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Best Criminal Justice & Corrections Schools

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2023 Best Criminal Justice & Corrections Schools

998 Colleges
$35,465 Avg Salary
$25,425 Avg Student Debt

Finding the Best Criminal Justice & Corrections School for You

Criminal Justice & Corrections is one of the most popular majors in the nation, ranking 7th of all the majors we analyze. In 2020-2021, 113,121 degrees and certificates were awarded to students with this major.

With all the programs available today, it can be tough to choose which one is the best for you. As online education oppotunities continue to grow, you're not restricted to just schools in your local area anymore. Even some of the 'big name' schools are offering online courses. Also, there are a number of trade schools with offerings that you might find attractive.

To assist you in seeing some of the education options that are available to you, Course Advisor has created its Best Criminal Justice & Corrections Schools ranking. This report analyzed 998 schools in the United States to see which ones offered the best programs for students.

View our full ranking methodology.

2023 Best Criminal Justice & Corrections Schools in the United States

Check out the criminal justice programs at these schools if you want to get the best education that money can buy.

Top 25 Top Schools in Criminal Justice & Corrections

#1

University of Chicago

Chicago, IL

Our analysis found University of Chicago to be the best school for criminal justice and corrections students who want to pursue a degree in the United States. UChicago is a fairly large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago.

Read full report on Criminal Justice & Corrections at University of Chicago

The excellent programs at Herzing University - Brookfield helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the best criminal justice and corrections schools in the United States. Located in the suburb of Brookfield, Herzing University - Brookfield is a private not-for-profit college with a small student population.

After completing their degree, criminal justice graduates from Herzing University - Brookfield carry an average student debtload of $25,971.

Full Criminal Justice & Corrections at Herzing University - Brookfield Report

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Herzing University - Minneapolis. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Best Criminal Justice & Corrections Schools list. Herzing University - Minneapolis is a fairly small private not-for-profit school located in the large suburb of Minneapolis.

While working on their degree, criminal justice majors at Herzing University - Minneapolis accumulate an average of around $25,971 in student debt.

Read full report on Criminal Justice & Corrections at Herzing University - Minneapolis

Out of the 998 schools in the United States that were part of this year’s ranking, Herzing University - Atlanta landed the # 4 spot on the list. Herzing University - Atlanta is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Atlanta.

After completing their degree, criminal justice graduates from Herzing University - Atlanta carry an average student debtload of $25,850.

Full Criminal Justice & Corrections at Herzing University - Atlanta Report

#5

University of San Diego

San Diego, CA

A rank of #5 on this year’s list means University of San Diego is a great place for criminal justice and corrections students. Located in the large city of San Diego, USD is a private not-for-profit school with a moderately-sized student population.

Read More…

With a ranking of #6, Herzing University - Akron did quite well on this year’s best schools for criminal justice and corrections students. Located in the large suburb of Akron, Herzing Akron is a private not-for-profit school with a small student population.

Criminal Justice majors at Herzing Akron take out an average of $25,971 in student loans while working on their egree.

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Herzing University - Kenner came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Best Criminal Justice & Corrections Schools ranking. Located in the midsize city of Kenner, Herzing University - Kenner is a private not-for-profit school with a small student population.

After completing their degree, criminal justice graduates from Herzing University - Kenner carry an average student debtload of $25,971.

Full Criminal Justice & Corrections at Herzing University - Kenner Report

Herzing University - Kenosha landed the #8 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best criminal justice and corrections programs. Herzing University - Kenosha is a fairly small private not-for-profit school located in the midsize suburb of Kenosha.

While working on their degree, criminal justice majors at Herzing University - Kenosha accumulate an average of around $25,971 in student debt.

Read More…

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best criminal justice and corrections programs. SMU MN is a small private not-for-profit school located in the distant town of Winona.

On average, criminal justice graduates from SMU MN take out $26,225 in student loans while working on their degree.

Read More…

With a ranking of #10, Herzing University - Birmingham did quite well on this year’s best schools for criminal justice and corrections students. Located in the large suburb of Birmingham, Herzing University - Birmingham is a private not-for-profit college with a fairly small student population.

While working on their degree, criminal justice majors at Herzing University - Birmingham accumulate an average of around $25,971 in student debt.

