Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees
Key Takeaways
- A criminal justice degree program utilizes the principles of sociology, psychology, political science, and philosophy.
- Students seeking a criminal justice degree complete courses in Constitutional Law, judicial administration, police work, legal issues, and ethical practice.
- Criminal justice degree programs produce competent federal intelligence analysts or police officers in law enforcement and many more job occupations.
Top 10 Liberal Arts Colleges Criminal Justice Programs in 2025
- San Francisco State University +1
- San Jose State University +13
- John Jay College of Criminal Justice –2
- California State University, Long Beach +10
- New York Institute of Technology +4
- Goucher College +4
- Fairleigh Dickinson University –2
- Suffolk University –4
- Loyola University Maryland +2
- Ashland University +12
2025 Ranking Update
Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.
While San Francisco State University moved up 1 position to the number 1 spot in our 2025 ranking of the best liberal arts colleges for criminal justice, a number of schools made large jumps this year to move into the top 10.
San Jose State University jumped 10 spots to move up to the number 2 position. The Department of Justice Studies at the school now offers a Spartan Accelerated Graduate Education (SAGE) Scholars Program, enabling students to earn both a Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies and a Master of Science in Justice Studies within a reduced timeframe, providing significant cost savings.
The department has expanded its curriculum to include specialized courses such as “Guns and the Law” and “Gender and Crime,” allowing students to delve into contemporary justice issues.
California State University Long Beach moved up 13 positions to the 4th spot in our ranking. The School of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Emergency Management at the school now offers a fully online Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice (MSCCJ) program, designed for working professionals seeking advanced education in a flexible format. This program can be completed in 16 months and covers topics such as crime analysis, criminal justice policy, and law and social control.
Additionally, CSULB has also expanded its curriculum to include specialized courses like “Investigating High-Tech Crimes” and “Forensic Psychology and the Criminal Justice System,” allowing students to explore contemporary issues in the field.
Featured Programs
Studying the criminal mind and behavior is the core of a criminal justice degree. Whether you want to help people or give back to your community, pursuing a career in criminal justice is a satisfying vocation.
Criminal justice education examines the inner workings of law enforcement and correctional agencies in the government. There are also criminal justice colleges options for studying criminal law, constitutional law, and forensic science.
Becoming a law enforcement officer can be a strong prospective career from this a major in criminal justice, or it can serve as a springboard to law school. A criminal justice degree could unlock many opportunities.
For criminal justice students to determine which liberal arts college is right for them, prospective students should focus on the program academics, internships, location, and the availability of online programs.
The Criminal Justice Degree Explained
The study of criminal justice encompasses various subjects within the criminal justice field, including law enforcement and correctional facilities.
Students often get criminal justice degrees and criminology degrees confused, but these two degrees differ. In criminology, students study how people commit crimes and why they commit them, and more importantly, how they might be prevented.
Meanwhile, criminal justice degrees, many of which are online criminal justice programs, emphasizes the practical side of the law, including the types of crimes committed, how the courts and prisons operate, and the role of the police, among others.
Bottom Line: While criminal justice and criminology degrees differ, it is important to note that these two fields often overlap.
A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice is an excellent starting point for a career in policing, corrections, homeland security, and a host of other important roles related to crime, justice, and public safety. Students majoring in criminal justice will study three primary subject areas—law enforcement, corrections, and the courts.
Majoring in criminal justice is a good starting point if you plan to study policing, law, administration of justice, counter-terrorism, and more. You’ll study related subjects including criminal psychology, rehabilitation, and sociology.
And if you’re interested in eventually going to law school and becoming a practicing attorney, majoring in criminal justice could be a good starting point. A degree in criminal justice will give you the knowledge and qualifications to contribute to public safety, national security, social justice, and a host of other related fields.
Degree popularity: Criminal justice bachelor’s degrees are the 16th most popular undergraduate degrees across all student demographics. It is slightly more popular among men. Crimianl justice degrees rank 6th among Black men, 8th for Black women, 8th among Hispanic men, and 15th for Hispanic women, according to the number of degree earners reported by the National Center for Educational Statistics.
Related: How to Major in Criminal Justice
If you think a research university may be a better fit for you, see our ranking of the best research universities for a bachelor’s in criminal justice.
Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees
- #16 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025 #9 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2025 #9 Best Public Colleges in California 2025
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Work Degrees
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Nursing Degrees
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees 2025
- #6 Best Colleges and Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees 2025
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees 2025
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2025
- #11 Best Colleges and Universities for Communications Degrees 2025
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
- #22 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #25 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
55%
Student body
30K
Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at San Francisco State University
Cost of Degree: $7,424Expenses: $23,032Starting Salary: $43,665Salary after 4 years: $53,394Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is San Francisco State University known for?
San Francisco State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Communications
- Philosophy
- Computer Science
- Social Work
- Political Science
- History
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
SFSU BA Criminal Justice Emphases:
- Administration of Justice
- Crime and Delinquency
- Legal Studies
- Working with Diverse Communities
- #22 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
77%
Graduation
68%
Student body
41K
Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at San Jose State University
Cost of Degree: $7,992Expenses: $24,318Starting Salary: $50,929Salary after 4 years: $62,277Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is San Jose State University known for?
San Jose State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Communications
- Computer Science
- Education
- Engineering
- Sociology
- Business
- Political Science
- Nursing
- Literature
Most Influential Alumni
San Jose State University Majors in Criminal Justice:
- BS Justice Studies
- BS Justice Studies – Criminology Concentration
- #8 Best Colleges and Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees 2025 #7 Best Online Colleges in New York 2025
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
51%
Graduation
54%
Student body
19K
Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Cost of Degree: $7,470Starting Salary: $39,913Salary after 4 years: $48,806What is John Jay College of Criminal Justice known for?
John Jay College of Criminal Justice’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Law
- Economics
- Political Science
- Anthropology
- History
- Literature
- Philosophy
Most Influential Alumni
John Jay College of Criminal Justice Majors in Criminal Justice:
- BA Criminal Justice – Crime Control and Prevention
- BS Criminal Justice – Institutional Theory and Practice
- BA/MA Criminal Justice
- BS/MA Criminal Justice
- Criminal Justice Dual Admission Programs (CUNY Justice Academy)
- BS Criminal Justice Management
- BS/MA Criminal Justice Management
- BA Criminology
John Jay College of Criminal Justice’s Online Degrees
BS in Security Management
- Required Credits: 39
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in California 2025 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025 #9 Best Colleges and Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
40%
Graduation
73%
Student body
44K
Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at California State University, Long Beach
Cost of Degree: $7,008Expenses: $21,408Starting Salary: $42,308Salary after 4 years: $51,734Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is California State University, Long Beach known for?
California State University, Long Beach’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Earth Sciences
- Sociology
- Communications
- History
- Engineering
- Criminal Justice
- Literature
- Political Science
- Biology
- Business
Most Influential Alumni
CSU, Long Beach Majors in Criminal Justice:
- BS Criminology and Criminal Justice
- Available certificate: Crime Scene Investigations
Tuition + fees
$42K
Acceptance
76%
Graduation
55%
Student body
7K
Median SAT/ACT
1239/27
Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at New York Institute of Technology
Cost of Degree: $44,360Expenses: $26,876Starting Salary: $57,845Salary after 4 years: $69,292Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is New York Institute of Technology known for?
New York Institute of Technology’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- Criminal Justice
- Medical
- Engineering
- Education
- Communications
- Chemistry
- Business
- Biology
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
New York Institute of Technology Majors in Criminal Justice:
- BS in Criminal Justice
- #1 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2025 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2025 #2 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2025 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$49K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
58%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1220/29
Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at Goucher College
Cost of Degree: $51,250Expenses: $20,650Starting Salary: $46,803Salary after 4 years: $56,065Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Goucher College known for?
Goucher College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Political Science
- Physics
- Biology
- Literature
- History
- Chemistry
- Education
- Medical
Most Influential Alumni
Goucher College Majors in Criminal Justice:
- BPS in Criminal Justice
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Jersey 2025 #1 Best Small Colleges in New Jersey 2025 #4 Best Private Colleges in New Jersey 2024 #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Other Rankings
- #4 Best Colleges in New Jersey 2024
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Nursing Degrees
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025
- #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in New Jersey 2024
- #2 Best Online Colleges in New Jersey 2025
- #8 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Master's of Nursing Programs 2025
Tuition + fees
$34K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
51%
Student body
9K
Median SAT/ACT
1044/21
Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at Fairleigh Dickinson University
Cost of Degree: $37,686Expenses: $22,692Starting Salary: $46,208Salary after 4 years: $55,352Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Fairleigh Dickinson University known for?
