ADBLOCK #102
College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Criminal Justice & Corrections Schools in the Southeast Region

208 Colleges in the United States
26,401 Criminal Justice & Corrections Degrees Awarded
$40,119 Avg Early-Career Salary

Criminal Justice & Corrections programs are offered at a focused set of schools across the country. The schools below stand out for the quality of their criminal justice & corrections programs.

College Factual analyzed 532 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best criminal justice & corrections schools.

What’s on this page:

ADBLOCK #159
DEBUG: Raw major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/protective-security-safety-services/criminal-justice-and-corrections/offers.json", major_slug = ""
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/protective-security-safety-services/criminal-justice-and-corrections/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/protective-security-safety-services/criminal-justice-and-corrections/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/protective-security-safety-services/criminal-justice-and-corrections/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/protective-security-safety-services/criminal-justice-and-corrections/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/protective-security-safety-services/criminal-justice-and-corrections/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/protective-security-safety-services/criminal-justice-and-corrections/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: offers_data.offers found, count = 7
DEBUG: Specific major detected (cip4 = 43.01), keeping min_relevance at 0.8
DEBUG: Starting relevance filtering - min_relevance = 0.8, max_relevance = 1
DEBUG: Checking offer "Criminal Justice (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Criminal Justice (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Law Enforcement (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Grad Cert - Law Enforcement (I Have a Bachelors)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Corrections (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Corrections (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Administration (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Administration (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Criminal Justice & Law Bachelors Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Criminal Justice & Law Bachelors Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Criminology (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Criminology (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Criminology (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Grad Cert - Criminology (I Have a Bachelors)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: relevant_offers count = 2
DEBUG: relevant_offers > 0, checking for ESYOH offers
DEBUG: ESYOH filtering - found 2 ESYOH offers with relevance >= 0.8
DEBUG: esyoh_offers count = 2
DEBUG: ESYOH offers found, rendering ESYOH widget
DEBUG: most_relevant_only = true, filtering for most relevant
DEBUG: Found 1 offers with relevance >= 1.0

Best Schools for Criminal Justice & Corrections in the Southeast Region

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall criminal justice & corrections education in the Southeast Region.

Top Schools in Criminal Justice & Corrections

1

Leading the list is University Of Virginia Main Campus, our #1 school for criminal justice & corrections. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Charlottesville. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. University Of Virginia Main Campus awarded about 728 criminal justice & corrections degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their criminal justice & corrections degree from University Of Virginia Main Campus earn around $69,126 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $18,627. More information about a degree in criminal justice & corrections from University Of Virginia Main Campus

2

George Mason University is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in criminal justice & corrections, ranking #2. George Mason University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Fairfax. The six-year graduation rate is 68%. George Mason University awarded about 365 criminal justice & corrections degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their criminal justice & corrections degree from George Mason University earn around $49,815 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $20,761 to complete this degree. Read more about the criminal justice & corrections program at George Mason University

3
Florida State University crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL

Students looking for a strong criminal justice & corrections program will find one at Florida State University, which ranked #3. Florida State University is a very large public school located in the city of Tallahassee. About 86% of students finish within six years. Florida State University awarded about 620 criminal justice & corrections degrees in the most recent data year. Criminal Justice & Corrections graduates of Florida State University earn a median of $46,245 early in their careers. Florida State University graduates carry a median of $21,170 in student loans. Get the full criminal justice & corrections details for Florida State University

4

A rank of #4 makes Virginia Commonwealth University one of the top schools for criminal justice & corrections. This very large public university is located in the city of Richmond. Roughly 63% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 152 criminal justice & corrections students who graduated with this degree at Virginia Commonwealth University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the criminal justice & corrections program make about $38,495 in their early career. Virginia Commonwealth University graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Get the full criminal justice & corrections details for Virginia Commonwealth University

5

A rank of #5 makes University Of Georgia one of the top schools for criminal justice & corrections. This very large public university is located in the city of Athens. About 90% of students finish within six years. University Of Georgia awarded about 72 criminal justice & corrections degrees in the most recent data year. Criminal Justice & Corrections graduates of University Of Georgia earn a median of $37,405 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $22,978. Get the full criminal justice & corrections details for University Of Georgia

6

Appalachian State University earned the #6 position for criminal justice & corrections this year. This very large public university is located in the town of Boone. The six-year graduation rate is 74%. There were roughly 107 criminal justice & corrections students who graduated with this degree at Appalachian State University in the most recent data year. Criminal Justice & Corrections graduates of Appalachian State University earn a median of $35,796 early in their careers. Appalachian State University graduates carry a median of $18,750 in student loans. More information about a degree in criminal justice & corrections from Appalachian State University

