2026 Best Value Criminology Schools

#3

Central New Mexico Community College

Albuquerque, NM

Out of the 249 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Central New Mexico Community College landed the #3 spot. Central New Mexico Community College is a public school based in Albuquerque, NM. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,060, with out-of-state students paying around $8,684. Central New Mexico Community College Criminology students take on a median of $10,112 in debt. Central New Mexico Community College alumni report median earnings of $36,869 a decade after entry. Set against $10,112 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Central New Mexico Community College

#4

University Of Wisconsin Stout

Menomonie, WI

You'll get strong value at University Of Wisconsin Stout, which ranked #4 this year. This public school is set in Menomonie, WI. Students from in state pay about $10,701 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,265. The median Criminology program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $58,084 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Wisconsin Stout

#5

University Of Wisconsin River Falls

River Falls, WI

Out of the 249 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of Wisconsin River Falls landed the #5 spot. This public school is set in River Falls, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $9,008, while out-of-state students pay about $17,470. Typical Criminology student debt is $24,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,458 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin River Falls

#6

Lasell College

Newton, MA

Lasell College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminology schools. Set in Newton, MA, Lasell College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $27,040. The median Criminology program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,705 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lasell College has an acceptance rate of 81%. See the full Lasell College profile

#7

University Of Wisconsin Whitewater

Whitewater, WI

University Of Wisconsin Whitewater placed #7 among the best-value Criminology schools in the United States. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public school based in Whitewater, WI. Students from in state pay about $8,616 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,716 for out-of-state students. The median Criminology program debt is $26,000. Median earnings reach $55,356 ten years out. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Whitewater profile

#8

Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania

Slippery Rock, PA

Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania placed #8 among the best-value Criminology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Slippery Rock, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,568, while out-of-state students pay about $14,676. Typical Criminology student debt is $25,990. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $53,032 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. See the full Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania profile

#9

National Louis University

Chicago, IL

National Louis University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminology schools. Based in Chicago, IL, National Louis University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,245. The median Criminology program debt is $23,437. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,799 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 95%. Get the full National Louis University report

#10

Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Carbondale, IL

Southern Illinois University Carbondale offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Set in Carbondale, IL, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,334. Typical Criminology student debt is $24,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,390 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Carbondale

#11

Northwest Missouri State University

Maryville, MO

Northwest Missouri State University came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Maryville, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $10,611, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,885. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northwest Missouri State University has an acceptance rate of 86%. See the full Northwest Missouri State University profile

#12

University Of Florida Online

Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida Online landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida Online is a public institution. 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. Median earnings reach $71,588 ten years out. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 61% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Florida Online

#13

University Of Minnesota Duluth

Duluth, MN

University Of Minnesota Duluth offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Set in Duluth, MN, University Of Minnesota Duluth is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,608, with out-of-state students paying around $20,134. University Of Minnesota Duluth Criminology students take on a median of $23,887 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,616 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,887 median debt. University Of Minnesota Duluth has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Duluth

#14

University Of South Florida Main Campus

Tampa, FL

University Of South Florida Main Campus landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,410, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. The median Criminology program debt is $20,302. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,743. That is a strong return on a $20,302 median debt. About 43% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of South Florida Main Campus

#15

Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice

New York, NY

Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. This public school is set in New York, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,470, while out-of-state students pay about $15,420. The median Criminology program debt is $11,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,195 ten years after entry. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice admits about 57% of applicants. Read the full report on Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice

#16

Arkansas State University Main Campus

Jonesboro, AR

Arkansas State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Based in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,090, compared with $14,522 for out-of-state students. Typical Criminology student debt is $27,875. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,617. That is a strong return on a $27,875 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Arkansas State University Main Campus

#17

University Of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, IA

University Of Northern Iowa offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Based in Cedar Falls, IA, University Of Northern Iowa is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,936 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,712. University Of Northern Iowa Criminology students take on a median of $24,683 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,177 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read the full report on University Of Northern Iowa

#18

University Of Akron Main Campus

Akron, OH

University Of Akron Main Campus landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,135, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,250 to complete their Criminology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,600. Set against $22,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Akron Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 60%. Read more about University Of Akron Main Campus

#19

Regis University

Denver, CO

Regis University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Based in Denver, CO, Regis University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $28,140. Typical Criminology student debt is $39,337. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,105 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $39,337 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Regis University report

#20

Lindenwood University

Saint Charles, MO

Lindenwood University offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Set in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,600. Typical Criminology student debt is $28,663. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,278. That is a strong return on a $28,663 median debt. Lindenwood University admits about 57% of applicants. More on Lindenwood University

#21

Missouri State University Springfield

Springfield, MO

Missouri State University Springfield placed #21 among the best-value Criminology schools in the United States. Located in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. The median Criminology program debt is $24,187. Median earnings reach $49,827 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Missouri State University Springfield admits about 90% of applicants. More on Missouri State University Springfield

