2026 Best Value Criminology Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Criminology bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 249 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor reviewed schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Criminology Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Our analysis found University Of Wisconsin Stout to be the best-value Criminology school in the United States. Located in Menomonie, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stout is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,701, compared with $19,265 for out-of-state students. 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. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Stout profile
Out of the 249 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of Wisconsin River Falls landed the #2 spot. Located in River Falls, WI, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,008, with out-of-state students paying around $17,470. The median Criminology program debt is $24,750. Median earnings reach $54,458 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%. See the full University Of Wisconsin River Falls profile
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater came in at #3 on this year's best-value Criminology ranking in the United States. Located in Whitewater, WI, University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,616, while out-of-state students pay about $18,716. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater Criminology students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,356. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Whitewater profile
Out of the 249 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania landed the #4 spot. Set in Slippery Rock, PA, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,568, while out-of-state students pay about $14,676. Students borrow a median of $25,990 to complete their Criminology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,032 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania admits about 72% of applicants. Read the full report on Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania
A rank of #5 makes National Louis University one of the best values in the United States. Based in Chicago, IL, National Louis University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $13,245 in tuition and fees. National Louis University Criminology students take on a median of $23,437 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,799. That is a strong return on a $23,437 median debt. National Louis University admits about 95% of applicants. Read more about National Louis University
Southern Illinois University Carbondale placed #6 among the best-value Criminology schools in the United States. Based in Carbondale, IL, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,334. The median Criminology program 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. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Southern Illinois University Carbondale report
Northwest Missouri State University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminology schools. Located in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,611, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. The median Criminology program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $47,885 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. See the full Northwest Missouri State University profile
University Of South Florida Main Campus placed #7 among the best-value Criminology schools in the United States. Based in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,410, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Graduates carry a median of $20,302 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,743 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of South Florida Main Campus admits about 43% of applicants. More on University Of South Florida Main Campus
University Of Florida Online landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida Online is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,876, with out-of-state students paying around $16,579. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their Criminology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,588. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. University Of Florida Online has an acceptance rate of 61%. Get the full University Of Florida Online report
University Of Minnesota Duluth ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminology schools. This public school is set in Duluth, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $14,608, with out-of-state students paying around $20,134. Typical Criminology student debt is $23,887. Median earnings reach $62,616 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Minnesota Duluth report
Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Set in New York, NY, Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,470, while out-of-state students pay about $15,420. Graduates carry a median of $11,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,195 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice
Arkansas State University Main Campus placed #12 among the best-value Criminology schools in the United States. Located in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,090, while out-of-state students pay about $14,522. Students borrow a median of $27,875 to complete their Criminology program here. 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
University Of Northern Iowa landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Cedar Falls, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,936, while out-of-state students pay about $21,712. The median Criminology program debt is $24,683. University Of Northern Iowa alumni report median earnings of $55,177 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. More on University Of Northern Iowa
University Of Akron Main Campus came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Based in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,135, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. The median Criminology program debt is $22,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,600. Set against $22,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Akron Main Campus
Eastern Michigan University offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Based in Ypsilanti, MI, Eastern Michigan University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,990. Graduates carry a median of $29,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,793. That is a strong return on a $29,000 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Eastern Michigan University
University Of West Georgia landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Carrollton, GA, University Of West Georgia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,088, compared with $17,800 for out-of-state students. The median Criminology program debt is $28,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,587. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of West Georgia admits about 52% of applicants. More on University Of West Georgia
Universidad Del Turabo ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminology schools. Set in Gurabo, PR, Universidad Del Turabo is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $7,750 in tuition and fees. Typical Criminology student debt is $15,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $26,223. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Universidad Del Turabo
Missouri State University Springfield came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Missouri State University Springfield is a public school based in Springfield, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $9,502, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. The median Criminology program debt is $24,187. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,827. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Missouri State University Springfield admits about 90% of applicants. Read more about Missouri State University Springfield
Wright State University Lake Campus came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Celina, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $7,372, with out-of-state students paying around $17,072. The median Criminology program debt is $27,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,500. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Wright State University Lake Campus
Cleveland State University offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Set in Cleveland, OH, Cleveland State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,982, with out-of-state students paying around $18,502. Typical Criminology student debt is $25,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,131. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read the full report on Cleveland State University
California State University Fresno offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Located in Fresno, CA, California State University Fresno is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,341, compared with $19,941 for out-of-state students. California State University Fresno Criminology students take on a median of $10,773 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,244. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Fresno admits about 95% of applicants. Read the full report on California State University Fresno
Northern Arizona University placed #22 among the best-value Criminology schools in the United States. Located in Flagstaff, AZ, Northern Arizona University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,619, while out-of-state students pay about $20,044. Northern Arizona University Criminology students take on a median of $20,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,384. Set against $20,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. More on Northern Arizona University
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Indiana, PA, Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,380, compared with $16,297 for out-of-state students. The median Criminology program debt is $27,000. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $51,019 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%. See the full Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus profile
Suny College At Old Westbury came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Old Westbury, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,372, with out-of-state students paying around $18,842. Students borrow a median of $17,800 to complete their Criminology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,526. That is a strong return on a $17,800 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%. See the full Suny College At Old Westbury profile
California State University San Marcos placed #25 among the best-value Criminology schools in the United States. Set 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. California State University San Marcos Criminology students take on a median of $14,810 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,908. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 95%. See the full California State University San Marcos profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Criminology Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Suny College At Cortland landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Cortland, NY, Suny College At Cortland is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,874, compared with $18,784 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $60,236 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 60%. Read the full report on Suny College At Cortland
