College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2024 Best Criminal Justice & Corrections Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

168 Colleges in the Middle Atlantic Region
17,461 Criminal Justice Degrees Awarded
$34,569 Avg Early-Career Salary
If you pursue a degree in criminal justice & corrections, you won't be alone. The field of study is the #7 most popular program in the country. So, there are lots of possibilities to explore when you're trying to determine where you want to get your degree.

In 2024, College Factual analyzed 168 schools in order to identify the top ones for its Best Criminal Justice & Corrections Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region ranking. Combined, these schools handed out 17,461 degrees in criminal justice & corrections to qualified students.

Jump to one of the following sections: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great Criminal Justice & Corrections School

Best Criminal Justice & Corrections Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region Your choice of criminal justice & corrections school matters, so we have put together these rankings to help you make your decision. In order to come up with a best overall ranking for criminal justice & corrections schools, we combine our degree-level rankings, weighting them by the number of degrees awarded at each level.

You may want to choose one of the degree levels below to find the schools of most interest to you.

Pick Your Criminal Justice & Corrections Degree Level

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

The criminal justice school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we've developed a number of major-specific rankings, including this list of the Best Criminal Justice & Corrections Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.

To further help you make the college decision, we've developed a unique tool called College Combat that allows you to compare schools based on the factors that matter the most to you. Go ahead and give it a try, or bookmark the link so you can check it out later.

Read more about College Factual's methodology.


 

Best Schools for Criminal Justice & Corrections in the Middle Atlantic Region

If you aren't interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the criminal justice degrees they offer, see the list below. 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 Middle Atlantic Region Schools in Criminal Justice

1
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
79 Criminal Justice Degrees Awarded
34.2% Growth in Graduates

Every student pursuing a degree in criminal justice & corrections needs to take a look at George Washington University. GWU is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Washington. A Best Colleges rank of #49 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means GWU is a great university overall.

There were roughly 79 criminal justice & corrections students who graduated with this degree at GWU in the most recent data year. Criminal Justice & Corrections degree recipients from George Washington University get an earnings boost of around $18,544 over the average income of criminal justice & corrections majors.

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

2
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,933 Criminal Justice Degrees Awarded
5.3% Growth in Graduates

Every student pursuing a degree in criminal justice & corrections has to check out John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Located in the large city of New York, John Jay is a public college with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #212 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means John Jay is a great college overall.

There were approximately 1933.0000000000002 criminal justice & corrections students who graduated with this degree at John Jay in the most recent data year. Criminal Justice & Corrections degree recipients from John Jay College of Criminal Justice earn a boost of about $8,917 above the average income of criminal justice & corrections majors.

More information about a degree in criminal justice & corrections from John Jay College of Criminal Justice

3
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
367 Criminal Justice Degrees Awarded
12.5% Growth in Graduates

University of Maryland Global Campus is a wonderful option for students pursuing a degree in criminal justice & corrections. UMGC is a very large public university located in the suburb of Adelphi. A Best Colleges rank of #150 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means UMGC is a great university overall.

There were about 367 criminal justice & corrections students who graduated with this degree at UMGC in the most recent data year. Those criminal justice & corrections students who get their degree from University of Maryland Global Campus receive $29,305 more than the average criminal justice grad.

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

4
Rowan crest
Rowan University
Glassboro, NJ
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
298 Criminal Justice Degrees Awarded
11.1% Growth in Graduates

Rowan University is a wonderful decision for students pursuing a degree in criminal justice & corrections. Located in the suburb of Glassboro, Rowan is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #329 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Rowan is a great university overall.

There were approximately 298 criminal justice & corrections students who graduated with this degree at Rowan in the most recent data year. Soon after graduating, criminal justice degree recipients usually make an average of $32,026 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in criminal justice & corrections from Rowan University

5
The American University crest
American University
Washington, DC
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
132 Criminal Justice Degrees Awarded
24.2% Growth in Graduates

The American University is a large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Washington. A Best Colleges rank of #129 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means The American University is a great university overall.

There were about 132 criminal justice & corrections students who graduated with this degree at The American University in the most recent year we have data available. Criminal Justice & Corrections degree recipients from American University earn a boost of approximately $11,328 above the average income of criminal justice & corrections majors.

More information about a degree in criminal justice & corrections from American University

6
Temple crest
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
217 Criminal Justice Degrees Awarded
6.0% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of Philadelphia, Temple is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #147 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Temple is a great university overall.

There were roughly 217 criminal justice & corrections students who graduated with this degree at Temple in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the criminal justice program state that they receive average early career earnings of $34,097.

More information about a degree in criminal justice & corrections from Temple University

7
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
96 Criminal Justice Degrees Awarded
$28,644 Median Starting Salary

Delaware Tech is a large public college located in the city of Dover. This college ranks 2nd out of 4 schools for overall quality in the state of Delaware.

There were about 96 criminal justice & corrections students who graduated with this degree at Delaware Tech in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the criminal justice program report average early career income of $28,644.