Read full report on Criminal Justice & Corrections at Herzing University - Birmingham

University of Washington - Tacoma Campus came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Best Criminal Justice & Corrections Schools ranking. Located in the city of Tacoma, UW Tacoma is a public college with a moderately-sized student population.

On average, criminal justice graduates from UW Tacoma take out $12,145 in student loans while working on their degree.

Read More…

With a ranking of #12, Herzing University - Madison did quite well on this year’s best schools for criminal justice and corrections students. Herzing University - Madison is a small private not-for-profit school located in the large city of Madison.

Criminal Justice majors at Herzing University - Madison take out an average of $25,971 in student loans while working on their egree.

Full Criminal Justice & Corrections at Herzing University - Madison Report

#13

Wayland Baptist University

Plainview, TX

Wayland Baptist University came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Criminal Justice & Corrections Schools ranking. Located in the town of Plainview, Wayland Baptist University is a private not-for-profit school with a small student population.

While working on their degree, criminal justice majors at Wayland Baptist University accumulate an average of around $18,391 in student debt.

Read full report on Criminal Justice & Corrections at Wayland Baptist University

#14

Union Institute & University

Cincinnati, OH

Union Institute & University came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Best Criminal Justice & Corrections Schools ranking. Union is a fairly small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Cincinnati.

On average, criminal justice graduates from Union take out $19,801 in student loans while working on their degree.

Full Criminal Justice & Corrections at Union Institute & University Report

#15

Robert Morris University

Moon Township, PA

With a ranking of #15, Robert Morris University did quite well on this year’s best schools for criminal justice and corrections students. Located in the suburb of Moon Township, RMU is a private not-for-profit college with a small student population.

The average amount in student loans that criminal justice majors at RMU take out is $27,000. The average monthly payment of a loan this size is about $397, assuming that the borrower is on a 10-year repayment plan.

Read More…

University of St Thomas Minnesota landed the #16 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best criminal justice and corrections programs. UST MN is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the large city of Saint Paul.

Read More…

#17

Columbia Southern University

Orange Beach, AL

Columbia Southern University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best schools for criminal justice and corrections students. It came in at #17 on the list. Columbia Southern University is a fairly large private for-profit school located in the town of Orange Beach.

While working on their degree, criminal justice majors at Columbia Southern University accumulate an average of around $24,746 in student debt.

Read More…

#18

Reinhardt University

Waleska, GA

Reinhardt University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best schools for criminal justice and corrections students. It came in at #18 on the list. Located in the rural area of Waleska, Reinhardt University is a private not-for-profit school with a small student population.

The average amount in student loans that criminal justice majors at Reinhardt University take out is $32,500.

Full Criminal Justice & Corrections at Reinhardt University Report

Central Christian College of Kansas came in at #19 in this year’s edition of the Best Criminal Justice & Corrections Schools ranking. Located in the remote town of McPherson, Central Christian College is a private not-for-profit school with a small student population.

After completing their degree, criminal justice graduates from Central Christian College carry an average student debtload of $31,445.

Read full report on Criminal Justice & Corrections at Central Christian College of Kansas

With a ranking of #20, University of Oklahoma Norman Campus did quite well on this year’s best schools for criminal justice and corrections students. University of Oklahoma is a very large public school located in the suburb of Norman.

Criminal Justice majors at University of Oklahoma take out an average of $28,623 in student loans while working on their egree.

Full Criminal Justice & Corrections at University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Report

#21

Southwestern College

Winfield, KS

Southwestern College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best schools for criminal justice and corrections students. It came in at #21 on the list. SC is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Winfield.

On average, criminal justice graduates from SC take out $22,849 in student loans while working on their degree.

Full Criminal Justice & Corrections at Southwestern College Report

Herzing University - Winter Park did quite well in this year’s ranking of the best schools for criminal justice and corrections students. It came in at #22 on the list. Herzing University - Winter Park is a fairly small private not-for-profit school located in the large suburb of Winter Park.

Criminal Justice majors at Herzing University - Winter Park take out an average of $25,971 in student loans while working on their egree.

Read More…

Siena Heights University landed the #23 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best criminal justice and corrections programs. Siena Heights University is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Adrian.

The average amount in student loans that criminal justice majors at Siena Heights University take out is $22,801.