Delaware State University offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Based in Dover, DE, Delaware State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,670 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,634. Typical Criminology student debt is $26,750. Delaware State University alumni report median earnings of $49,307 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 47%. Read more about Delaware State University
Johnson C Smith University landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Charlotte, NC, Johnson C Smith University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,300. Typical Criminology student debt is $32,047. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,680 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 45%. More on Johnson C Smith University
University Of Houston Clear Lake placed #30 among the best-value Criminology schools in the United States. 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, compared with $22,290 for out-of-state students. Typical Criminology student debt is $16,149. University Of Houston Clear Lake alumni report median earnings of $59,004 a decade after entry. Set against $16,149 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Houston Clear Lake admits about 90% of applicants. Get the full University Of Houston Clear Lake report
University Of North Carolina At Wilmington offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. This public school is set in Wilmington, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $7,277, with out-of-state students paying around $24,152. The median Criminology program debt is $22,915. Median earnings reach $54,967 ten years out. Set against $22,915 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 64%. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Wilmington report
Framingham State University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Framingham, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,920, with out-of-state students paying around $18,000. The median Criminology program debt is $25,974. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,349 ten years after entry. Set against $25,974 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%. Read more about Framingham State University
University Of Florida landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. The median Criminology program debt is $19,500. Median earnings reach $71,588 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Florida
Indiana State University placed #35 among the best-value Criminology schools in the United States. Based in Terre Haute, IN, Indiana State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,258, with out-of-state students paying around $22,322. Graduates carry a median of $24,970 in student loans. Indiana State University alumni report median earnings of $48,387 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%. Read more about Indiana State University
Wright State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. This public school is set in Dayton, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,991, while out-of-state students pay about $20,691. Wright State University Main Campus Criminology students take on a median of $27,250 in debt. Median earnings reach $49,500 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Wright State University Main Campus admits about 96% of applicants. Read more about Wright State University Main Campus
Colorado State University Pueblo offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. This public school is set in Pueblo, CO. In-state tuition and fees average $9,720, with out-of-state students paying around $17,944. Colorado State University Pueblo Criminology students take on a median of $25,325 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,563. Set against $25,325 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Colorado State University Pueblo admits about 95% of applicants. See the full Colorado State University Pueblo profile
University Of Central Arkansas offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Based in Conway, AR, University Of Central Arkansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,523, while out-of-state students pay about $18,023. The median Criminology program debt is $20,078. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,938. That is a strong return on a $20,078 median debt. University Of Central Arkansas admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Central Arkansas
Flagler College St Augustine offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Augustine, FL. Students from in state pay about $29,900 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,625 to complete their Criminology program here. Median earnings reach $49,483 ten years out. Set against $25,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Flagler College St Augustine has an acceptance rate of 81%. See the full Flagler College St Augustine profile
North Carolina State University At Raleigh placed #40 among the best-value Criminology schools in the United States. Located in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,799 in tuition and fees, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,875 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,758. Set against $21,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Carolina State University At Raleigh has an acceptance rate of 42%. See the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh profile
Upper Iowa University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Located in Fayette, IA, Upper Iowa University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $19,475. Students borrow a median of $43,447 to complete their Criminology program here. Median earnings reach $52,766 ten years out. Set against $43,447 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. See the full Upper Iowa University profile
Webster University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Set in Saint Louis, MO, Webster University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,750. Students borrow a median of $25,939 to complete their Criminology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,876 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. More on Webster University
Virginia Union University came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Richmond, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,830. Students borrow a median of $31,450 to complete their Criminology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,275 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Virginia Union University admits about 98% of applicants. See the full Virginia Union University profile
Old Dominion University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Based in Norfolk, VA, Old Dominion University is a public institution. 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,914. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. Get the full Old Dominion University report
University Of Missouri St Louis offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Based in Saint Louis, MO, University Of Missouri St Louis is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,120, with out-of-state students paying around $37,620. Typical Criminology student debt is $22,801. Median earnings reach $53,037 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,801 median debt. The acceptance rate is 63%. Get the full University Of Missouri St Louis report
Georgia Southern University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminology schools. This public school is set in Statesboro, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,022, compared with $17,734 for out-of-state students. Typical Criminology student debt is $26,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,236. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on Georgia Southern University
University Of Iowa placed #47 among the best-value Criminology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Iowa City, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. University Of Iowa Criminology students take on a median of $23,250 in debt. Median earnings reach $64,762 ten years out. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%. See the full University Of Iowa profile
Albright College placed #48 among the best-value Criminology schools in the United States. Based in Reading, PA, Albright College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $29,082 in tuition and fees. Typical Criminology student debt is $28,958. Median earnings reach $58,700 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,958 median debt. Albright College admits about 76% of applicants. Read more about Albright College
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Minneapolis, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their Criminology program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,020 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
California State Polytechnic University Pomona offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Located in Pomona, CA, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,781, with out-of-state students paying around $20,381. California State Polytechnic University Pomona Criminology students take on a median of $17,226 in debt. California State Polytechnic University Pomona alumni report median earnings of $71,902 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State Polytechnic University Pomona admits about 75% of applicants. Read the full report on California State Polytechnic University Pomona
University Of Maryland College Park offered strong value this year, earning the #51 position. University Of Maryland College Park is a public school based in College Park, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $11,809, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their Criminology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,860. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Maryland College Park
Eastern Washington University placed #51 among the best-value Criminology schools in the United States. Located in Cheney, WA, Eastern Washington University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,586, compared with $26,583 for out-of-state students. Typical Criminology student debt is $19,295. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,897. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Eastern Washington University has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read more about Eastern Washington University
Related Criminology Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Criminology Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Criminology Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Criminology Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Criminology Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Criminology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Criminology Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Criminology Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 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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