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Best Criminal Justice Programs 2026

Top criminal justice and criminology programs ranked by salary outcomes. Compare schools for law enforcement and legal studies.

8 programs ranked
$36,744 avg salary
5 public schools
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1

Criminal Justice and Corrections

59/100

Northeastern University · Boston, MA

$44,672 median salary$32,116/yr net cost9.4 yr break-even+49% vs. HS diploma
2

Criminal Justice and Corrections

39/100

George Washington University · Washington, DC

$40,192 median salary$37,454/yr net cost15.4 yr break-even+34% vs. HS diploma
3

Criminal Justice and Corrections

74/100Public

University of Georgia · Athens, GA

$38,066 median salary$13,816/yr net cost7.7 yr break-even+27% vs. HS diploma
4

Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other

26/100

Tulane University of Louisiana · New Orleans, LA

$37,871 median salary$43,939/yr net cost23.3 yr break-even+26% vs. HS diploma
5

Criminal Justice and Corrections

65/100Public

Iowa State University · Ames, IA

$36,457 median salary$18,165/yr net cost12.5 yr break-even+22% vs. HS diploma
6

Criminal Justice and Corrections

59/100Public

Indiana University-Bloomington · Bloomington, IN

$34,197 median salary$15,342/yr net cost16.3 yr break-even+14% vs. HS diploma
7

Criminal Justice and Corrections

38/100Public

The University of Alabama · Tuscaloosa, AL

$32,626 median salary$22,150/yr net cost36.9 yr break-even+9% vs. HS diploma
8

Criminology

54/100Public

University of Florida · Gainesville, FL

$29,868 median salary$6,351/yr net cost+0% vs. HS diploma

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Compare Schools Side by Side

See how different criminal justice programs stack up on cost, salary, and graduation rates.

Compare SchoolsOverall Rankings

Rankings are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Programs are ranked by median earnings 1 year after completion. Data reflects bachelor's degree programs only.