2026 Best Criminology Schools
Looking for the best Criminology programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 249 colleges by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor evaluated schools to compile this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Criminology Schools in the United States
Explore the leading schools below:
Out of the 249 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, University Of Pennsylvania landed the #2 spot. Set in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,686. Students borrow a median of $16,155 to complete their Criminology program here. Read the full report on University Of Pennsylvania
You'll be in good company at University Of Wisconsin Stout, which ranked #3 this year. Based in Menomonie, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stout is a public institution. Roughly 55% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $10,701, with out-of-state students paying around $19,265. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. See the full University Of Wisconsin Stout profile
The strong Criminology programs at University Of Maryland College Park earned it the #4 place in the United States. This public school is set in College Park, MD. Roughly 89% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $11,809, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their Criminology program here. Read more about University Of Maryland College Park
A rank of #5 makes Lycoming College one of the top choices in the United States. Set in Williamsport, PA, Lycoming College is a private not-for-profit institution. Lycoming College graduates 60% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $49,804. Lycoming College Criminology students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Read the full report on Lycoming College
Upper Iowa University did well this year, earning the #6 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Fayette, IA. Roughly 33% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,475. The median Criminology program debt is $43,447. Get the full Upper Iowa University report
Marquette University placed #7 among Criminology schools in the United States. Based in Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 83%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $51,170. Typical Criminology student debt is $25,000. See the full Marquette University profile
University Of Wisconsin Madison did well this year, earning the #8 position. Located in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. University Of Wisconsin Madison graduates 90% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. University Of Wisconsin Madison Criminology students take on a median of $21,813 in debt. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Madison report
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best Criminology schools. Set in Whitewater, WI, University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public institution. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater graduates 63% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,616, with out-of-state students paying around $18,716. The median Criminology program debt is $26,000. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Whitewater
University Of Minnesota Duluth did well this year, earning the #10 position. Set in Duluth, MN, University Of Minnesota Duluth is a public institution. Roughly 65% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,608, while out-of-state students pay about $20,134. University Of Minnesota Duluth Criminology students take on a median of $23,887 in debt. Get the full University Of Minnesota Duluth report
Saint Anselm College placed #11 among Criminology schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Manchester, NH. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $48,920. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Read the full report on Saint Anselm College
University Of Florida ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best Criminology schools. Based in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. Roughly 91% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Read more about University Of Florida
Niagara University came in at #13 in this year's ranking. Set in Niagara University, NY, Niagara University is a private not-for-profit institution. Niagara University graduates 74% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $39,345 in tuition and fees. The median Criminology program debt is $27,000. More on Niagara University
Mount St Marys University came in at #14 in this year's ranking. Based in Emmitsburg, MD, Mount St Marys University is a private not-for-profit institution. Mount St Marys University graduates 65% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $48,630. Typical Criminology student debt is $27,000. See the full Mount St Marys University profile
Florida Southern College did well this year, earning the #15 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lakeland, FL. The six-year graduation rate is 70%. In-state tuition and fees run about $44,040. Typical Criminology student debt is $26,000. Read the full report on Florida Southern College
University Of Delaware placed #16 among Criminology schools in the United States. Set in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. Roughly 82% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,810, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. Students borrow a median of $23,685 to complete their Criminology program here. Read the full report on University Of Delaware
University Of Northern Iowa came in at #17 in this year's ranking. University Of Northern Iowa is a public school based in Cedar Falls, IA. The six-year graduation rate is 68%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,936, compared with $21,712 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,683 to complete their Criminology program here. Read the full report on University Of Northern Iowa
University Of Wisconsin River Falls landed the #18 spot in the United States this year. Set in River Falls, WI, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public institution. University Of Wisconsin River Falls graduates 57% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $9,008, with out-of-state students paying around $17,470. University Of Wisconsin River Falls Criminology students take on a median of $24,750 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin River Falls
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities landed the #19 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Minneapolis, MN. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $17,214, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities Criminology students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. See the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities profile
Stonehill College came in at #20 in this year's ranking. Set in Easton, MA, Stonehill College is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 76%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $56,370. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Criminology program here. More on Stonehill College
University Of Iowa ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best Criminology schools. Based in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,283, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. The median Criminology program debt is $23,250. More on University Of Iowa
North Carolina State University At Raleigh placed #22 among Criminology schools in the United States. Based in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. About 85% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. North Carolina State University At Raleigh Criminology students take on a median of $21,875 in debt. Read the full report on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Old Dominion University placed #23 among Criminology schools in the United States. Set in Norfolk, VA, Old Dominion University is a public institution. Roughly 46% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,750, with out-of-state students paying around $33,780. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Criminology program here. See the full Old Dominion University profile
Saint Vincent College placed #24 among Criminology schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Latrobe, PA. Saint Vincent College posts a six-year graduation rate of 69%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $42,396. The median Criminology program debt is $27,000. Get the full Saint Vincent College report
Hamline University did well this year, earning the #25 position. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Hamline University is a private not-for-profit institution. Hamline University graduates 60% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $50,004. Hamline University Criminology students take on a median of $26,500 in debt. Read more about Hamline University
Villanova University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best Criminology schools. Set in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. Villanova University graduates 92% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,776. Typical Criminology student debt is $26,184. See the full Villanova University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best Criminology Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also made the top of the list:
Gonzaga University landed the #28 spot in the United States this year. Based in Spokane, WA, Gonzaga University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 86% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $55,480. The median Criminology program debt is $20,994. Read the full report on Gonzaga University