Fairleigh Dickinson University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Psychology
- Criminal Justice
- Biology
- Computer Science
- Political Science
- Business
- History
- Communications
- Mathematics
- Nursing
Most Influential Alumni
Fairleigh Dickinson University Majors in Criminal Justice:
- BA Criminal Justice
- BA Criminology
- BA Criminology MA Criminal Justice
- BA Government and Politics MA Criminal Justice: combined degree
- BA / MA Criminal Justice Accelerated
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Massachusetts 2025 #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Business Degrees in 2025 #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Massachusetts
Tuition + fees
$43K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
60%
Student body
7K
Median SAT/ACT
1190/27
Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at Suffolk University
Cost of Degree: $45,380Expenses: $22,860Starting Salary: $50,880Salary after 4 years: $60,949Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Suffolk University known for?
Suffolk University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Suffolk University Majors in Criminal Justice:
- Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice
- Accelerated Bachelor’s / MS Crime & Justice Studies
- #8 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2025 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Maryland 2025 #2 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2025 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$53K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
79%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1270/29
Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at Loyola University Maryland
Cost of Degree: $55,480Expenses: $20,110Starting Salary: $66,509Salary after 4 years: $79,671Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Loyola University Maryland known for?
Loyola University Maryland’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Physics
- Computer Science
- Religious Studies
- Philosophy
- Economics
- Social Work
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Engineering
Most Influential Alumni
Loyola University Maryland Majors in Criminal Justice:
- BA in Forensic Studies
- #2 Best Online Colleges for Students Who Work Part-Time 2025 #13 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #19 50 Best Christian Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities 2025 #4 Best Small Colleges in Ohio 2024
Other Rankings
- #5 Best Christian Colleges in Ohio 2025
- #6 Best Private Colleges in Ohio 2024
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Ohio 2025
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Work Degrees
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Nursing Degrees
- #7 Top 20 Most Affordable Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Programs
- #3 Fastest Accelerated Online PhDs in Education Degree Programs 2024
Tuition + fees
$24K
Acceptance
72%
Graduation
60%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1161/23
Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at Ashland University
Cost of Degree: $26,390Expenses: $15,468Starting Salary: $36,440Salary after 4 years: $43,651Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Ashland University known for?
Ashland University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Ashland University Majors in Criminal Justice:
- BA Criminal Justice
- BS Cybersecurity
- #5 Best Christian Colleges in Pennsylvania 2025 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #19 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025
Tuition + fees
$34K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
62%
Student body
6K
Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at La Salle University
Cost of Degree: $35,570Expenses: $17,590Starting Salary: $51,899Salary after 4 years: $62,170Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is La Salle University known for?
La Salle University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Philosophy
- History
- Nursing
- Social Work
- Business
- Communications
- Political Science
- Religious Studies
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
La Salle University Majors in Criminal Justice:
- BA Criminal Justice
- Dual Major Sociology and Criminal Justice
- #2 Best Small Colleges in Texas 2025 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Texas 2024 #7 Best Private Colleges in Texas 2024 #6 Best Online Master's in Theology 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
56%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at St. Mary's University, Texas
Cost of Degree: $36,242Expenses: $16,120Starting Salary: $44,170Salary after 4 years: $52,910Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is St. Mary's University, Texas known for?
St. Mary's University, Texas’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Law
- Political Science
- Criminal Justice
- Medical
- Engineering
- Religious Studies
- Economics
- Business
- History
- Communications
Most Influential Alumni
St. Mary’s University Texas Majors in Criminal Justice:
- Criminal Justice
- Criminology
- Forensic Science (Criminology Option)
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Virginia 2025 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Virginia 2025 #10 Best Public Colleges in Virginia 2025 #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Nursing Degrees
Other Rankings
- #5 Best Online Colleges in Virginia 2024
- #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Virginia
- #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Public Health Degree Programs for Students
- #8 Best Online Master's in Healthcare Administration 2025
- #8 Best Online Master’s in Health Science 2025
- #9 Best Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration Degree Programs for 2025
- #10 Best Online Master's Programs in Virginia 2025
- #15 Best Online Master's in Art Education and Art Administration
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
54%
Student body
10K
Median SAT/ACT
1060/21
Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at Radford University
Cost of Degree: $12,286Expenses: $16,885Starting Salary: $38,317Salary after 4 years: $46,854Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Radford University known for?
