2026 Best Value Criminal Justice Studies Schools in Maryland

1

University Of Maryland University College
Adelphi, MD

Leading the list is University Of Maryland University College, our #1 best value for criminal justice studies in Maryland. Set in the suburb of Adelphi, University Of Maryland University College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,136, compared with $12,336 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for criminal justice studies graduates is $25,062. Criminal Justice Studies graduates of University Of Maryland University College earn a median of $55,479 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

2

Coppin State University
Baltimore, MD

Coppin State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in criminal justice studies, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Baltimore, Coppin State University is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,100, compared with $14,024 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for criminal justice studies graduates is $29,000. Criminal Justice Studies graduates of Coppin State University earn a median of $31,419 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 46%.

3

Frostburg State University
Frostburg, MD

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Frostburg State University earned it the #3 place for criminal justice studies. Frostburg State University is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Frostburg. In-state tuition and fees average $10,220, compared with $25,814 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the criminal justice studies program here. Criminal Justice Studies graduates of Frostburg State University earn a median of $40,844 early in their careers. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.

4

Bowie State University
Bowie, MD

Bowie State University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value criminal justice studies schools. Bowie State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Bowie. In-state tuition and fees average $9,218, while out-of-state students pay about $19,938. Typical student debt for criminal justice studies graduates is $29,750. Soon after graduation, criminal justice studies degree recipients from Bowie State University generally make around $41,367. That is a strong return on a $29,750 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%.

5

Mcdaniel College
Westminster, MD

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Mcdaniel College earned it the #5 place for criminal justice studies. Mcdaniel College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Westminster. Students from in state pay about $52,081 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for criminal justice studies graduates is $23,247. Early-career criminal justice studies graduates make about $54,904. That is a strong return on a $23,247 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%.

6

Hood College
Frederick, MD

Hood College landed the #6 spot for criminal justice studies value this year. Hood College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Frederick. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $47,700. Criminal Justice Studies graduates carry a median of $25,500 in student loans. Early-career criminal justice studies graduates make about $41,764. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.