University Of South Florida Main Campus came in at #29 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Tampa, FL. University Of South Florida Main Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 77%. In-state tuition and fees average $6,410, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. The median Criminology program debt is $20,302. Get the full University Of South Florida Main Campus report
College Of Mount St Joseph did well this year, earning the #30 position. Based in Cincinnati, OH, College Of Mount St Joseph is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 56%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,150. The median Criminology program debt is $28,273. Get the full College Of Mount St Joseph report
University Of Missouri St Louis came in at #31 in this year's ranking. Set in Saint Louis, MO, University Of Missouri St Louis is a public institution. Roughly 57% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $15,120, while out-of-state students pay about $37,620. University Of Missouri St Louis Criminology students take on a median of $22,801 in debt. See the full University Of Missouri St Louis profile
Webster University ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best Criminology schools. Based in Saint Louis, MO, Webster University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 64% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $31,750. Students borrow a median of $25,939 to complete their Criminology program here. Read more about Webster University
Lasell College ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best Criminology schools. Based in Newton, MA, Lasell College is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 59% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $27,040. Lasell College Criminology students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. More on Lasell College
Ohio State University Main Campus placed #35 among Criminology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Columbus, OH. About 88% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $13,244 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. Ohio State University Main Campus Criminology students take on a median of $21,922 in debt. Read the full report on Ohio State University Main Campus
University Of Florida Online ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best Criminology schools. Set in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida Online is a public institution. About 75% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,876, compared with $16,579 for out-of-state students. Typical Criminology student debt is $19,500. Read the full report on University Of Florida Online
University Of California Irvine landed the #37 spot in the United States this year. Based in Irvine, CA, University Of California Irvine is a public institution. University Of California Irvine posts a six-year graduation rate of 87%. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,752, compared with $46,640 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,865 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of California Irvine
Southern Illinois University Carbondale ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best Criminology schools. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public school based in Carbondale, IL. Southern Illinois University Carbondale posts a six-year graduation rate of 60%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,334. The median Criminology program debt is $24,000. Get the full Southern Illinois University Carbondale report
Saint Josephs University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best Criminology schools. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Saint Josephs University is a private not-for-profit institution. Saint Josephs University graduates 79% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,260. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Get the full Saint Josephs University report
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania came in at #40 in this year's ranking. Located in Slippery Rock, PA, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 66%. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,568, while out-of-state students pay about $14,676. Typical Criminology student debt is $25,990. Get the full Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania report
Lakeland College came in at #41 in this year's ranking. Set in Plymouth, WI, Lakeland College is a private not-for-profit institution. About 42% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $33,396. Lakeland College Criminology students take on a median of $26,053 in debt. More on Lakeland College
Randolph Macon College ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best Criminology schools. Based in Ashland, VA, Randolph Macon College is a private not-for-profit institution. Randolph Macon College graduates 70% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $49,466 in tuition and fees. Typical Criminology student debt is $26,432. Get the full Randolph Macon College report
National Louis University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best Criminology schools. Located in Chicago, IL, National Louis University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 30% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,245. National Louis University Criminology students take on a median of $23,437 in debt. Get the full National Louis University report
George Washington University did well this year, earning the #44 position. Located in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,710. George Washington University Criminology students take on a median of $22,910 in debt. More on George Washington University
Dominican University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best Criminology schools. Set in River Forest, IL, Dominican University is a private not-for-profit institution. Dominican University posts a six-year graduation rate of 55%. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,828. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Criminology program here. Read more about Dominican University
Albright College placed #46 among Criminology schools in the United States. Based in Reading, PA, Albright College is a private not-for-profit institution. About 51% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $29,082. Graduates carry a median of $28,958 in student loans. See the full Albright College profile
University Of West Georgia did well this year, earning the #47 position. Located in Carrollton, GA, University Of West Georgia is a public institution. Roughly 44% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $6,088 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,800 for out-of-state students. Typical Criminology student debt is $28,500. Read the full report on University Of West Georgia
Regis University came in at #48 in this year's ranking. Located in Denver, CO, Regis University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 62% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $28,140. Regis University Criminology students take on a median of $39,337 in debt. More on Regis University
Northwest Missouri State University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best Criminology schools. Northwest Missouri State University is a public school based in Maryville, MO. Northwest Missouri State University graduates 54% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $10,611, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Criminology program here. Get the full Northwest Missouri State University report
Ohio State University Mansfield Campus landed the #50 spot in the United States this year. Ohio State University Mansfield Campus is a public school based in Mansfield, OH. Ohio State University Mansfield Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 6%. Students from in state pay about $9,488 in tuition and fees, compared with $36,266 for out-of-state students. Typical Criminology student debt is $21,922. Read more about Ohio State University Mansfield Campus
Catholic University Of America landed the #51 spot in the United States this year. Located in Washington, DC, Catholic University Of America is a private not-for-profit institution. About 80% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $58,378 in tuition and fees. Typical Criminology student debt is $25,771. See the full Catholic University Of America profile
Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice placed #53 among Criminology schools in the United States. Based in New York, NY, Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 56%. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,470, with out-of-state students paying around $15,420. Graduates carry a median of $11,000 in student loans. Read more about Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice
Capital University placed #54 among Criminology schools in the United States. Located in Columbus, OH, Capital University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 60%. Students from in state pay about $43,234 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. More on Capital University
Best Criminology Schools by Degree Level
Compare rankings by degree level:
- Best Criminology Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Criminology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Criminology Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Criminology Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Criminology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Criminology Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Criminology Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 249 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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