Radford University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Psychology
- Criminal Justice
- Medical
- Social Work
- Economics
- Communications
- Biology
- Earth Sciences
- Education
Most Influential Alumni
Radford University Majors in Criminal Justice:
- BA in Criminal Justice
- BS in Criminal Justice
Major focus:
- Cultural and behavioral analysis through examining how cultural beliefs can contribute to crime
Radford University’s Online Degrees
BBA in Business
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Emergency Services
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Healthcare Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Public Health
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut 2025 #6 Best Grad Schools in Connecticut 2024 #9 Best Private Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #3 Best Online Colleges in Connecticut 2024
Other Rankings
- #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Connecticut
- #5 Top 5 Best Online Criminal Justice Doctorates (PhDs) 2025
- #7 Best Online Master's Programs in Connecticut 2024
- #14 Best Online Bachelor’s of Homeland Security Degree Programs for 2025
- #16 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management 2025
- #18 Best Online Master's in Cybersecurity 2025
- #22 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice 2025
- #25 Best Online Master’s in Counseling 2025
Tuition + fees
$44K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
62%
Student body
9K
Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at University of New Haven
Cost of Degree: $45,730Expenses: $23,874Starting Salary: $46,378Salary after 4 years: $55,556Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of New Haven known for?
University of New Haven’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Computer Science
- Social Work
- Business
- Engineering
- Political Science
- Law
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- History
Most Influential Alumni
New Haven College Majors in Criminal Justice:
- BS Criminal Justice
- BS Fire Protection Engineering
- BS Fire Science
- BS Forensic Science
- BS Homeland Security & Emergency Management
- BA International Affairs
- BS National Security
- BA Paramedicine, with a minor in Fire Science
- BS Business Management, with a concentration in Criminal Justice
University of New Haven’s Online Degrees
BS in Homeland Security And Emergency Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Paramedicine
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #4 Best Small Colleges in Maryland 2025 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maryland 2025 #5 Best Colleges in Maryland 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2025
Other Rankings
- #6 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2025
- #8 Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2024
- #1 Best Online Colleges in Maryland 2024
- #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Maryland 2025
- #7 Best Online Master's Programs in Maryland 2025
- #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
- #19 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting 2025
- #24 Best Online Master's Degrees in Accounting 2025
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
89%
Graduation
33%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at University of Baltimore
Cost of Degree: $9,772Starting Salary: $50,610Salary after 4 years: $61,886What is University of Baltimore known for?
University of Baltimore’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Law
- Social Work
- Computer Science
- Political Science
- Business
- Psychology
- History
- Philosophy
- Literature
Most Influential Alumni
University of Baltimore Majors in Criminal Justice:
- BS in Criminal Justice
- BS in Cyber Forensics
- BS in Forensic Studies
- Certificate in Crime Scene Investigation
- Certificate in Forensic Document Analysis
University of Baltimore’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- General Business
- Accounting
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Policy, Politics And International Affairs
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #23 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Communications Degrees 2025 #6 Best Online MBA Programs in New York 2025 #10 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Public Relations Ranked 2025 #12 Best Online Colleges in New York 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$45K
Acceptance
63%
Graduation
81%
Student body
7K
Median SAT/ACT
1289/28
Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at Marist College
Cost of Degree: $46,010Expenses: $22,270Starting Salary: $53,173Salary after 4 years: $63,696Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Marist College known for?
Marist College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Communications
- Computer Science
- Criminal Justice
- History
- Political Science
- Business
- Economics
- Literature
- Education
- Mathematics
Most Influential Alumni
Marist College Majors in Criminal Justice:
- BS in Criminal Justice
- Double Major in Psychology and Criminal Justice
Marist College’s Online Degrees
BA in Management Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #2 Best Grad Schools in Maine 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Maine 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Maine 2025 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Maine 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
42%
Student body
10K
Median SAT/ACT
1109/22
Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at University of Southern Maine
Cost of Degree: $10,920Expenses: $15,892Starting Salary: $35,443Salary after 4 years: $43,340Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Southern Maine known for?
