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138Colleges in the United States
10,878Criminology Degrees Awarded
$34,181Avg Early-Career Salary
Criminology is above average in terms of popularity with it being the #80 most popular degree program in the country. So, you have a fair amount of options to choose from when looking for a school.
In 2024, College Factual analyzed 138 schools in order to identify the top ones for its Best Criminology Schools ranking. Combined, these schools handed out 10,878 degrees in criminology to qualified students.
Jump to one of the following sections: * Degree-Level Rankings
- Best Overall Criminology Schools List
Choosing a Great Criminology School
Your choice of criminology school matters, so we have put together these rankings to help you make your decision. For our Best Overall Criminology School rankings, we roll up the results of our degree-level rankings, weighted by the number of degrees awarded at that level.
You may want to choose one of the degree levels below to find the schools of most interest to you.
Pick Your Criminology Degree Level
When choosing the right school for you, it's important to arm yourself with all the facts you can. To that end, we've created a number of major-specific rankings, including this Best Criminology Schools list to help you make the college decision.More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.
To further help you make the college decision, we've developed a unique tool called College Combat that allows you to compare schools based on the factors that matter the most to you.Go ahead and give it a try, or bookmark the link so you can check it out later.
Read more about College Factual's methodology.
Best Schools for Criminology in the United States
Although we recommend filtering by degree level first, you can view the list below to see which schools give the educational experience for the criminology degree levels they offer. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.
20 Top Schools in Criminology
1
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
Doctor's DegreeHighest Degree Type
39Criminology Degrees Awarded
$50,778Median Starting SalaryIt is difficult to beat University of Pennsylvania if you wish to pursue a degree in criminology. Located in the large city of Philadelphia, UPenn is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #4 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UPenn is a great university overall.
There were roughly 39 criminology students who graduated with this degree at UPenn in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the criminology program at University of Pennsylvania earn $16,597 more than the standard college graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.
More information about a degree in criminology from University of Pennsylvania2
University of Maryland - College Park
College Park, MD
Doctor's DegreeHighest Degree Type
443Criminology Degrees Awarded
21.9%Growth in GraduatesIt's difficult to beat University of Maryland - College Park if you wish to pursue a degree in criminology. UMCP is a fairly large public university located in the large suburb of College Park. A Best Colleges rank of #42 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UMCP is a great university overall.
There were roughly 443 criminology students who graduated with this degree at UMCP in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the criminology degree program at University of Maryland - College Park earn $2,811 above the typical graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.
More information about a degree in criminology from University of Maryland - College ParkSponsored
BachelorsDegree Type
BS in Criminal Justice - Criminology & Crime AnalysisProgram Name
Track and understand criminal behavior by earning a BS in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Criminology & Crime Analysis.
More information about a degree in BS in Criminal Justice - Criminology & Crime Analysis from Southern New Hampshire University3
University of California - Irvine
Irvine, CA
Doctor's DegreeHighest Degree Type
447Criminology Degrees Awarded
$42,748Median Starting SalaryUniversity of California - Irvine is one of the finest schools in the United States for getting a degree in criminology. UC Irvine is a fairly large public university located in the city of Irvine. A Best Colleges rank of #61 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means UC Irvine is a great university overall.
There were approximately 447 criminology students who graduated with this degree at UC Irvine in the most recent data year. Criminology degree recipients from University of California - Irvine earn a boost of about $8,567 above the typical earnings of criminology graduates.
More information about a degree in criminology from University of California - Irvine4
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
Doctor's DegreeHighest Degree Type
191Criminology Degrees Awarded
6.3%Growth in GraduatesIt's difficult to beat University of Florida if you wish to pursue a degree in criminology. Located in the city of Gainesville, UF is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #58 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means UF is a great university overall.
There were about 191 criminology students who graduated with this degree at UF in the most recent year we have data available. Graduates who receive their degree from the criminology program earn an average of $29,868 in their early career salary.
More information about a degree in criminology from University of Florida5
Doctor's DegreeHighest Degree Type
160Criminology Degrees Awarded
13.8%Growth in GraduatesUD is a very large public university located in the large suburb of Newark. A Best Colleges rank of #118 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means UD is a great university overall.
There were approximately 160 criminology students who graduated with this degree at UD in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the criminology program report average early career wages of $33,603.
More information about a degree in criminology from University of DelawareSponsored
BachelorsDegree Type
BS in Criminal Justice - Criminology & Crime AnalysisProgram Name
Track and understand criminal behavior by earning a BS in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Criminology & Crime Analysis.