Read More…

Eastern Gateway Community College came in at #24 in this year’s edition of the Best Criminal Justice & Corrections Schools ranking. Eastern Gateway Community College is a fairly large public school located in the small city of Steubenville.

Read More…

Rest of the Top 50 Best Criminal Justice & Corrections Schools

#27

Waldorf University

Forest City, IA
#33

Bemidji State University

Bemidji, MN
#34

Excelsior College

Albany, NY
#35

Granite State College

Concord, NH
#36

Moreno Valley College

Moreno Valley, CA
#39

Fort Myers Technical College

Fort Myers, FL
#40

Marian University

Fond Du Lac, WI
#42

Massachusetts Bay Community College

Wellesley Hills, MA
#47

National University

La Jolla, CA
#48

Loras College

Dubuque, IA
#49

Simpson College

Indianola, IA
#50

University of North Dakota

Grand Forks, ND

Remaining Award Winners

This list represents the remainder of the schools awarded a Best Criminal Justice & Corrections Schools badge. Showing in this list means the school was ranked in the top 15% of the 998 different United States criminal justice and corrections schools we analyzed.

Rank College Location
51 Saint Louis University Saint Louis, MO
52 University of Georgia Athens, GA
53 Central Washington University Ellensburg, WA
54 NHTI-Concord’s Community College Concord, NH
55 University of South Dakota Vermillion, SD
56 Southwest Wisconsin Technical College Fennimore, WI
57 Purdue University Global Indianapolis, IN
58 Wayne State College Wayne, NE
59 Texas A & M University - Central Texas Killeen, TX
60 Loyola University Chicago Chicago, IL
61 Napa Valley College Napa, CA
62 University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh Oshkosh, WI
63 Red Rocks Community College Lakewood, CO
64 Winona State University Winona, MN
65 Texas Christian University Fort Worth, TX
66 Schoolcraft College Livonia, MI
67 Fort Hays State University Hays, KS
68 Middlesex Community College Bedford, MA
69 Endicott College Beverly, MA
70 Saint Cloud State University Saint Cloud, MN
71 Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College Cloquet, MN
72 Bethel University McKenzie, TN
73 Ball State University Muncie, IN
74 Michigan State University East Lansing, MI
75 Withlacoochee Technical College Inverness, FL
76 Iowa State University Ames, IA
77 Sam Houston State University Huntsville, TX
78 Park University Parkville, MO
79 Santa Rosa Junior College Santa Rosa, CA
80 Lewis University Romeoville, IL
81 University of Mount Olive Mount Olive, NC
82 Lees - McRae College Banner Elk, NC
83 Lakeshore Technical College Cleveland, WI
84 Chadron State College Chadron, NE
85 Northern Virginia Community College Annandale, VA
86 Minnesota State University - Moorhead Moorhead, MN
87 University of Nebraska at Omaha Omaha, NE
88 Madison Area Technical College Madison, WI
89 Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses Fort Wayne, IN
90 Mid-State Technical College Wisconsin Rapids, WI
91 Fisher College Boston, MA
92 University of Wisconsin - Platteville Platteville, WI
93 George Mason University Fairfax, VA
94 George Washington University Washington, DC
95 Normandale Community College Bloomington, MN
96 Golden West College Huntington Beach, CA
97 Western Carolina University Cullowhee, NC
98 Rasmussen University - Florida Ocala, FL
99 Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, GA
100 Illinois State University Normal, IL
101 Gateway Technical College Kenosha, WI
101 Bellarmine University Louisville, KY
103 University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire Eau Claire, WI
104 Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Edwardsville, IL
105 Fox Valley Technical College Appleton, WI
106 Macomb Community College Warren, MI
107 Northeast Community College Norfolk, NE
108 Western Technical College La Crosse, WI
109 Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis, IN
110 Berkeley College - Woodland Park Woodland Park, NJ
111 Marymount University Arlington, VA
112 Grand Rapids Community College Grand Rapids, MI
113 University of Dayton Dayton, OH
114 Ferris State University Big Rapids, MI
115 York College of Pennsylvania York, PA
116 Lake Area Technical Institute Watertown, SD
117 Jefferson College Hillsboro, MO
118 Rasmussen University - Minnesota St. Cloud, MN
119 West Chester University of Pennsylvania West Chester, PA
120 Buena Vista University Storm Lake, IA
121 Metropolitan State University Saint Paul, MN
122 South Texas College McAllen, TX
123 Champlain College Burlington, VT
124 Arizona State University - Skysong Scottsdale, AZ
125 Delaware Technical Community College - Terry Dover, DE
126 Harding University Searcy, AR
127 College of Western Idaho Nampa, ID
128 Waukesha County Technical College Pewaukee, WI
129 Ohio Northern University Ada, OH
130 Benedictine University Lisle, IL
131 Indiana University - Bloomington Bloomington, IN
132 University of North Texas Denton, TX
133 University of North Georgia Dahlonega, GA
134 Alvernia University Reading, PA
135 Waynesburg University Waynesburg, PA
136 John Tyler Community College Chester, VA
137 Northern Michigan University Marquette, MI
138 Northeastern University Boston, MA
139 University of Phoenix - Arizona Tempe, AZ
140 Northcentral Technical College Wausau, WI
141 Concordia University, Saint Paul Saint Paul, MN
142 Kansas Wesleyan University Salina, KS
143 Chippewa Valley Technical College Eau Claire, WI
144 The College of New Jersey Ewing, NJ
145 Southeast Community College Area Lincoln, NE
146 American University Washington, DC
147 Georgia State University Atlanta, GA
148 Baldwin Wallace University Berea, OH
149 Wilmington University New Castle, DE