University of Southern Maine’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
University of Southern Maine
- BA Criminology
University of Southern Maine’s Online Degrees
BS in Applied Technical Leadership
- Required Credits: 121
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Management
- Required Credits: 121
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Social And Behavioral Sciences
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Communication
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Leadership And Organizational Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Integrative Professional Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #3 Best Small Colleges in Rhode Island 2025 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Rhode Island 2025 #4 Best Private Colleges in Rhode Island 2025 #6 Best Colleges in Rhode Island 2025
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Rhode Island
- #1 Best Online Associate in Criminal Justice
- #2 Best Online Associate in Cybersecurity
- #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Rhode Island 2024
- #4 Best Online Master's Programs in Rhode Island 2024
- #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
- #14 Best Online Bachelor's in Network Administration Degree Programs for 2024
- #14 Best Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
- #20 Best Online Master's in Cybersecurity 2025
- #23 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice 2025
Tuition + fees
$41K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
66%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1195/28
Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at Roger Williams University
Cost of Degree: $42,666Expenses: $20,940Starting Salary: $47,567Salary after 4 years: $56,980Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Roger Williams University known for?
Roger Williams University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Engineering
- Biology
- Business
- Law
- Literature
- History
- Political Science
- Communications
- Economics
Most Influential Alumni
Roger Williams University Majors in Criminal Justice:
- BA Criminal Justice
- 4+1 BA Criminal Justice / MS Criminal Justice
Roger Williams University’s Online Degrees
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Cybersecurity And Networking
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Applied Psychology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #5 Best Christian Colleges in Michigan 2025 #8 Best Small Colleges in Michigan 2024 #8 Best Private Colleges in Michigan 2024 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Michigan 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$40K
Acceptance
69%
Graduation
51%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1050/21
Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at Adrian College
Cost of Degree: $40,556Expenses: $16,448Starting Salary: $36,355Salary after 4 years: $43,549Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Adrian College known for?
Adrian College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Adrian College Criminal Justice Pre-professional Tracks
- Law Enforcement
- Corrections and Rehabilitation
- Law and the Judiciary
- #10 Best Public Colleges New Jersey 2024 #10 Most Affordable Colleges in New Jersey 2025 #6 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Cybersecurity #12 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs) 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$14K
Acceptance
90%
Graduation
39%
Student body
8K
Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at New Jersey City University
Cost of Degree: $13,971Expenses: $22,318Starting Salary: $36,720Salary after 4 years: $44,902Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is New Jersey City University known for?
New Jersey City University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Nursing
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Education
- Computer Science
- Physics
- History
- Mathematics
- Philosophy
Most Influential Alumni
New Jersey City University Majors in Criminal Justice:
BS Criminal Justice focus areas:
- Law Enforcement
- Courts
- Probation
- Corrections
- Parole
- Juvenile Justice
- Victim Advocacy
- Government or Community
- #11 Best Online Colleges in Illinois 2024 #11 Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois #16 Best Online Master's Programs in Illinois 2024
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
57%
Graduation
21%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at Governors State University
Cost of Degree: $11,320Expenses: $15,460Starting Salary: $35,124Salary after 4 years: $42,949Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Governors State University known for?
Governors State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Sociology
- Anthropology
- Social Work
- Psychology
- Political Science
- Education
- Business
- Computer Science
- Medical
Most Influential Alumni
Governors State University Majors in Criminal Justice:
- BA Criminal Justice
- BA Criminal Justice – Restorative Justice Concentration
Governors State University’s Online Degrees
BA in Business And Applied Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Rn To Bsn Nursing
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Tuition + fees
$32K
Acceptance
78%
Graduation
66%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1185/25
Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at Canisius University
Cost of Degree: $32,720Expenses: $15,860Starting Salary: $43,405Salary after 4 years: $51,995Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Canisius University known for?
Canisius University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Sociology
- Social Work
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Computer Science
- Criminal Justice
- History
- Economics
Most Influential Alumni
Canisius College Majors in Criminal Justice:
- Law Enforcement
- Law and Justice (topics in political science)
- Corrections (social service agencies and human services)
- Environmental Justice and Regulation
Tuition + fees
$30K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
45%
Student body
4K
Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at Tiffin University
Cost of Degree: $32,400Expenses: $16,150Starting Salary: $40,687Salary after 4 years: $48,738Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Tiffin University known for?
