2026 Best Value Criminal Justice Schools in Maryland

1

College Of Southern Maryland
La Plata, MD

College Of Southern Maryland earned the #1 spot for value among criminal justice schools in Maryland. Located in the rural area of La Plata, College Of Southern Maryland is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,200, compared with $9,450 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,728 to complete the criminal justice program here. Soon after graduation, criminal justice degree recipients from College Of Southern Maryland generally make around $51,719. Set against $9,728 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

Coppin State University
Baltimore, MD

Coppin State University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value criminal justice schools. Coppin State University is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Baltimore. Students from in state pay about $7,100 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $14,024. Typical student debt for criminal justice graduates is $29,000. Soon after graduation, criminal justice degree recipients from Coppin State University generally make around $50,062. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 46%.

3

Frostburg State University
Frostburg, MD

Frostburg State University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value criminal justice schools. Set in the town of Frostburg, Frostburg State University is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,220 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,814. Criminal Justice graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, criminal justice degree recipients from Frostburg State University generally make around $42,798. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.

4

University Of Baltimore
Baltimore, MD

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Baltimore earned it the #4 place for criminal justice. University Of Baltimore is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Baltimore. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $23,984. Criminal Justice graduates carry a median of $25,500 in student loans. Early-career criminal justice graduates make about $48,991. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. University Of Baltimore admits about 79% of applicants.

5

Strayer University Maryland
Suitland, MD

Students looking for strong value in criminal justice will find it at Strayer University Maryland, which ranked #5. Set in the suburb of Suitland, Strayer University Maryland is a small private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,920. Students borrow a median of $56,937 to complete the criminal justice program here. Soon after graduation, criminal justice degree recipients from Strayer University Maryland generally make around $43,405. That is a strong return on a $56,937 median debt.

6

Stevenson University
Owings Mills, MD

Stevenson University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value criminal justice schools. Located in the suburb of Owings Mills, Stevenson University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,560. Typical student debt for criminal justice graduates is $27,000. Criminal Justice graduates of Stevenson University earn a median of $38,745 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Stevenson University admits about 79% of applicants.