Best Value Criminology Colleges in California

California State University-Fresno delivers remarkable value for criminology students with a net cost of just $6,480 while maintaining strong employment outcomes. The state's eleven criminology programs span from ultra-affordable public options to premium private institutions costing over $31,000 annually. California's massive law enforcement apparatus, including the largest sheriff's department in Los Angeles County and extensive federal agencies throughout the state, creates steady demand for criminology graduates. Early career earnings across programs range from $28,598 to $37,671, with University of Massachusetts Global leading compensation despite its higher price point.

Programs

$6,480 – $31,601

Net Price Range

$31,093

Avg. Program Earnings

62.1%

Avg. Graduation Rate

11 Criminology Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	California State University-Fresno Fresno, California	$6,480	$29,902	$6,980	54.8%	95.4%
2	California State University-San Marcos San Marcos, California	$10,550	$33,410	$7,739	54.2%	95.2%
3	University of California-Irvine Irvine, California	$12,840	$29,788	$14,237	86.0%	21.2%
4	California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt Arcata, California	$13,167	$28,598	$7,913	46.6%	98.2%
5	University of Massachusetts Global Irvine, California	$31,601	$37,671	$12,520
6	Mount Saint Mary's University Los Angeles, California	$25,009	$28,598	$48,132	53.4%	75.8%
7	University of La Verne La Verne, California	$26,925	$29,685	$47,000	65.4%	73.5%
8	Azusa Pacific University Azusa, California	$19,798		$43,600	64.4%	87.0%
9	California Lutheran University Thousand Oaks, California	$26,433		$50,670	74.0%	87.2%
10	California State Polytechnic University-Pomona Pomona, California	$11,580		$7,439	66.7%	55.4%
11	Fresno Pacific University Fresno, California	$14,317		$35,558	55.9%	75.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Cal State Fresno such a standout value for criminology?

Cal State Fresno combines the lowest net cost at $6,480 with solid early career earnings of $29,902 and a 95% acceptance rate. Students graduate with minimal debt averaging $9,908, making it exceptionally affordable for entering law enforcement or criminal justice fields.

How do California's public criminology programs compare to private options?

Public programs average under $14,000 in net costs while private institutions range from $14,317 to $31,601. However, graduation rates at private schools like California Lutheran reach 74% compared to public averages around 55%, potentially justifying higher investments.

Does UC Irvine offer good value despite its selectivity?

UC Irvine accepts only 21% of applicants but delivers an 86% graduation rate with a net cost of $12,840. Early career earnings of $29,788 and moderate debt loads of $15,383 make it competitive for students who gain admission.

Where do California criminology graduates typically find employment?

California employs over 75,000 police officers and thousands more in corrections, probation, and federal agencies like Border Patrol. The state's size and complexity create opportunities in urban policing, rural law enforcement, and specialized units serving tech companies and entertainment industries.

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