More information about a degree in BS in Criminal Justice - Criminology & Crime Analysis from Southern New Hampshire University6
Lasell University
Newton, MA
Master's DegreeHighest Degree Type
81Criminology Degrees Awarded
$41,517Median Starting SalaryLasell is a small private not-for-profit university located in the city of Newton. This university ranks 31st out of 63 colleges for overall quality in the state of Massachusetts.
There were approximately 81 criminology students who graduated with this degree at Lasell in the most recent data year. Criminology degree recipients from Lasell University receive an earnings boost of about $7,336 over the typical income of criminology majors.
More information about a degree in criminology from Lasell University7
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN
Bachelor's DegreeHighest Degree Type
129Criminology Degrees Awarded
$35,727Median Starting SalaryLocated in the large city of Minneapolis, UMN Twin Cities is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #51 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UMN Twin Cities is a great university overall.
There were approximately 129 criminology students who graduated with this degree at UMN Twin Cities in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the criminology program report average early career wages of $35,727.
More information about a degree in criminology from University of Minnesota - Twin Cities8
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA
Bachelor's DegreeHighest Degree Type
86Criminology Degrees Awarded
$35,879Median Starting SalaryIowa is a fairly large public university located in the city of Iowa City. A Best Colleges rank of #84 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Iowa is a great university overall.
There were about 86 criminology students who graduated with this degree at Iowa in the most recent data year. After graduation, criminology degree recipients usually make an average of $35,879 in their early careers.
More information about a degree in criminology from University of IowaSponsored
BachelorsDegree Type
BS in Criminal Justice - Criminology & Crime AnalysisProgram Name
Track and understand criminal behavior by earning a BS in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Criminology & Crime Analysis.
More information about a degree in BS in Criminal Justice - Criminology & Crime Analysis from Southern New Hampshire University9
University of South Florida - Main Campus
Tampa, FL
Doctor's DegreeHighest Degree Type
477Criminology Degrees Awarded
7.3%Growth in GraduatesUSF Tampa is a very large public university located in the large city of Tampa. This university ranks 8th out of 77 colleges for overall quality in the state of Florida.
There were about 477 criminology students who graduated with this degree at USF Tampa in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the criminology program earn around $31,310 in their early career salary.
More information about a degree in criminology from University of South Florida - Main Campus10
Ohio State University - Main Campus
Columbus, OH
Bachelor's DegreeHighest Degree Type
143Criminology Degrees Awarded
$33,830Median Starting SalaryOhio State is a very large public university located in the large city of Columbus. A Best Colleges rank of #69 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Ohio State is a great university overall.
There were roughly 143 criminology students who graduated with this degree at Ohio State in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the criminology program make about $33,830 in their early career salary.
More information about a degree in criminology from Ohio State University - Main Campus11
University of New Hampshire - Main Campus
Durham, NH
Master's DegreeHighest Degree Type
99Criminology Degrees Awarded
31.3%Growth in GraduatesLocated in the small suburb of Durham, UNH is a public university with a large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 17 schools for overall quality in the state of New Hampshire.
There were about 99 criminology students who graduated with this degree at UNH in the most recent data year. Criminology degree recipients from University of New Hampshire - Main Campus earn a boost of approximately $4,257 over the average earnings of criminology graduates.
More information about a degree in criminology from University of New Hampshire - Main CampusSponsored
BachelorsDegree Type
BS in Criminal Justice - Criminology & Crime AnalysisProgram Name
Track and understand criminal behavior by earning a BS in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Criminology & Crime Analysis.
More information about a degree in BS in Criminal Justice - Criminology & Crime Analysis from Southern New Hampshire University12
Saint Anselm College
Manchester, NH
Bachelor's DegreeHighest Degree Type
48Criminology Degrees Awarded
$41,099Median Starting SalarySt. Anselm College is a small private not-for-profit college located in the suburb of Manchester. This college ranks 4th out of 17 schools for overall quality in the state of New Hampshire.
There were roughly 48 criminology students who graduated with this degree at St. Anselm College in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the criminology program at Saint Anselm College earn $6,918 more than the standard college graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.
More information about a degree in criminology from Saint Anselm College13
Saint Joseph's University
Philadelphia, PA
Master's DegreeHighest Degree Type
117Criminology Degrees Awarded
$42,094Median Starting SalarySt. Joe's is a medium-sized private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Philadelphia. This university ranks 12th out of 109 colleges for overall quality in the state of Pennsylvania.
There were about 117 criminology students who graduated with this degree at St. Joe's in the most recent data year. Those criminology students who get their degree from Saint Joseph's University receive $7,913 more than the typical criminology student.