7

University Of South Florida Main Campus earned the #7 position for criminal justice & corrections this year. University Of South Florida Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Tampa. The six-year graduation rate is 77%. There were roughly 25 criminal justice & corrections students who graduated with this degree at University Of South Florida Main Campus in the most recent data year. Students who receive their criminal justice & corrections degree from University Of South Florida Main Campus earn around $58,306 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $21,829 to complete this degree. Read more about the criminal justice & corrections program at University Of South Florida Main Campus

8
High Point University crest
High Point University
High Point, NC

High Point University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best criminal justice & corrections schools. This moderately-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of High Point. Roughly 72% of students complete a degree within six years here. High Point University awarded about 44 criminal justice & corrections degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their criminal justice & corrections degree from High Point University earn around $113,352 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $23,785 to complete this degree. Get the full criminal justice & corrections details for High Point University

9

Florida International University landed the #9 spot for criminal justice & corrections this year. Located in the suburb of Miami, Florida International University is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 74%. There were roughly 470 criminal justice & corrections students who graduated with this degree at Florida International University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, criminal justice & corrections degree recipients from Florida International University generally make around $42,215. Florida International University graduates carry a median of $18,623 in student loans. More information about a degree in criminal justice & corrections from Florida International University

10

Western Carolina University landed the #10 spot for criminal justice & corrections this year. Western Carolina University is a large public school located in the town of Cullowhee. About 60% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 139 criminal justice & corrections students who graduated with this degree at Western Carolina University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their criminal justice & corrections degree from Western Carolina University earn around $38,682 in the first couple years of their career. Western Carolina University graduates carry a median of $21,461 in student loans. Read more about the criminal justice & corrections program at Western Carolina University

11

University Of South Carolina Columbia earned the #11 position for criminal justice & corrections this year. Located in the city of Columbia, University Of South Carolina Columbia is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 79%. University Of South Carolina Columbia awarded about 208 criminal justice & corrections degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, criminal justice & corrections degree recipients from University Of South Carolina Columbia generally make around $35,781. Typical student debt for the program is $25,000. More information about a degree in criminal justice & corrections from University Of South Carolina Columbia

12

University Of North Carolina At Charlotte placed #12 among the best criminal justice & corrections schools. Located in the city of Charlotte, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a very large public university. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte graduates 69% of students within six years. About 200 criminal justice & corrections degrees were awarded at University Of North Carolina At Charlotte in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, criminal justice & corrections degree recipients from University Of North Carolina At Charlotte generally make around $36,155. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in criminal justice & corrections from University Of North Carolina At Charlotte

13

University Of Louisville earned the #13 position for criminal justice & corrections this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Louisville. The six-year graduation rate is 61%. About 239 criminal justice & corrections degrees were awarded at University Of Louisville in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, criminal justice & corrections degree recipients from University Of Louisville generally make around $74,173. University Of Louisville graduates carry a median of $18,258 in student loans. Read more about the criminal justice & corrections program at University Of Louisville

14

Citadel Military College Of South Carolina landed the #14 spot for criminal justice & corrections this year. Citadel Military College Of South Carolina is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Charleston. The six-year graduation rate is 75%. There were roughly 44 criminal justice & corrections students who graduated with this degree at Citadel Military College Of South Carolina in the most recent data year. Graduates of the criminal justice & corrections program make about $45,235 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $24,966. More information about a degree in criminal justice & corrections from Citadel Military College Of South Carolina

15
Lynn University crest
Lynn University
Boca Raton, FL

Lynn University came in at #15 for criminal justice & corrections this year. Set in the city of Boca Raton, Lynn University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. About 52% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 31 criminal justice & corrections students who graduated with this degree at Lynn University in the most recent data year. Criminal Justice & Corrections graduates of Lynn University earn a median of $39,496 early in their careers. Lynn University graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Read more about the criminal justice & corrections program at Lynn University

16

Florida Gulf Coast University placed #16 among the best criminal justice & corrections schools. Located in the suburb of Fort Myers, Florida Gulf Coast University is a large public university. Roughly 57% of students complete a degree within six years here. Florida Gulf Coast University awarded about 122 criminal justice & corrections degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the criminal justice & corrections program make about $40,079 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $21,660 to complete this degree. Get the full criminal justice & corrections details for Florida Gulf Coast University

17

University Of North Florida earned the #17 position for criminal justice & corrections this year. This large public university is located in the city of Jacksonville. About 65% of students finish within six years. About 158 criminal justice & corrections degrees were awarded at University Of North Florida in the most recent year. Students who receive their criminal justice & corrections degree from University Of North Florida earn around $44,450 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $19,375. Read more about the criminal justice & corrections program at University Of North Florida

18

Florida Atlantic University placed #18 among the best criminal justice & corrections schools. Located in the city of Boca Raton, Florida Atlantic University is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 63%. Florida Atlantic University awarded about 254 criminal justice & corrections degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, criminal justice & corrections degree recipients from Florida Atlantic University generally make around $41,963. Students borrow a median of $18,750 to complete this degree. See the full criminal justice & corrections program report for Florida Atlantic University

