2026 Best Value Criminal Justice Studies Bachelor’s Degree Schools

1

California State University Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

Our analysis ranked California State University Los Angeles the best value for a degree in criminal justice studies in the United States. Located in the city of Los Angeles, California State University Los Angeles is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,164, while out-of-state students pay about $19,764. Typical student debt for criminal justice studies graduates is $11,679. Early-career criminal justice studies graduates make about $32,974. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

2

California State University Dominguez Hills
Carson, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at California State University Dominguez Hills earned it the #2 place for criminal justice studies. California State University Dominguez Hills is a large public school located in the city of Carson. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,454, with out-of-state students paying around $20,054. Typical student debt for criminal justice studies graduates is $12,256. Early-career criminal justice studies graduates make about $36,092. That is a strong return on a $12,256 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%.

3

California State University Fullerton
Fullerton, CA

California State University Fullerton is a great value for students pursuing a degree in criminal justice studies, landing the #3 spot this year. California State University Fullerton is a very large public school located in the suburb of Fullerton. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,470, while out-of-state students pay about $20,070. Typical student debt for criminal justice studies graduates is $11,000. Criminal Justice Studies graduates of California State University Fullerton earn a median of $34,570 early in their careers. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

4

California State University Stanislaus
Turlock, CA

Students looking for strong value in criminal justice studies will find it at California State University Stanislaus, which ranked #4. California State University Stanislaus is a large public school located in the suburb of Turlock. In-state tuition and fees average $8,242, with out-of-state students paying around $20,842. Criminal Justice Studies graduates carry a median of $12,500 in student loans. Early-career criminal justice studies graduates make about $34,806. Set against $12,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Stanislaus admits about 98% of applicants.

5

Texas A And M International University
Laredo, TX

A rank of #5 makes Texas A And M International University one of the best values for criminal justice studies. Set in the city of Laredo, Texas A And M International University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,894, with out-of-state students paying around $19,454. Students borrow a median of $15,500 to complete the criminal justice studies program here. Soon after graduation, criminal justice studies degree recipients from Texas A And M International University generally make around $42,029. That is a strong return on a $15,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 44%.

6

California State University Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA

California State University Bakersfield ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value criminal justice studies schools. California State University Bakersfield is a large public school located in the city of Bakersfield. In-state tuition and fees average $8,087, compared with $20,687 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,009. California State University Bakersfield admits about 94% of applicants.

7

California State University San Bernardino
San Bernardino, CA

California State University San Bernardino came in at #7 for value in criminal justice studies this year. California State University San Bernardino is a very large public school located in the city of San Bernardino. In-state tuition and fees average $8,088, compared with $20,688 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,917 to complete the criminal justice studies program here. Soon after graduation, criminal justice studies degree recipients from California State University San Bernardino generally make around $35,029. That is a strong return on a $14,917 median debt. California State University San Bernardino admits about 94% of applicants.

8

Indian River State College
Fort Pierce, FL

Indian River State College placed #8 among the best values for criminal justice studies. Indian River State College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Fort Pierce. In-state tuition and fees average $2,764, compared with $10,201 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete the criminal justice studies program here. Criminal Justice Studies graduates of Indian River State College earn a median of $43,351 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

9

Dalton State College
Dalton, GA

Dalton State College earned the #9 position for value in criminal justice studies this year. Located in the city of Dalton, Dalton State College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $3,336, while out-of-state students pay about $10,656. Criminal Justice Studies graduates carry a median of $10,550 in student loans. Criminal Justice Studies graduates of Dalton State College earn a median of $37,856 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

10

The University Of Texas Pan American
Edinburg, TX

The University Of Texas Pan American placed #10 among the best values for criminal justice studies. The University Of Texas Pan American is a very large public school located in the city of Edinburg. Students from in state pay about $9,799 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,645. Typical student debt for criminal justice studies graduates is $11,644. Criminal Justice Studies graduates of The University Of Texas Pan American earn a median of $46,404 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $11,644 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%.

11

California State University Northridge
Northridge, CA

California State University Northridge landed the #11 spot for criminal justice studies value this year. California State University Northridge is a very large public school located in the city of Northridge. In-state tuition and fees average $7,458, compared with $20,058 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for criminal justice studies graduates is $11,000. Soon after graduation, criminal justice studies degree recipients from California State University Northridge generally make around $34,870. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.

12

Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL

Florida Atlantic University landed the #12 spot for criminal justice studies value this year. Located in the city of Boca Raton, Florida Atlantic University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,879, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Criminal Justice Studies graduates carry a median of $18,750 in student loans. Soon after graduation, criminal justice studies degree recipients from Florida Atlantic University generally make around $35,647. That is a strong return on a $18,750 median debt. Florida Atlantic University admits about 66% of applicants.