Additional Noteworthy Schools

These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also great but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Best Criminal Justice & Corrections Schools award.

Rank College Location
150 Utah Valley University Orem, UT
151 Great Oaks Career Campuses Cincinnati, OH
152 Post University Waterbury, CT
153 Grand Valley State University Allendale, MI
153 Middle Georgia State University Macon, GA
155 El Centro College Dallas, TX
156 Concordia University, Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI
157 Western Dakota Technical Institute Rapid City, SD
158 North Shore Community College Danvers, MA
159 Oakland City University Oakland City, IN
160 North Hennepin Community College Brooklyn Park, MN
161 University of Wyoming Laramie, WY
162 College of Southern Idaho Twin Falls, ID
163 Rio Salado College Tempe, AZ
164 Rutgers University - New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJ
165 Stevenson University Stevenson, MD
166 Minot State University Minot, ND
167 University of Central Missouri Warrensburg, MO
168 New England Institute of Technology East Greenwich, RI
169 University of Nebraska at Kearney Kearney, NE
170 Columbia College Columbia, SC
171 Shorter University Rome, GA
172 University of Houston - Downtown Houston, TX
173 Southeast Technical College Sioux Falls, SD
174 Rutgers University - Newark Newark, NJ
175 St. Joseph’s College - New York Brooklyn, NY
176 North Park University Chicago, IL
177 Suffolk County Community College Selden, NY
178 Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania Bloomsburg, PA
179 Central Methodist University - College of Graduate & Extended Studies Fayette, MO
180 Norwich University Northfield, VT
181 Olivet College Olivet, MI
182 University of Dubuque Dubuque, IA
183 Middlesex County College Edison, NJ
184 University of North Carolina at Pembroke Pembroke, NC
185 Eastland-Fairfield Career and Technical Schools Groveport, OH
186 Hibbing Community College Hibbing, MN
187 Florida State University Tallahassee, FL
188 University of Mount Union Alliance, OH
189 Boston University Boston, MA
190 Northland Community and Technical College Thief River Falls, MN
191 University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus Pittsburgh, PA
192 Truman State University Kirksville, MO
193 University of Baltimore Baltimore, MD
194 Bucks County Community College Newtown, PA
195 University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus Denver, CO
196 Marist College Poughkeepsie, NY
197 Seattle University Seattle, WA
198 Lock Haven University Lock Haven, PA
199 Radford University Radford, VA

Criminal Justice & Corrections by Region

View the Best Criminal Justice & Corrections Schools for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Great Lakes

One of 4 majors within the area of study, criminal justice and corrections has other similar majors worth exploring.

Related Major Annual Graduates
Fire Protection 13,766
Homeland Security 7,140
Security Science and Technology 6,888
Other Homeland Security 1,695

Notes and References

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

  • Read more about our ranking methodology.
  • 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 the rest 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).

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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