Skip to main content

Criminology Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

Criminology programs across the United States show striking cost differences, with net prices ranging from just $3,046 at CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice to $11,729 at higher-cost options. The University of Texas Permian Basin stands out with graduates earning $41,193 annually, nearly double the lowest earnings in the dataset. Public universities dominate the affordable criminology market, though several private nonprofit institutions in Puerto Rico offer competitive pricing. The field connects directly to America's growing public safety sector, where federal agencies like the FBI, DEA, and Department of Homeland Security actively recruit criminology graduates. California and Florida lead in program availability, while Texas institutions demonstrate strong earning potential for graduates. Net costs under $7,000 are achievable at multiple institutions, making criminology education accessible for students seeking careers in law enforcement, corrections, forensic science, and criminal justice administration. Regional job markets vary significantly, with metropolitan areas typically offering higher starting salaries but also increased competition for entry-level positions.
50
Programs
$3,046 – $15,216
Net Price Range
$31,647
Avg. Program Earnings
52.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Criminology Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,046 $7,470 55.5% 50.7%
2 $4,702 $3,876 77.7% 64.6%
3 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
4 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
5 $7,668 $6,920 30.2%
6 $8,245 $5,580 43.1% 52.8%
7 $8,264 $6,238 42.1% 99.8%
8 $9,144 $10,904 43.0% 94.7%
9 $9,421 $6,238 39.2% 98.2%
10 $9,900 $8,379 46.6% 92.1%
11 $10,043 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
12 $10,082 $6,340 47.9% 94.7%
13 $10,204 $9,892 45.6% 96.6%
14 $10,550 $7,739 54.2% 95.2%
15 $10,904 $14,944 56.6% 54.1%
16 $10,916 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%
17 $11,056 $7,746 50.9% 69.4%
18 $11,268 $10,026 45.9% 86.5%
19 $11,580 $7,439 66.7% 55.4%
20 $11,729 $10,920 46.3% 85.4%
21 $12,188 $9,992 41.1% 92.3%
22 $12,323 $13,440 56.9% 51.1%
23 $12,473 $21,000 23.0%
24 $12,603 $7,504 42.5% 99.9%
25 $12,837 $11,988 55.9% 69.5%
26 $12,840 $14,237 86.0% 21.2%
27 $12,948 $9,401 38.0% 98.8%
28 $12,997 $9,648 61.2% 88.4%
29 $13,085 $7,754 55.1% 69.5%
30 $13,091 $8,353 47.2% 96.1%
31 $13,167 $7,913 46.6% 98.2%
32 $13,172 $9,315 63.9% 89.1%
33 $13,220 $9,548 29.4% 96.1%
34 $13,710 $29,982 68.2% 77.5%
35 $13,782 $8,816 60.9% 73.9%
36 $14,170 $12,262 44.4% 95.1%
37 $14,173 $9,776 31.6% 99.2%
38 $14,317 $35,558 55.9% 75.0%
39 $14,401 $12,997 61.6% 83.1%
40 $14,501 $11,700 48.8% 67.4%
41 $14,609 $9,728 68.9% 95.0%
42 $14,714 $8,606 60.9% 84.5%
43 $14,785 $8,250 64.3% 82.4%
44 $14,824 $10,181 57.5% 85.6%
45 $14,922 $12,652 56.9% 80.0%
46 $14,981 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
47 $15,001 $8,689 44.1% 94.9%
48 $15,074 $14,596 21.7% 51.5%
49 $15,113 $37,844 62.4% 89.5%
50 $15,216 $11,188 45.9% 95.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY John Jay College so affordable for criminology students?

John Jay College offers the lowest net cost at just $3,046 annually, thanks to generous financial aid packages that reduce the $7,470 in-state tuition significantly. The college accepts 50.66% of applicants and maintains a graduation rate of 55.50%. Located in Manhattan, students benefit from proximity to numerous law enforcement agencies and internship opportunities. Graduates earn an average of $34,090 annually with manageable debt loads of $8,600.

How do University of Florida's online and on-campus criminology programs compare?

Both programs produce graduates earning $34,603 annually, but differ significantly in selectivity and completion rates. The on-campus program accepts only 23.35% of applicants with a 91.50% graduation rate, while the online version accepts 64.64% with a 77.70% completion rate. The online program costs $4,702 net annually compared to $6,351 for on-campus study. Both options result in similar debt loads of $15,224 for graduates.

Is studying criminology in Puerto Rico a cost-effective option?

Puerto Rico institutions offer extremely low tuition costs, with programs ranging from $5,580 to $6,920 annually before aid. However, graduates earn significantly less at $21,508 compared to mainland averages of $30,000-$40,000. Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Gurabo Campus shows a concerning 30.20% graduation rate despite low costs. Students should weigh the savings against potential career limitations and consider whether they plan to work in Puerto Rico long-term.

Does the University of Texas Permian Basin offer good value despite higher costs?

At $9,144 net cost, UT Permian Basin charges more than many options but produces the highest-earning graduates at $41,193 annually. The 43% graduation rate is concerning, but successful graduates see strong returns on investment. The school accepts 94.71% of applicants, making admission relatively accessible. The location in Texas oil country may provide unique opportunities in corporate security and industrial crime prevention.

Where can students find the best combination of low cost and high graduation rates?

The University of Florida on-campus program offers the strongest combination with a $6,351 net cost and 91.50% graduation rate, though admission is competitive at 23.35% acceptance. University of South Florida provides another solid option at $10,043 net cost with a 74.60% graduation rate and more accessible 43.93% admission rate. Both Florida schools place graduates earning over $33,000 annually. California State University-San Marcos balances affordability at $10,550 with a respectable 54.20% graduation rate.

More Criminology Rankings

Cheapest Criminology Best Value Criminology

Related

All Criminology Programs All College Rankings Highest-Paying Majors 2026

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.