#22

Eastern Michigan University

Ypsilanti, MI

Eastern Michigan University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Located in Ypsilanti, MI, Eastern Michigan University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,990 in tuition and fees. Typical Criminology student debt is $29,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,793. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Eastern Michigan University admits about 80% of applicants. See the full Eastern Michigan University profile

#23

University Of West Georgia

Carrollton, GA

University Of West Georgia came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Located in Carrollton, GA, University Of West Georgia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,088, with out-of-state students paying around $17,800. University Of West Georgia Criminology students take on a median of $28,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,587. Set against $28,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of West Georgia has an acceptance rate of 52%. More on University Of West Georgia

#24

Universidad Del Turabo

Gurabo, PR

Universidad Del Turabo landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Universidad Del Turabo is a private not-for-profit school based in Gurabo, PR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,750. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete their Criminology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $26,223. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. Read more about Universidad Del Turabo

#25

Wright State University Lake Campus

Celina, OH

Wright State University Lake Campus ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminology schools. Located in Celina, OH, Wright State University Lake Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,372, with out-of-state students paying around $17,072. Graduates carry a median of $27,250 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,500. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Wright State University Lake Campus

#26

Oklahoma City University

Oklahoma City, OK

Oklahoma City University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Oklahoma City, OK. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,754. Graduates carry a median of $27,248 in student loans. Oklahoma City University alumni report median earnings of $54,655 a decade after entry. Set against $27,248 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. See the full Oklahoma City University profile

#27

Saint Josephs University

Philadelphia, PA

Saint Josephs University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminology schools. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Saint Josephs University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,260. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Criminology program here. Saint Josephs University alumni report median earnings of $86,881 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Saint Josephs University admits about 89% of applicants. Read more about Saint Josephs University

#28

Cleveland State University

Cleveland, OH

Cleveland State University placed #28 among the best-value Criminology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Cleveland, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,982, compared with $18,502 for out-of-state students. Cleveland State University Criminology students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,131 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cleveland State University has an acceptance rate of 91%. More on Cleveland State University

#29

California State University Fresno

Fresno, CA

California State University Fresno ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminology schools. This public school is set in Fresno, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $7,341, while out-of-state students pay about $19,941. Students borrow a median of $10,773 to complete their Criminology program here. California State University Fresno alumni report median earnings of $61,244 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,773 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Get the full California State University Fresno report

#30

Northern Arizona University

Flagstaff, AZ

Northern Arizona University landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Flagstaff, AZ, Northern Arizona University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,619 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,044. Northern Arizona University Criminology students take on a median of $20,000 in debt. Northern Arizona University alumni report median earnings of $54,384 a decade after entry. Set against $20,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northern Arizona University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read the full report on Northern Arizona University

#31

Suny College At Old Westbury

Old Westbury, NY

Suny College At Old Westbury placed #31 among the best-value Criminology schools in the United States. Suny College At Old Westbury is a public school based in Old Westbury, NY. Students from in state pay about $8,372 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,842. Students borrow a median of $17,800 to complete their Criminology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,526. Set against $17,800 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Suny College At Old Westbury report

#32

California State University San Marcos

San Marcos, CA

California State University San Marcos offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Based in San Marcos, CA, California State University San Marcos is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,082, while out-of-state students pay about $20,682. Typical Criminology student debt is $14,810. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,908. That is a strong return on a $14,810 median debt. California State University San Marcos has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read the full report on California State University San Marcos

#33

Suny College At Cortland

Cortland, NY

Suny College At Cortland landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Suny College At Cortland is a public school based in Cortland, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,874, with out-of-state students paying around $18,784. The median Criminology program debt is $21,500. Median earnings reach $60,236 ten years out. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Suny College At Cortland profile

#34

Delaware State University

Dover, DE

Delaware State University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Delaware State University is a public school based in Dover, DE. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,670, with out-of-state students paying around $20,634. Delaware State University Criminology students take on a median of $26,750 in debt. Median earnings reach $49,307 ten years out. Set against $26,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 47%. Read the full report on Delaware State University

#34

San Jose State University

San Jose, CA

San Jose State University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Located in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $78,988 ten years out. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read the full report on San Jose State University

#36

Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus

Indiana, PA

Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus placed #36 among the best-value Criminology schools in the United States. Located in Indiana, PA, Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,380, with out-of-state students paying around $16,297. The median Criminology program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,019 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. See the full Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus profile

#37

Johnson C Smith University

Charlotte, NC

Johnson C Smith University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Johnson C Smith University is a private not-for-profit school based in Charlotte, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,300. Typical Criminology student debt is $32,047. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,680. Set against $32,047 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Johnson C Smith University has an acceptance rate of 45%. See the full Johnson C Smith University profile