More information about a degree in criminology from Saint Joseph’s University14
Marquette University
Milwaukee, WI
Bachelor's DegreeHighest Degree Type
81Criminology Degrees Awarded
3.7%Growth in GraduatesLocated in the city of Milwaukee, Marquette is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #130 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Marquette is a great university overall.
There were approximately 81 criminology students who graduated with this degree at Marquette in the most recent year we have data available. After graduation, criminology degree recipients typically earn an average of $35,632 at the beginning of their careers.
More information about a degree in criminology from Marquette UniversitySponsored
BachelorsDegree Type
BS in Criminal Justice - Criminology & Crime AnalysisProgram Name
Track and understand criminal behavior by earning a BS in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Criminology & Crime Analysis.
More information about a degree in BS in Criminal Justice - Criminology & Crime Analysis from Southern New Hampshire University15
University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL
Master's DegreeHighest Degree Type
53Criminology Degrees Awarded
$29,138Median Starting SalaryLocated in the city of Coral Gables, U Miami is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #91 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means U Miami is a great university overall.
There were roughly 53 criminology students who graduated with this degree at U Miami in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the criminology program report average early career wages of $29,138.
More information about a degree in criminology from University of Miami16
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ
Master's DegreeHighest Degree Type
250Criminology Degrees Awarded
$32,280Median Starting SalaryLocated in the small city of Flagstaff, NAU is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 5th out of 26 colleges for overall quality in the state of Arizona.
There were approximately 250 criminology students who graduated with this degree at NAU in the most recent year we have data available. Graduates who receive their degree from the criminology program earn around $32,280 in the first couple years of their career.
More information about a degree in criminology from Northern Arizona University17 The University of Alabama Master's DegreeHighest Degree Type 1stMost Popular In AL 286Criminology Degrees Awarded Located in the small city of Tuscaloosa, UA is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #139 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UA is a great university overall. There were approximately 286 criminology students who graduated with this degree at UA in the most recent year we have data available. Sponsored BachelorsDegree Type BS in Criminal Justice - Criminology & Crime AnalysisProgram Name Track and understand criminal behavior by earning a BS in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Criminology & Crime Analysis. 18 Stonehill College Bachelor's DegreeHighest Degree Type 60Criminology Degrees Awarded Located in the large suburb of Easton, Stonehill is a private not-for-profit college with a small student population. This college ranks 28th out of 63 colleges for overall quality in the state of Massachusetts. There were approximately 60 criminology students who graduated with this degree at Stonehill in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the criminology major at Stonehill College make $6,043 above the standard college graduate in this field shortly after graduation. 19 University of Minnesota - Duluth Bachelor's DegreeHighest Degree Type 56Criminology Degrees Awarded UMN Duluth is a moderately-sized public university located in the small city of Duluth. This university ranks 9th out of 52 colleges for overall quality in the state of Minnesota. There were roughly 56 criminology students who graduated with this degree at UMN Duluth in the most recent year we have data available. Criminology degree recipients from University of Minnesota - Duluth receive an earnings boost of about $3,738 over the typical earnings of criminology majors. 20 Gonzaga University Bachelor's DegreeHighest Degree Type 44Criminology Degrees Awarded Located in the medium-sized city of Spokane, Gonzaga is a private not-for-profit university with a moderately-sized student population. This university ranks 3rd out of 51 colleges for overall quality in the state of Washington. There were roughly 44 criminology students who graduated with this degree at Gonzaga in the most recent year we have data available. After graduation, criminology degree recipients typically make an average of $34,393 at the beginning of their careers.
Tuscaloosa, AL
Easton, MA
Duluth, MN
Spokane, WA
Rest of the Top Best Criminology Schools
Additional Noteworthy Schools
These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also great but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Best Criminology Schools award.Rank College Location 26 Stockton University Galloway, NJ 27 Southern Illinois University Carbondale Carbondale, IL 21 California State University - Fresno Fresno, CA 22 John Jay College of Criminal Justice New York, NY 23 Washington State University Pullman, WA 24 University of Denver Denver, CO 25 Old Dominion University Norfolk, VA
Criminology by Region
View the Best Criminology Schools for a specific region near you.Region Southeast New England Rocky Mountains Plains States Middle Atlantic Far Western US Southwest Other U.S. Territories Great Lakes
Other Rankings
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One of 0 majors within the <nil> area of study, Criminology has other similar majors worth exploring.
Criminology Focus Areas
Major | Annual Graduates |
---|---|
Criminology | 10,878 |
View All Criminology Focus Areas >
Notes and References
- The bars on the spread charts above show the distribution of the schools on this list +/- one standard deviation from the mean.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of the rest of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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