Terrorism & Counterterrorism Operations is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. A focused field like this rewards careful comparison of the schools that offer it.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 18 schools to find the best for terrorism & counterterrorism operations students.
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Choosing a Great Terrorism & Counterterrorism Operations School
The school you choose for terrorism & counterterrorism operations can shape your career. That is why we built our Best Terrorism & Counterterrorism Operations Schools rankings. For our Best Overall Terrorism & Counterterrorism Operations School ranking, we roll up the results of our degree-level rankings, weighted by the number of degrees awarded at that level.
In order to find the schools that are the best fit for you, you may want to filter to one of the degree levels below.
Terrorism & Counterterrorism Operations Rankings by Degree Level
Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we have developed a number of rankings, including this Best Terrorism & Counterterrorism Operations Schools list, to help you choose. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.
To further help you make the college decision, we have developed a unique tool called College Combat that lets you compare schools on the factors that matter most to you.
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Leading the list is Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice, our #1 school for terrorism & counterterrorism operations. Located in the city of New York, Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice is a large public university. About 56% of students finish within six years. Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice awarded about 36 terrorism & counterterrorism operations degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the terrorism & counterterrorism operations program make about $43,545 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $12,678.
Get the full terrorism & counterterrorism operations details for Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice
American Public University System is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in terrorism & counterterrorism operations, ranking #2. Set in the town of Charles Town, American Public University System is a very large private for-profit institution. American Public University System graduates 47% of students within six years. About 49 terrorism & counterterrorism operations degrees were awarded at American Public University System in the most recent year. Students who receive their terrorism & counterterrorism operations degree from American Public University System earn around $69,808 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $16,339 to complete this degree.
Get the full terrorism & counterterrorism operations details for American Public University System
Nichols College came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best terrorism & counterterrorism operations schools. This small private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of Dudley. The six-year graduation rate is 63%. Nichols College awarded about 27 terrorism & counterterrorism operations degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their terrorism & counterterrorism operations degree from Nichols College earn around $52,388 in the first couple years of their career. Nichols College graduates carry a median of $26,602 in student loans.
Read more about the terrorism & counterterrorism operations program at Nichols College
Students looking for a strong terrorism & counterterrorism operations program will find one at Park University, which ranked #4. Park University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Parkville. Roughly 37% of students complete a degree within six years here. Park University awarded about 18 terrorism & counterterrorism operations degrees in the most recent data year. Terrorism & Counterterrorism Operations graduates of Park University earn a median of $52,616 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $22,112.
Get the full terrorism & counterterrorism operations details for Park University
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Terrorism & Counterterrorism Operations Related Rankings by Major
Explore other rankings in majors related to Terrorism & Counterterrorism Operations. See all related rankings.
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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 · 18 schools evaluated.
The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).