Tiffin University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Business
- Mathematics
- Communications
- Sociology
- History
- Psychology
- Education
- Computer Science
- Literature
Most Influential Alumni
Tiffin University Criminal Justice Concentrations
- Corrections
- Criminal Behavior
- Criminalistics
- Cyber Security
- Digital Forensics
- Forensic Psychology
- Government and National Security
- Homeland Security and Terrorism
- Justice Administration
- Law Enforcement
- #6 Best Small Colleges in Louisiana 2025 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Louisiana 2025 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Work Degrees #11 Best Colleges and Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
17%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at Southern University at New Orleans
Cost of Degree: $7,490Expenses: $17,564Starting Salary: $25,624Salary after 4 years: $31,334Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Southern University at New Orleans known for?
Southern University at New Orleans’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
SUNO Criminal Justice Concentrations:
- Incarceration
- Community-based corrections
- Treatment of offenders
- #5 Best Christian Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #18 Best Online Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #23 Best Online Master's Programs in Massachusetts 2025 #24 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management 2025
Tuition + fees
$41K
Acceptance
70%
Graduation
40%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at Anna Maria College
Cost of Degree: $43,064Expenses: $20,310Starting Salary: $40,857Salary after 4 years: $48,942Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Anna Maria College known for?
Anna Maria College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Anna Maria College Majors in Criminal Justice:
- BS Criminal Justice
Focus Areas:
- Law enforcement
- Public safety
- Forensic criminology
Anna Maria College’s Online Degrees
BS in Fire Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Career Outlook for Students with Criminal Justice Degree
Go to Degree Finder toolCriminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration
Degree Level: Bachelor's
- Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
- Avg. Cost of Degree*: $10,761
- Avg. Expenses*: $17,051
- Avg. Starting Salary*: $37,658
- Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $46,048
- Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 12 years
- Job Growth: 5.52%
- Number of Jobs: 1,443,100
- * denotes ‘annually’
- ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’
Career Salaries
Career | Job Growth | Avg. Salary |
---|---|---|
Managers, All Other | 5.75% | $133,560 |
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | 3.81% | $101,750 |
Detectives and Criminal Investigators | 2.29% | $91,100 |
Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers | 3.92% | $72,280 |
Transit and Railroad Police | 4.17% | $72,250 |
Top Industries
Industry | Avg. Salary |
---|---|
Managers, All Other | $133,560 |
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | $101,750 |
Detectives and Criminal Investigators | $91,100 |
Go to all Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degrees
Earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice can open numerous professional doors. As noted above, the study of criminal justice is divided into three key areas: law enforcement, corrections, and the court system. Within each of these areas, there are countless avenues to a career. Whether you wish to work in a police precinct, for the Department of Homeland Security, as part of a private security firm, as a private detective, or in a specialized field like the prevention of cybercrime, majoring in criminal justice can help you get there.
Today, top influencers in Criminal Justice are working on felon disenfranchisement, place-based criminology, alternative drug policies, and much more.
Back to TopCriminal justice is a popular major because it can provide pathways into countless fields and career opportunities. If you’re looking for a well-paying and secure job, a criminal justice degree is a great place to start. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2019, the average median pay for police officers and detectives was $65,170. For Detectives and Criminal Investigators, that figure was $81,920 in 2018. And if you parlay your criminal justice major into a postgraduate law degree, note that lawyers, in 2019, earned a well-above-average median pay of $122,960.
Back to TopOnce you’ve declared your major in criminal justice, you will likely be required to complete a set of core courses in a number of related subject areas. While your concentration will give you a chance to choose from a wide range of highly-specialized criminal justice electives, there are a number of common courses that most Criminal justice majors will be required to take, including:
- Introduction to Criminology
- International Law
- Criminal Psychology
- Race and the State
- Comparative Criminal Law
- Big Data and Surveillance
- Transformative Justice
- Capital Punishment in America
With a degree in criminal justice, you could qualify for an array of opportunities in law enforcement, security, forensics, counter-terrorism, corrections, and much more. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) identifies the following top jobs in criminal justice:
- Police and Detectives
- Probational Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
- Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary
- Private Investigators and Detectives
- Security Guards and Gaming Surveillance
- Correctional Officers and Bailiffs
- Lawyers
Frequently Asked Questions About Research Universities, Liberal Arts Colleges, Online Colleges
In pursuing a bachelor’s degree, you will need to choose between three kinds of schools: research universities, liberal arts colleges, and online colleges.
Research universities are colleges and universities whose faculty are active in research and publishing. Research universities offer a wide array of doctoral programs, especially in the sciences. They tend to be big, with tens of thousands of students.