#37

Niagara University

Niagara University, NY

Niagara University placed #37 among the best-value Criminology schools in the United States. Located in Niagara University, NY, Niagara University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $39,345 in tuition and fees. Typical Criminology student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,196 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Niagara University has an acceptance rate of 87%. See the full Niagara University profile

#39

University Of Houston Clear Lake

Houston, TX

University Of Houston Clear Lake ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminology schools. Based in Houston, TX, University Of Houston Clear Lake is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,346, while out-of-state students pay about $22,290. University Of Houston Clear Lake Criminology students take on a median of $16,149 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,004. Set against $16,149 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Houston Clear Lake report

#41

University Of North Carolina At Wilmington

Wilmington, NC

University Of North Carolina At Wilmington came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Based in Wilmington, NC, University Of North Carolina At Wilmington is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,277, while out-of-state students pay about $24,152. University Of North Carolina At Wilmington Criminology students take on a median of $22,915 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,967. Set against $22,915 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Wilmington has an acceptance rate of 64%. More on University Of North Carolina At Wilmington

#42

Framingham State University

Framingham, MA

Framingham State University landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Framingham, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,920, compared with $18,000 for out-of-state students. Typical Criminology student debt is $25,974. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,349. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. See the full Framingham State University profile

#43

Bowling Green State University Main Campus

Bowling Green, OH

Bowling Green State University Main Campus landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Bowling Green, OH, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,912, with out-of-state students paying around $21,900. The median Criminology program debt is $25,449. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,896 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bowling Green State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 81%. See the full Bowling Green State University Main Campus profile

#44

University Of North Carolina At Charlotte

Charlotte, NC

University Of North Carolina At Charlotte placed #44 among the best-value Criminology schools in the United States. Based in Charlotte, NC, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,239, with out-of-state students paying around $22,492. Students borrow a median of $24,673 to complete their Criminology program here. Median earnings reach $57,289 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,673 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte has an acceptance rate of 80%. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Charlotte report

#44

Indiana State University

Terre Haute, IN

Indiana State University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminology schools. Based in Terre Haute, IN, Indiana State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,258, while out-of-state students pay about $22,322. Graduates carry a median of $24,970 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,387 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Indiana State University

#46

University Of Florida

Gainesville, FL

University Of Florida came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. University Of Florida is a public school based in Gainesville, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. Typical Criminology student debt is $19,500. University Of Florida alumni report median earnings of $71,588 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Florida

#48

Wright State University Main Campus

Dayton, OH

Wright State University Main Campus ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminology schools. Based in Dayton, OH, Wright State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,991, with out-of-state students paying around $20,691. The median Criminology program debt is $27,250. Median earnings reach $49,500 ten years out. Set against $27,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Wright State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 96%. See the full Wright State University Main Campus profile

#49

Saint Vincent College

Latrobe, PA

Saint Vincent College landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Latrobe, PA, Saint Vincent College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $42,396 in tuition and fees. The median Criminology program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,982 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 62%. More on Saint Vincent College

#50

Colorado State University Pueblo

Pueblo, CO

Colorado State University Pueblo landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Colorado State University Pueblo is a public school based in Pueblo, CO. In-state tuition and fees average $9,720, compared with $17,944 for out-of-state students. Typical Criminology student debt is $25,325. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,563. Set against $25,325 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Colorado State University Pueblo has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read more about Colorado State University Pueblo

#51

University Of Central Arkansas

Conway, AR

University Of Central Arkansas landed the #51 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Conway, AR, University Of Central Arkansas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,523, with out-of-state students paying around $18,023. Graduates carry a median of $20,078 in student loans. Median earnings reach $45,938 ten years out. Set against $20,078 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Central Arkansas

#52

Flagler College St Augustine

Saint Augustine, FL

Flagler College St Augustine came in at #52 in this year's value ranking. Located in Saint Augustine, FL, Flagler College St Augustine is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $29,900. The median Criminology program debt is $25,625. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,483 ten years after entry. Set against $25,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Flagler College St Augustine has an acceptance rate of 81%. Get the full Flagler College St Augustine report

#53

North Carolina State University At Raleigh

Raleigh, NC

North Carolina State University At Raleigh ranked #53 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminology schools. Based in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. Graduates carry a median of $21,875 in student loans. North Carolina State University At Raleigh alumni report median earnings of $68,758 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%. Get the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh report

#54

Upper Iowa University

Fayette, IA

Upper Iowa University offered strong value this year, earning the #54 position. Set in Fayette, IA, Upper Iowa University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $19,475 in tuition and fees. Upper Iowa University Criminology students take on a median of $43,447 in debt. Median earnings reach $52,766 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Upper Iowa University has an acceptance rate of 96%. See the full Upper Iowa University profile