Best Value Criminology Colleges in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's public universities deliver strong value for criminology students, with Indiana University of Pennsylvania leading at just $17,216 net cost while graduates earn $32,446 annually. The state's 15 criminology programs span a remarkable pricing spectrum from IUP's bargain rate to Villanova's $44,876 premium, creating options for every budget. What makes these programs particularly valuable is Pennsylvania's thriving criminal justice sector, anchored by major healthcare systems like UPMC that require extensive security operations and forensic specialists. Saint Joseph's University graduates command the highest salaries at $47,260, nearly 46% more than the state average, while public options like Slippery Rock deliver strong returns at $19,524 net cost. The state's proximity to major metropolitan areas including Philadelphia and Pittsburgh provides internship opportunities with federal agencies, corporate security divisions, and municipal police departments. With graduation rates ranging from 42% to 97%, students can find programs matching their academic preparation and career goals.

Programs

$17,216 – $44,876

Net Price Range

$36,355

Avg. Program Earnings

65.2%

Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Criminology Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Indiana University of Pennsylvania-Main Campus Indiana, Pennsylvania	$17,216	$32,446	$11,380	52.4%	91.9%
2	Lycoming College Williamsport, Pennsylvania	$19,258	$33,518	$47,675	59.6%	75.2%
3	Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania	$19,524	$32,925	$10,507	65.9%	74.3%
4	Albright College Reading, Pennsylvania	$21,664	$36,312	$28,794	42.2%	84.9%
5	Saint Vincent College Latrobe, Pennsylvania	$23,331	$35,594	$41,100	72.1%	73.4%
6	Elizabethtown College Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania	$26,198	$39,592	$36,842	77.1%	81.1%
7	Cedar Crest College Allentown, Pennsylvania	$22,909	$33,993	$44,934	58.2%	84.3%
8	Lebanon Valley College Annville, Pennsylvania	$28,132	$41,007	$50,320	72.5%	76.7%
9	Saint Joseph's University Philadelphia, Pennsylvania	$35,487	$47,260	$51,340	79.8%	88.7%
10	Cabrini University Radnor, Pennsylvania	$24,051	$30,409	$35,815	50.5%	78.5%
11	University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, Pennsylvania	$31,229	$36,848	$66,104	96.8%	6.5%
12	Wilkes University Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania	$27,700		$42,286	60.3%	94.1%
13	Villanova University Villanova, Pennsylvania	$44,876		$64,701	92.4%	23.4%
14	Rosemont College Rosemont, Pennsylvania	$20,356		$22,171	43.5%	75.6%
15	Geneva College Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania	$21,043		$33,610	61.5%	79.1%
16	Eastern University Saint Davids, Pennsylvania	$25,885		$37,420	56.0%	63.2%
17	Drexel University Philadelphia, Pennsylvania	$38,428		$60,663	77.1%	79.6%
18	Chatham University Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania	$25,717		$43,810	66.2%	66.3%
19	Carlow University Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania	$20,822		$34,502	55.2%	92.7%
20	Arcadia University Glenside, Pennsylvania	$25,866		$48,290	64.0%	77.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Indiana University of Pennsylvania such a strong value for criminology students?

IUP offers the lowest net cost at $17,216 while maintaining solid career outcomes with graduates earning $32,446 annually. The university accepts 92% of applicants and achieves a 52% graduation rate. Students benefit from affordable in-state tuition of $11,380 and relatively manageable debt loads averaging $27,000.

How do private college criminology programs compare to public options in Pennsylvania?

Private colleges typically cost $20,000 to $45,000 annually but often provide higher graduation rates and stronger alumni networks. Saint Joseph's University exemplifies this with 80% graduation rates and $47,260 average earnings, though at $35,487 net cost. Public universities like Slippery Rock offer comparable career preparation at nearly half the price.

Where do Pennsylvania criminology graduates find the best career opportunities?

Philadelphia and Pittsburgh anchor the state's criminal justice job market, with federal agencies, corporate security teams, and municipal departments actively recruiting. UPMC and other healthcare systems employ hundreds of security professionals and fraud investigators. The state's pharmaceutical industry also creates demand for compliance officers and corporate investigators specializing in regulatory enforcement.

Does attending a more expensive criminology program guarantee higher earnings?

Not necessarily, as the data shows significant variation in outcomes regardless of cost. Saint Vincent College charges $23,331 but graduates earn $35,594, while more expensive Elizabethtown College at $26,198 produces higher earners at $39,592. University of Pennsylvania commands premium tuition but criminology graduates earn just $36,848, similar to much cheaper alternatives.

What financial aid options help make Pennsylvania criminology programs affordable?

The PA State Grant provides need-based assistance for in-state students attending both public and private institutions. Public universities offer the most affordable base tuition, with Slippery Rock charging just $10,507 annually for residents. Private colleges often provide substantial merit scholarships, bringing net costs closer to public school levels for qualified applicants.

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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.