Do you prefer a larger university setting, such as largest public university in your state? Research universities are typically big, offering degrees in many different disciplines.
Is a big high-powered research environment the thing for you? If not, you should think about a liberal arts college. In deciding on an undergraduate institution, ask yourself what sort of environment will best help you to be happy and excel.
- Consider whether you are self motivated enough to be a face in the crowd for some classes and largely unknown on campus at a large university. Of course you can find clubs and friends at a large university, but often liberal arts colleges have a more personal quality to them. If you want the community feel, a research university may not fit you well.
- Are you interested in STEM fields? Research universities have that name for a reason – real research is happening there. This can create an exciting atmosphere for students interested in STEM. Attending a research university can give you a better chance of getting into better programs for graduate degrees, although a lot of that depends on your performance.
Learn more about research universities by reading about the best research universities in the US.
Often referred to as “teaching colleges” liberal arts colleges put a premium on undergraduate studies and offers a broad range of subjects for students to study. A college of liberal arts typically provides smaller class sizes, more direct engagement with professors, and, most importantly, the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject areas on the way to a bachelor’s degree.
- Do you want your professors to know you? Liberal arts colleges strive to cultivate campus cultures that encourage tight bonds between professors and students.
- Do you want to feel like you know everybody? One of the most enticing features of a liberal arts college is that in very little time, you can feel like you know who’s who, which can create strong friendships and make walks across campus more fun. While your sports teams may never be on ESPN, it’s more likely that you’ll know the athletes as your peers.
Professors at these schools will typically conduct original research. Yet the best of these schools offer their faculty reduced teaching loads so that they can both be productive researchers and still have plenty of time for students (both in and outside the classroom).
Beyond student and faculty relationships, it’s not unusual for the school president and other administrators to learn who you are. When faced with problems with your student account or the need to switch classes, this can be comforting during a stressful moment.
Learn more about liberal arts colleges by reading about the best liberal arts colleges in the US.
If you think a liberal arts college may be a better fit for you, see our ranking of the best liberal arts colleges for a bachelor’s in mathematics.
Online colleges are typically the same colleges and universities you could attend in-person, but for certain degree programs the college or unviersity has made the degree programs available to be completed online. For over 5 million students, online degree programs allow students to earn their degrees in the most flexible format available.
Online degrees are as respected as the on-campus degrees you could earn from the same schools. There’s usually no distinction between the two degrees, and your degree and transcript will not say that the degree was earned online.
Online degree programs are offered by a vast majority of colleges and universities, and the number of offering continues to grow. Whether you are searching for an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate, there’s a good chance you can earn your degree online from a respectable online college.
- Are you a self-driven student? Perhaps the hardest aspect of obtaining an online degree is whether you will be disciplined enough to manage your time and course demands.
- Do you need the flexibility of an online degree program? Most online students study online because of time demands of balancing work and life, or because the online college affords them the chance to attend a better school without moving.
- The good news is that attending an online college doesn’t mean you will miss out on getting to know your professors and classmates. In fact, many online students who have experienced both online and on-campus courses report having easier access to their professors.
Many online students report that online college made them more disciplined in all areas of their lives, but the flexible, self-paced learning that makes online colleges attractive can often be the same qualities that make it difficult. If you tend to be a procrastinator, you need to be honest with yourself. You can change your habits and propensities, or you can throw money down the drain.
If you are serious about earning your degree for career advancement, online colleges make it possible. The most flexible options among online degrees are those that are asynchronous, meaning you don’t have scheduled times to meet with your class online. However, many students seek synchronous online degree programs so that they have some structure – set meeting times, scheduled exams, etc.
Since most communication with your professor is expected to be in text – via email or your class learning management system – it makes asking your questions easier. The same students also report that they got to better know the thoughts of their classmates. While in-person course conversations can be dominated by a few extroverts, online courses that require online discussions make it so that you see all of your classmates’ thoughts and questions.
If you’re interested in an online bachelor’s degree, check out what the best online colleges offer, or search our online degrees for the exact program that interests you. In either case, you will find well respected colleges and universities that offer online degrees.
Back to TopThe Best Criminal Justice Schools in Your State
Learn More About Criminal Justice
If you want to know more about criminal justice, then check out our related content:
- Learn how to major in criminal justice
- Learn about criminal justice from our expert interviews with influential criminologist
- Find out who are the most influential criminologists today