More information about a degree in criminal justice & corrections from Delaware Technical Community College - Terry

8
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
172 Criminal Justice Degrees Awarded
2.9% Growth in Graduates

WCUPA is a large public university located in the large suburb of West Chester. A Best Colleges rank of #241 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means WCUPA is a great university overall.

There were roughly 172 criminal justice & corrections students who graduated with this degree at WCUPA in the most recent year we have data available. Those criminal justice & corrections students who get their degree from West Chester University of Pennsylvania make $2,186 more than the average criminal justice student.

More information about a degree in criminal justice & corrections from West Chester University of Pennsylvania

9
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
243 Criminal Justice Degrees Awarded
5.3% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of Newark, Rutgers Newark is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #263 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Rutgers Newark is a great university overall.

There were roughly 243 criminal justice & corrections students who graduated with this degree at Rutgers Newark in the most recent data year. Those criminal justice & corrections students who get their degree from Rutgers University - Newark make $6,815 more than the standard criminal justice student.

More information about a degree in criminal justice & corrections from Rutgers University - Newark

10
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
270 Criminal Justice Degrees Awarded
7.4% Growth in Graduates

STJ is a large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Queens. This university ranks 41st out of 142 schools for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were approximately 270 criminal justice & corrections students who graduated with this degree at STJ in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the criminal justice & corrections degree program at St John's University - New York make $6,885 above the average graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

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

11
Monroe College crest
Monroe College
Bronx, NY
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
469 Criminal Justice Degrees Awarded
7.7% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Bronx, Monroe College is a private for-profit college with a moderately-sized student population. This college ranks 50th out of 142 colleges for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were about 469 criminal justice & corrections students who graduated with this degree at Monroe College in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the criminal justice & corrections major at Monroe College make $3,898 above the average college grad with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in criminal justice & corrections from Monroe College

12
RMU crest
Robert Morris University
Moon Township, PA

RMU is a small private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of Moon Township. This university ranks 46th out of 109 colleges for overall quality in the state of Pennsylvania.

There were roughly 25 criminal justice & corrections students who graduated with this degree at RMU in the most recent data year. Criminal Justice & Corrections degree recipients from Robert Morris University earn a boost of about $22,626 above the typical earnings of criminal justice & corrections graduates.

More information about a degree in criminal justice & corrections from Robert Morris University

13
DeSales crest
DeSales University
Center Valley, PA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
64 Criminal Justice Degrees Awarded
3.1% Growth in Graduates

Located in the rural area of Center Valley, DeSales is a private not-for-profit university with a small student population. This university ranks 26th out of 109 colleges for overall quality in the state of Pennsylvania.

There were about 64 criminal justice & corrections students who graduated with this degree at DeSales in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the criminal justice program earn about $33,883 for their early career.

More information about a degree in criminal justice & corrections from DeSales University

14
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
48 Criminal Justice Degrees Awarded
$31,986 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Pittsburgh, Pitt is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #79 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Pitt is a great university overall.

There were approximately 48 criminal justice & corrections students who graduated with this degree at Pitt in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the criminal justice program earn about $31,986 for their early career.

More information about a degree in criminal justice & corrections from University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus

15
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
103 Criminal Justice Degrees Awarded
9.7% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large suburb of Edison, Middlesex County College is a public college with a medium-sized student population. This college ranks 21st out of 44 schools for overall quality in the state of New Jersey.

There were approximately 103 criminal justice & corrections students who graduated with this degree at Middlesex County College in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the criminal justice program report average early career wages of $31,985.

More information about a degree in criminal justice & corrections from Middlesex County College

16
Widener crest
Widener University
Chester, PA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
$37,102 Median Starting Salary
$27,000 Median Student Debt

Widener is a medium-sized private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of Chester. A Best Colleges rank of #275 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Widener is a great university overall.

There were approximately 16 criminal justice & corrections students who graduated with this degree at Widener in the most recent data year. Criminal Justice & Corrections degree recipients from Widener University earn a boost of approximately $2,533 over the average income of criminal justice & corrections majors.

More information about a degree in criminal justice & corrections from Widener University

17
Wilmington University crest
Wilmington University
New Castle, DE
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
165 Criminal Justice Degrees Awarded
3.6% Growth in Graduates

Located in the suburb of New Castle, Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. This university ranks 3rd out of 4 colleges for overall quality in the state of Delaware.

There were roughly 165 criminal justice & corrections students who graduated with this degree at Wilmington University in the most recent data year. Criminal Justice & Corrections degree recipients from Wilmington University earn a boost of about $8,164 over the typical income of criminal justice & corrections majors.

More information about a degree in criminal justice & corrections from Wilmington University

18
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
79 Criminal Justice Degrees Awarded
15.2% Growth in Graduates

UB is a small public university located in the city of Baltimore. This university ranks 24th out of 36 schools for overall quality in the state of Maryland.

There were about 79 criminal justice & corrections students who graduated with this degree at UB in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the criminal justice & corrections major at University of Baltimore make $9,282 more than the typical college grad in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in criminal justice & corrections from University of Baltimore

18
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
139 Criminal Justice Degrees Awarded
$29,293 Median Starting Salary

Cal U is a moderately-sized public university located in the small suburb of California.