19

Indian River State College placed #19 among the best criminal justice & corrections schools. Located in the suburb of Fort Pierce, Indian River State College is a very large public university. About 235 criminal justice & corrections degrees were awarded at Indian River State College in the most recent year. Graduates of the criminal justice & corrections program make about $51,825 in their early career. Indian River State College graduates carry a median of $9,176 in student loans. Read more about the criminal justice & corrections program at Indian River State College

20

University Of Mississippi Main Campus placed #20 among the best criminal justice & corrections schools. Located in the town of University, University Of Mississippi Main Campus is a very large public university. About 72% of students finish within six years. University Of Mississippi Main Campus awarded about 145 criminal justice & corrections degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their criminal justice & corrections degree from University Of Mississippi Main Campus earn around $40,243 in the first couple years of their career. University Of Mississippi Main Campus graduates carry a median of $22,171 in student loans. See the full criminal justice & corrections program report for University Of Mississippi Main Campus

21

University Of Central Florida earned the #21 position for criminal justice & corrections this year. University Of Central Florida is a very large public school located in the suburb of Orlando. University Of Central Florida graduates 78% of students within six years. University Of Central Florida awarded about 530 criminal justice & corrections degrees in the most recent data year. Criminal Justice & Corrections graduates of University Of Central Florida earn a median of $41,273 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $21,731. More information about a degree in criminal justice & corrections from University Of Central Florida

22
Broward College crest
Broward College
Fort Lauderdale, FL

Broward College placed #22 among the best criminal justice & corrections schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Fort Lauderdale. About 438 criminal justice & corrections degrees were awarded at Broward College in the most recent year. Criminal Justice & Corrections graduates of Broward College earn a median of $34,607 early in their careers. Broward College graduates carry a median of $10,724 in student loans. More information about a degree in criminal justice & corrections from Broward College

23
Nova Southeastern University crest
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, FL

Nova Southeastern University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best criminal justice & corrections schools. Set in the suburb of Fort Lauderdale, Nova Southeastern University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Nova Southeastern University graduates 63% of students within six years. Nova Southeastern University awarded about 67 criminal justice & corrections degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their criminal justice & corrections degree from Nova Southeastern University earn around $71,836 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $25,021 to complete this degree. See the full criminal justice & corrections program report for Nova Southeastern University

24
University Of Arkansas crest
University Of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR

University Of Arkansas ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best criminal justice & corrections schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Fayetteville. The six-year graduation rate is 70%. University Of Arkansas awarded about 73 criminal justice & corrections degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the criminal justice & corrections program make about $38,083 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $25,385. Get the full criminal justice & corrections details for University Of Arkansas

25

Middle Tennessee State University landed the #25 spot for criminal justice & corrections this year. Located in the city of Murfreesboro, Middle Tennessee State University is a very large public university. About 54% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 172 criminal justice & corrections students who graduated with this degree at Middle Tennessee State University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their criminal justice & corrections degree from Middle Tennessee State University earn around $37,952 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $24,093 to complete this degree. Get the full criminal justice & corrections details for Middle Tennessee State University

Rest of the Top 50 Criminal Justice & Corrections Schools

These schools also placed among the best for criminal justice & corrections this year:

26
27
Marymount University crest
Marymount University
Arlington, VA
28
29
30
Shenandoah University crest
Shenandoah University
Winchester, VA
31
32
Radford University crest
Radford University
Radford, VA
33
34
St Petersburg College crest
St Petersburg College
St. Petersburg, FL
35
36
37
38
Roanoke College crest
Roanoke College
Salem, VA
39
Longwood University crest
Longwood University
Farmville, VA
40
41
42
43
44
Daytona State College crest
Daytona State College
Daytona Beach, FL
45
Liberty University crest
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
46
47
Valencia College crest
Valencia College
Orlando, FL
48
49
Regent University crest
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA
50

Additional Criminal Justice & Corrections Award Winners

These schools also earned a top-quality badge for criminal justice & corrections this year:

Rank School Location
#51 Florida State College At Jacksonville Jacksonville, FL
#56 Miami Dade College Miami, FL
#59 Northern Virginia Community College Annandale, VA
#64 Augusta Technical College Augusta, GA
#65 Georgia State University Atlanta, GA
#94 Saint Leo University Saint Leo, FL
#117 Eastern Kentucky University Richmond, KY
#122 Keiser University Ft Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, FL
#133 Mississippi College Clinton, MS
#187 University Of Arkansas At Little Rock Little Rock, AR

Honorable Mentions

These schools earned honorable mentions for criminal justice & corrections:

ADBLOCK #173
View All Criminal Justice & Corrections Rankings >

ADBLOCK #115

Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 532 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

ADBLOCK #116

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs
ADBLOCK #613

Compare Your School Options