13

California State University Long Beach
Long Beach, CA

California State University Long Beach came in at #13 for value in criminal justice studies this year. Located in the city of Long Beach, California State University Long Beach is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,374, compared with $19,974 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for criminal justice studies graduates is $15,000. Soon after graduation, criminal justice studies degree recipients from California State University Long Beach generally make around $34,247. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted.

14

Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus
Portales, NM

Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus placed #14 among the best values for criminal justice studies. Located in the town of Portales, Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,074, with out-of-state students paying around $9,054. Students borrow a median of $17,912 to complete the criminal justice studies program here. Criminal Justice Studies graduates of Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus earn a median of $31,599 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $17,912 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%.

15

Indiana University Northwest
Gary, IN

Indiana University Northwest landed the #15 spot for criminal justice studies value this year. Located in the suburb of Gary, Indiana University Northwest is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,424, with out-of-state students paying around $22,811. Criminal Justice Studies graduates carry a median of $24,471 in student loans. Early-career criminal justice studies graduates make about $41,295. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 73%.

16

Indiana University Kokomo
Kokomo, IN

Indiana University Kokomo earned the #16 position for value in criminal justice studies this year. Set in the city of Kokomo, Indiana University Kokomo is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,424, with out-of-state students paying around $22,811. Criminal Justice Studies graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Early-career criminal justice studies graduates make about $46,902. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

17

New Mexico State University Main Campus
Las Cruces, NM

New Mexico State University Main Campus placed #17 among the best values for criminal justice studies. Set in the suburb of Las Cruces, New Mexico State University Main Campus is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,183 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,307. Typical student debt for criminal justice studies graduates is $20,642. Criminal Justice Studies graduates of New Mexico State University Main Campus earn a median of $29,553 early in their careers. Set against $20,642 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.

18

Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Durant, OK

Southeastern Oklahoma State University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best value criminal justice studies schools. Southeastern Oklahoma State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Durant. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,200, with out-of-state students paying around $16,410. Students borrow a median of $15,250 to complete the criminal justice studies program here. Soon after graduation, criminal justice studies degree recipients from Southeastern Oklahoma State University generally make around $34,958. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southeastern Oklahoma State University admits about 76% of applicants.

19

Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, KY

Northern Kentucky University earned the #19 position for value in criminal justice studies this year. Located in the suburb of Highland Heights, Northern Kentucky University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $11,088 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,912 for out-of-state students. Criminal Justice Studies graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Early-career criminal justice studies graduates make about $35,724. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.

20

Florida International University
Miami, FL

Florida International University landed the #20 spot for criminal justice studies value this year. Florida International University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Miami. In-state tuition and fees average $6,565, while out-of-state students pay about $18,964. Typical student debt for criminal justice studies graduates is $18,623. Soon after graduation, criminal justice studies degree recipients from Florida International University generally make around $36,839. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Florida International University admits about 55% of applicants.

21

University Of Illinois At Springfield
Springfield, IL

University Of Illinois At Springfield placed #21 among the best values for criminal justice studies. University Of Illinois At Springfield is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Springfield. In-state tuition and fees average $12,557, with out-of-state students paying around $20,139. Typical student debt for criminal justice studies graduates is $22,418. Criminal Justice Studies graduates of University Of Illinois At Springfield earn a median of $41,064 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Illinois At Springfield admits about 86% of applicants.

22

California State University Sacramento
Sacramento, CA

California State University Sacramento came in at #22 for value in criminal justice studies this year. Located in the city of Sacramento, California State University Sacramento is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,018, with out-of-state students paying around $20,618. Typical student debt for criminal justice studies graduates is $13,745. Criminal Justice Studies graduates of California State University Sacramento earn a median of $38,606 early in their careers. Set against $13,745 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Sacramento admits about 94% of applicants.

23

The University Of West Florida
Pensacola, FL

The University Of West Florida earned the #23 position for value in criminal justice studies this year. Set in the rural area of Pensacola, The University Of West Florida is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,776, while out-of-state students pay about $18,658. Criminal Justice Studies graduates carry a median of $21,776 in student loans. Criminal Justice Studies graduates of The University Of West Florida earn a median of $36,369 early in their careers. Set against $21,776 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of West Florida admits about 58% of applicants.

24

American Public University System
Charles Town, WV

American Public University System placed #24 among the best values for criminal justice studies. American Public University System is a very large private for-profit school located in the town of Charles Town. In-state tuition and fees average $8,400. Typical student debt for criminal justice studies graduates is $19,000. Early-career criminal justice studies graduates make about $57,409. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

25

Elizabeth City State University
Elizabeth City, NC

Elizabeth City State University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best value criminal justice studies schools. Located in the town of Elizabeth City, Elizabeth City State University is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,536, with out-of-state students paying around $10,536. Students borrow a median of $23,903 to complete the criminal justice studies program here. Criminal Justice Studies graduates of Elizabeth City State University earn a median of $29,778 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,903 median debt. Elizabeth City State University admits about 64% of applicants.