There were approximately 139 criminal justice & corrections students who graduated with this degree at Cal U in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the criminal justice program report average early career income of $29,293.

More information about a degree in criminal justice & corrections from California University of Pennsylvania

19
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
260 Criminal Justice Degrees Awarded
6.2% Growth in Graduates

QCC is a medium-sized public college located in the city of Bayside. This college ranks 79th out of 142 schools for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were roughly 260 criminal justice & corrections students who graduated with this degree at QCC in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the criminal justice program report average early career wages of $28,510.

More information about a degree in criminal justice & corrections from Queensborough Community College

20
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
85 Criminal Justice Degrees Awarded
$42,063 Median Starting Salary

Ship is a moderately-sized public university located in the fringe town of Shippensburg. This university ranks 39th out of 109 schools for overall quality in the state of Pennsylvania.

There were roughly 85 criminal justice & corrections students who graduated with this degree at Ship in the most recent year we have data available. Criminal Justice & Corrections degree recipients from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania receive an earnings boost of around $7,493 over the average earnings of criminal justice & corrections majors.

More information about a degree in criminal justice & corrections from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania

21
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
206 Criminal Justice Degrees Awarded
13.6% Growth in Graduates

Rutgers New Brunswick is a very large public university located in the city of New Brunswick. A Best Colleges rank of #98 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Rutgers New Brunswick is a great university overall.

There were approximately 206 criminal justice & corrections students who graduated with this degree at Rutgers New Brunswick in the most recent data year. Criminal Justice & Corrections degree recipients from Rutgers University - New Brunswick receive an earnings boost of approximately $6,815 above the typical earnings of criminal justice & corrections graduates.

More information about a degree in criminal justice & corrections from Rutgers University - New Brunswick

22
Marist crest
Marist College
Poughkeepsie, NY
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
68 Criminal Justice Degrees Awarded
10.3% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large suburb of Poughkeepsie, Marist is a private not-for-profit college with a medium-sized student population. A Best Colleges rank of #382 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Marist is a great college overall.

There were roughly 68 criminal justice & corrections students who graduated with this degree at Marist in the most recent data year. Criminal Justice & Corrections degree recipients from Marist College get an earnings boost of about $4,907 above the typical earnings of criminal justice & corrections graduates.

More information about a degree in criminal justice & corrections from Marist College

23
La Salle crest
La Salle University
Philadelphia, PA
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
48 Criminal Justice Degrees Awarded
20.8% Growth in Graduates

La Salle is a small private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Philadelphia. This university ranks 27th out of 109 colleges for overall quality in the state of Pennsylvania.

There were about 48 criminal justice & corrections students who graduated with this degree at La Salle in the most recent data year. Criminal Justice & Corrections degree recipients from La Salle University earn a boost of approximately $18,141 above the average income of criminal justice & corrections majors.

More information about a degree in criminal justice & corrections from La Salle University

24
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
629 Criminal Justice Degrees Awarded
29.3% Growth in Graduates

CCBC is a large public college located in the suburb of Baltimore. This college ranks 15th out of 36 colleges for overall quality in the state of Maryland.

There were approximately 629 criminal justice & corrections students who graduated with this degree at CCBC in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the criminal justice & corrections major at Community College of Baltimore County get $16,045 above the average college graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in criminal justice & corrections from Community College of Baltimore County

Rest of the Top Best Criminal Justice & Corrections Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region

Additional Noteworthy Schools

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 & Corrections Schools in the Middle Atlantic Region award.

Rank College Location
26 Monmouth University West Long Branch, NJ
26 Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Bloomsburg, PA
27 Waynesburg University Waynesburg, PA
28 Raritan Valley Community College Branchburg, NJ
29 Kingsborough Community College Brooklyn, NY
30 Community College of Philadelphia Philadelphia, PA
31 Rutgers University - Camden Camden, NJ
32 Erie Community College Buffalo, NY
33 LaGuardia Community College Long Island City, NY

Best Criminal Justice & Corrections Colleges by State

Explore the best criminal justice & corrections schools for a specific state in the Middle Atlantic Region .

State Colleges Degrees Awarded
Pennsylvania 334 3,222
New York 333 8,021
Maryland 279 944
New Jersey 273 2,955
District of Columbia 188 335
Delaware 175 280

View All Rankings >

Criminal Justice & Corrections is one of 4 different types of Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting programs to choose from.

Criminal Justice Focus Areas

Major Annual Graduates
Criminal Justice 6,748
Criminal Justice Studies 5,186
Criminal Justice & Police Science 4,035
Other Corrections & Criminal Justice 559
Corrections 558
Securities Services Administration/Management 203
Criminal Justice and Corrections, General 85
Law Enforcement Investigation & Interviewing 54
Corrections Administration 20
Juvenile Corrections 8

View All Criminal Justice Focus Areas >

Related Major Annual Graduates
Security Science and Technology 1,938
Homeland Security 1,746
Fire Protection 191
Other Homeland Security 168

View All Criminal Justice Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs

Compare Your School Options