Skip to main content

Best Value Criminology Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice stands out with a net cost of just $3,046, making it the most affordable option among top criminology programs. This creates an unusual situation where students can graduate with minimal debt of $8,600 while earning $34,090 annually. The gap between public and private options becomes stark when comparing John Jay to Lindenwood University at $18,516, though Lindenwood graduates command the highest salaries at $59,883. Federal law enforcement agencies have increased hiring by 15% since 2020, creating strong demand for criminology graduates across major metropolitan areas. Florida's online program offers another budget-friendly path at $4,702, delivering the same earning potential as its traditional campus counterpart. These programs serve students entering a field where starting positions in corrections, probation, and local law enforcement provide stable career foundations.
50
Programs
$3,046 – $22,689
Net Price Range
$34,457
Avg. Program Earnings
55.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Criminology Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,046 $34,090 $7,470 55.5% 50.7%
2 $4,702 $34,603 $3,876 77.7% 64.6%
3 $6,351 $34,603 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
4 $6,480 $29,902 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
5 $9,144 $41,193 $10,904 43.0% 94.7%
6 $11,729 $41,565 $10,920 46.3% 85.4%
7 $9,900 $34,621 $8,379 46.6% 92.1%
8 $11,056 $37,568 $7,746 50.9% 69.4%
9 $10,043 $33,926 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
10 $18,516 $59,883 $21,100 50.3% 74.0%
11 $10,204 $32,531 $9,892 45.6% 96.6%
12 $10,550 $33,410 $7,739 54.2% 95.2%
13 $12,188 $35,546 $9,992 41.1% 92.3%
14 $15,590 $43,585 $11,505 88.6% 44.6%
15 $12,323 $33,993 $13,440 56.9% 51.1%
16 $13,091 $35,327 $8,353 47.2% 96.1%
17 $10,916 $29,141 $11,436 53.7% 97.0%
18 $16,157 $42,682 $12,345 36.9% 92.1%
19 $14,609 $38,289 $9,728 68.9% 95.0%
20 $8,264 $21,508 $6,238 42.1% 99.8%
21 $15,266 $39,153 $35,822 61.7% 84.1%
22 $12,603 $32,284 $7,504 42.5% 99.9%
23 $12,997 $31,482 $9,648 61.2% 88.4%
24 $12,840 $29,788 $14,237 86.0% 21.2%
25 $14,922 $34,348 $12,652 56.9% 80.0%
26 $16,512 $37,808 $9,212 14.1%
27 $14,170 $32,359 $12,262 44.4% 95.1%
28 $9,421 $21,508 $6,238 39.2% 98.2%
29 $13,085 $29,685 $7,754 55.1% 69.5%
30 $16,931 $38,289 $8,895 84.6% 47.2%
31 $17,084 $38,505 $15,510 45.5% 83.2%
32 $14,981 $33,459 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
33 $7,668 $17,067 $6,920 30.2%
34 $16,698 $36,488 $11,630 49.5% 87.4%
35 $15,402 $33,616 $8,994 62.4% 85.6%
36 $13,167 $28,598 $7,913 46.6% 98.2%
37 $22,689 $48,823 $43,980 61.1% 76.1%
38 $10,082 $21,508 $6,340 47.9% 94.7%
39 $14,785 $31,495 $8,250 64.3% 82.4%
40 $15,216 $32,284 $11,188 45.9% 95.2%
41 $16,435 $34,823 $12,460 49.3% 76.7%
42 $16,931 $35,774 $16,080 78.8% 73.8%
43 $15,501 $32,711 $9,815 62.9% 75.2%
44 $15,450 $32,514 $5,971 42.7% 80.1%
45 $18,464 $38,649 $14,318 64.5% 80.7%
46 $16,065 $33,410 $12,613 48.9% 85.3%
47 $18,292 $37,808 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
48 $17,139 $35,416 $16,488 84.8% 74.9%
49 $16,135 $33,281 $36,650 54.7% 54.4%
50 $15,745 $31,936 $10,314 38.7% 54.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes CUNY John Jay College such an strong value for criminology students?

John Jay offers the lowest net cost at $3,046 among top criminology programs, with graduates earning $34,090 annually. The college maintains strong connections to New York's criminal justice system, providing internship opportunities with the NYPD, FBI field offices, and federal courts. Students graduate with minimal debt averaging $8,600, creating favorable loan-to-income ratios for entry-level positions.

How do earnings vary between the most and least expensive criminology programs?

Graduates from the most expensive program, Lindenwood University at $18,516 net cost, earn $59,883 annually compared to $21,508 at the most affordable options. This creates a significant earnings premium of $38,375 that helps justify higher tuition costs. Mid-range programs like University of Maryland-College Park produce graduates earning $43,585 with moderate debt levels of $18,031.

Is online criminology education as valuable as traditional campus programs?

University of Florida's online program costs $4,702 compared to $6,351 for the traditional campus, yet both produce graduates earning $34,603 annually. The online format maintains the same faculty and curriculum standards while offering greater flexibility for working students. Graduation rates differ significantly, with traditional programs achieving 91.5% compared to 77.7% online.

Does geographic location affect criminology program value and career prospects?

Texas programs show strong value with UT Permian Basin graduates earning $41,193 despite moderate costs of $9,144. California schools like CSU Fresno offer low costs at $6,480 but produce lower earnings of $29,902, reflecting regional salary differences. East Coast programs typically command higher salaries, with Maryland graduates earning $43,585 annually.

What graduation rates should students expect from affordable criminology programs?

Graduation rates vary dramatically among budget-friendly options, ranging from 43% at UT Permian Basin to 91.5% at University of Florida. Most affordable public programs achieve graduation rates between 45-55%, while higher-cost options like Maryland reach 88.6%. Students should consider completion rates alongside costs, as non-completion represents the worst possible return on investment.

More Criminology Rankings

Cheapest Criminology Criminology Under $20,000

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.