2026 Best Value Criminology Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Criminology master’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 249 institutions 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 help you make your decision, Course Advisor evaluated 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Lasell College earned it the #2 place in the United States. Located in Newton, MA, Lasell College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $27,040. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,705 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Lasell College
You'll get strong value at Niagara University, which ranked #3 this year. Set in Niagara University, NY, Niagara University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,345. Niagara University Criminology students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,196. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%. Read more about Niagara University
Saint Vincent College came in at #4 on this year's best-value Criminology ranking in the United States. Based 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. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Criminology program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,982. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Saint Vincent College has an acceptance rate of 62%. More on Saint Vincent College
Out of the 249 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Missouri State University Springfield landed the #5 spot. Located in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,502, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. The median Criminology program debt is $24,187. Median earnings reach $49,827 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,187 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full Missouri State University Springfield profile
The University Of Tampa landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Tampa, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,408. The University Of Tampa Criminology students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $59,436 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 40% of applicants are accepted. Read more about The University Of Tampa
Regis University came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Set in Denver, CO, Regis University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $28,140. Regis University Criminology students take on a median of $39,337 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,105. Set against $39,337 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Regis University admits about 86% of applicants. See the full Regis University profile
Saint Josephs University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminology schools. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Saint Josephs University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,260. The median Criminology program debt is $25,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $86,881. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Saint Josephs University profile
University Of Delaware ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminology schools. Located in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,810, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. The median Criminology program debt is $23,685. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,950. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Delaware has an acceptance rate of 71%. Read more about University Of Delaware
Lindenwood University placed #10 among the best-value Criminology schools in the United States. Located in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,600. Graduates carry a median of $28,663 in student loans. Lindenwood University alumni report median earnings of $53,278 a decade after entry. Set against $28,663 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 57%. Get the full Lindenwood University report
Oklahoma City University placed #11 among the best-value Criminology schools in the United States. Set in Oklahoma City, OK, Oklahoma City University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,754. Typical Criminology student debt is $27,248. Median earnings reach $54,655 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,248 median debt. Oklahoma City University admits about 77% of applicants. Read more about Oklahoma City University
University Of California Irvine offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. This public school is set in Irvine, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,752, with out-of-state students paying around $46,640. Students borrow a median of $15,865 to complete their Criminology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $80,735. Set against $15,865 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Irvine has an acceptance rate of 29%. Read more about University Of California Irvine
University Of Houston Clear Lake placed #13 among the best-value Criminology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $8,346, with out-of-state students paying around $22,290. Graduates carry a median of $16,149 in student loans. Median earnings reach $59,004 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Houston Clear Lake has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read more about University Of Houston Clear Lake
San Jose State University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Set in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,410, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,988. San Jose State University has an acceptance rate of 85%. Read the full report on San Jose State University
Indiana State University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminology schools. Indiana State University is a public school based in Terre Haute, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,258, compared with $22,322 for out-of-state students. Typical Criminology student debt is $24,970. Median earnings reach $48,387 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%. See the full Indiana State University profile
University Of South Florida Main Campus landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public school based in Tampa, FL. Students from in state pay about $6,410 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. University Of South Florida Main Campus Criminology students take on a median of $20,302 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,743. That is a strong return on a $20,302 median debt. The acceptance rate is 43%. Read more about University Of South Florida Main Campus
California State University Fresno offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Located in Fresno, CA, California State University Fresno is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,341, while out-of-state students pay about $19,941. Typical Criminology student debt is $10,773. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,244. That is a strong return on a $10,773 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. See the full California State University Fresno profile
Bowling Green State University Main Campus came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Based in Bowling Green, OH, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,912, compared with $21,900 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,449 in student loans. Median earnings reach $47,896 ten years out. Set against $25,449 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Bowling Green State University Main Campus admits about 81% of applicants. Get the full Bowling Green State University Main Campus report
Texas A And M University Kingsville landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Kingsville, TX, Texas A And M University Kingsville is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,892 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $25,746. Texas A And M University Kingsville Criminology students take on a median of $25,750 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,450. That is a strong return on a $25,750 median debt. Texas A And M University Kingsville admits about 91% of applicants. Get the full Texas A And M University Kingsville report
University Of West Georgia landed the #21 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 average $6,088, compared with $17,800 for out-of-state students. Typical Criminology student debt is $28,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,587. Set against $28,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 52% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of West Georgia
San Diego State University landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,728, compared with $21,328 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,417 to complete their Criminology program here. Median earnings reach $64,909 ten years out. Set against $16,417 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 36% of those who apply are admitted. See the full San Diego State University profile
University Of Maryland College Park came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Located in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,809, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,860. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Maryland College Park report
Northern Arizona University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Located in Flagstaff, AZ, Northern Arizona University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,619 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,044 for out-of-state students. Northern Arizona University Criminology students take on a median of $20,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $54,384 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Northern Arizona University report
University Of Pennsylvania landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $68,686. Typical Criminology student debt is $16,155. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $111,371. That is a strong return on a $16,155 median debt. The acceptance rate is 5%. Get the full University Of Pennsylvania report
Western Kentucky University offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Based in Bowling Green, KY, Western Kentucky University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,652, with out-of-state students paying around $27,000. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,889. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Kentucky University admits about 94% of applicants. Read more about Western Kentucky University
