
175 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In CA
#1 Best Quality In CA

Located in the city of San Diego, UAGC is a private for-profit university with a fairly large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in criminal justice in California.

There were approximately 175 criminal justice individuals who graduated with this degree at UAGC in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a bachelor’s in criminal justice from The University of Arizona Global Campus

16
165 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In MI
#2 Best Quality In MI

Located in the large suburb of Allendale, GVSU is a public university with a fairly large student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #2 in quality for bachelor's degrees in criminal justice in Michigan.

There were approximately 165 criminal justice students who graduated with this degree at GVSU in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a bachelor’s in criminal justice from Grand Valley State University

17
156 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#3 Most Popular In NY
#5 Best Quality In NY

STJ is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Queens. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #5 in quality for bachelor's degrees in criminal justice in New York.

There were about 156 criminal justice students who graduated with this degree at STJ in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a bachelor’s in criminal justice from St John’s University - New York

18
146 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In OH
#1 Best Quality In OH

Union is a fairly small private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Cincinnati. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in criminal justice in Ohio.

There were approximately 146 criminal justice students who graduated with this degree at Union in the most recent data year.

More information about a bachelor’s in criminal justice from Union Institute & University

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Park University crest
Park University
Parkville, MO
146 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In MO
#1 Best Quality In MO

Located in the suburb of Parkville, Park University is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in criminal justice in Missouri.

There were approximately 146 criminal justice individuals who graduated with this degree at Park University in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a bachelor’s in criminal justice from Park University

20
Columbia College Missouri crest
Columbia College
Columbia, MO
145 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In MO
#2 Best Quality In MO

Located in the medium-sized city of Columbia, Columbia College Missouri is a private not-for-profit college with a moderately-sized student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #2 in quality for bachelor's degrees in criminal justice in Missouri.

There were roughly 145 criminal justice individuals who graduated with this degree at Columbia College Missouri in the most recent data year.

More information about a bachelor’s in criminal justice from Columbia College

21
139 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In MS
#2 Best Quality In MS

Located in the remote town of University, Ole Miss is a public university with a very large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for bachelor's degrees in criminal justice in Mississippi.

There were roughly 139 criminal justice students who graduated with this degree at Ole Miss in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a bachelor’s in criminal justice from University of Mississippi

21
Norwich crest
Norwich University
Northfield, VT
139 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In VT
#1 Best Quality In VT

Located in the town of Northfield, Norwich is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in criminal justice in Vermont.

There were about 139 criminal justice individuals who graduated with this degree at Norwich in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a bachelor’s in criminal justice from Norwich University

21
139 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In MI
#1 Best Quality In MI

Michigan State is a fairly large public university located in the small city of East Lansing. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in criminal justice in Michigan.

There were about 139 criminal justice individuals who graduated with this degree at Michigan State in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a bachelor’s in criminal justice from Michigan State University

24
134 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type

Located in the large suburb of Carolina, UNE is a private not-for-profit school with a medium-sized student population.

There were roughly 134 criminal justice individuals who graduated with this degree at UNE in the most recent data year.

More information about a bachelor’s in criminal justice from Universidad del Este

25
132 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In CO
#3 Best Quality In CO

UCCS is a fairly large public university located in the city of Colorado Springs. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #3 in quality for bachelor's degrees in criminal justice in Colorado.

There were roughly 132 criminal justice individuals who graduated with this degree at UCCS in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a bachelor’s in criminal justice from University of Colorado at Colorado Springs

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Wilmington University crest
Wilmington University
New Castle, DE

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Mercy crest
Mercy College
Dobbs Ferry, NY
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Additional Award Winners

This list represents the remainder of the colleges awarded a Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Colleges for Criminal Justice badge. Showing in this list means the school was ranked in the top 15% of the 347 different United States criminal justice schools we analyzed.

RankCollegeLocation
50North Carolina Wesleyan CollegeRocky Mount, NC
51Strayer University - GeorgiaAtlanta, GA
52East Tennessee State UniversityJohnson City, TN
52Colorado State University - Global CampusGreenwood Village, CO

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 Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Colleges for Criminal Justice award.

RankCollegeLocation
54Excelsior CollegeAlbany, NY
55Wayland Baptist UniversityPlainview, TX
56Tennessee State UniversityNashville, TN
57Missouri Southern State UniversityJoplin, MO
57University of Missouri - Kansas CityKansas City, MO
59Iona CollegeNew Rochelle, NY
60University of GeorgiaAthens, GA
60Citadel Military College of South CarolinaCharleston, SC
62California Baptist UniversityRiverside, CA
63Marist CollegePoughkeepsie, NY
64Lock Haven UniversityLock Haven, PA
65University of Arkansas - Fort SmithFort Smith, AR
65University of South AlabamaMobile, AL
65Pace University - New YorkNew York, NY
65Salve Regina UniversityNewport, RI
69University of Oklahoma Norman CampusNorman, OK

Criminal Justice by Region

View the Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Colleges for Criminal Justice for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Great Lakes

View All Rankings >

Criminal Justice is one of 13 different types of Criminal Justice & Corrections programs to choose from.

Majors Similar to Criminal Justice

Related MajorAnnual Graduates
Criminal Justice Studies30,900
Criminal Justice & Police Science3,233
Other Corrections & Criminal Justice1,560
Criminal Justice and Corrections, General782
Securities Services Administration/Management441
Corrections340
Corrections Administration108
Law Enforcement Investigation & Interviewing48
Juvenile Corrections13
Security & Loss Prevention Services3

Notes and References

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