George Washington University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminology schools. Set in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,710. Graduates carry a median of $22,910 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $90,873. Set against $22,910 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. George Washington University admits about 47% of applicants. More on George Washington University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Criminology Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of Florida ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminology schools. This public school is set in Gainesville, FL. Students from in state pay about $6,381 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. 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. University Of Florida has an acceptance rate of 24%. More on University Of Florida
The University Of Texas At Dallas placed #30 among the best-value Criminology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Richardson, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,644, with out-of-state students paying around $40,144. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete their Criminology program here. Median earnings reach $68,227 ten years out. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. See the full The University Of Texas At Dallas profile
University Of Maryland Eastern Shore offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Located in Princess Anne, MD, University Of Maryland Eastern Shore is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,076 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,122. Graduates carry a median of $26,996 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,697. That is a strong return on a $26,996 median debt. University Of Maryland Eastern Shore admits about 96% of applicants. Get the full University Of Maryland Eastern Shore report
University Of Missouri St Louis came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. 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. Graduates carry a median of $22,801 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,037 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Missouri St Louis admits about 63% of applicants. More on University Of Missouri St Louis
Washington State University landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Washington State University is a public school based in Pullman, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,391, with out-of-state students paying around $29,950. Students borrow a median of $21,903 to complete their Criminology program here. Median earnings reach $68,905 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,903 median debt. Washington State University admits about 87% of applicants. More on Washington State University
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Set in Indiana, PA, Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,380, while out-of-state students pay about $16,297. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $51,019 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus admits about 91% of applicants. Read more about Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus
Eastern Michigan University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminology schools. Located in Ypsilanti, MI, Eastern Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,990. Eastern Michigan University Criminology students take on a median of $29,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $51,793 ten years out. Set against $29,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Eastern Michigan University admits about 80% of applicants. Read the full report on Eastern Michigan University
University Of New Hampshire Main Campus placed #34 among the best-value Criminology schools in the United States. This public school is set in Durham, NH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,202, while out-of-state students pay about $39,852. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $66,479 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of New Hampshire Main Campus profile
Texas A And M University Commerce came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Set in Commerce, TX, Texas A And M University Commerce is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,026 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,326. The median Criminology program debt is $23,796. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,296. That is a strong return on a $23,796 median debt. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. More on Texas A And M University Commerce
University Of Missouri Kansas City came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Based in Kansas City, MO, University Of Missouri Kansas City is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,371, compared with $32,271 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,741 to complete their Criminology program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,637. That is a strong return on a $23,741 median debt. University Of Missouri Kansas City admits about 72% of applicants. See the full University Of Missouri Kansas City profile
Southern Illinois University Carbondale came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Carbondale, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,334. Southern Illinois University Carbondale Criminology students take on a median of $24,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,390. That is a strong return on a $24,000 median debt. Southern Illinois University Carbondale admits about 87% of applicants. See the full Southern Illinois University Carbondale profile
Arizona State University landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,223 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Students borrow a median of $21,842 to complete their Criminology program here. Arizona State University alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. More on Arizona State University
Coker College offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Located in Hartsville, SC, Coker College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $33,416. Graduates carry a median of $30,000 in student loans. Coker College alumni report median earnings of $40,117 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Coker College admits about 94% of applicants. Get the full Coker College report
The University Of Alabama offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. The University Of Alabama is a public school based in Tuscaloosa, AL. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,180, while out-of-state students pay about $34,172. The median Criminology program debt is $24,496. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,221 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,496 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%. More on The University Of Alabama
University Of Michigan Dearborn came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Based in Dearborn, MI, University Of Michigan Dearborn is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,640 in tuition and fees, compared with $32,896 for out-of-state students. University Of Michigan Dearborn Criminology students take on a median of $26,516 in debt. University Of Michigan Dearborn alumni report median earnings of $59,649 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,516 median debt. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Michigan Dearborn
University Of Miami placed #44 among the best-value Criminology schools in the United States. Set in Coral Gables, FL, University Of Miami is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,616. Graduates carry a median of $16,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $75,328 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,500 median debt. University Of Miami admits about 19% of applicants. Get the full University Of Miami report
Georgia Southern University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Set in Statesboro, GA, Georgia Southern University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,022, with out-of-state students paying around $17,734. Typical Criminology student debt is $26,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,236. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Georgia Southern University admits about 88% of applicants. More on Georgia Southern University
St Johns University New York offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Queens, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,529. The median Criminology program debt is $25,521. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,571. Set against $25,521 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. St Johns University New York admits about 83% of applicants. Read more about St Johns University New York
Alliant International University placed #47 among the best-value Criminology schools in the United States. Based in San Diego, CA, Alliant International University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,254. Students borrow a median of $21,234 to complete their Criminology program here. Alliant International University alumni report median earnings of $66,666 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,234 median debt. See the full Alliant International University profile
Cuny Graduate School And University Center offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Read more about Cuny Graduate School And University Center
Concordia University Texas placed #46 among the best-value Criminology schools in the United States. See the full Concordia University Texas profile
Seattle Pacific University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminology schools. Read the full report on Seattle Pacific University
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminology schools. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
Union University
Union University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminology schools. More on Union University
Pacific University placed #50 among the best-value Criminology schools in the United States. Read the full report on Pacific University
Related Criminology Value Rankings
See value rankings for 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Criminology Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Criminology Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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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