2025 Best Colleges for Criminology

We rigorously analyzed a host of variables to determine what colleges and universities offer the best Criminology programs in America. The list includes 159 programs and you can sort by average salary, debt, acceptance rate and more to hone in on the the best programs for you.

If you’re still wondering whether Criminology is the right field of study for you, check out our guide to majoring in Criminology: what you can do with the major, how much you’ll make, and more.

For the purposes of these rankings we prioritized earnings after graduation 6 years and 10 years out for students that majored in Criminology. Please note that earnings are one metric of success that can be used to judge a Criminology program, but are by no means the best or only option. However, because this variable is provided by the vast majority of universities offering Criminology we used it as the primary method or ordering the best universities for Criminology.

By scrolling all the way through the list you’ll find every college or university that offers a Criminology in America.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Universities offering Criminology Majors and Degrees

What is the best university for majoring in Criminology?

Lindenwood University is the best university for majoring in Criminology based on earnings data. On average, graduates from Lindenwood University earned an average of $59,883 2 years after graduating.

What is the cheapest university for majoring in Criminology?

The University of Texas of the Permian Basin is the cheapest university for majoring in Criminology based on the Department of Education tuition data. On average, students pay $5,250 to attend The University of Texas of the Permian Basin.

What is the most expensive university for majoring in Criminology?

University of Pennsylvania is the most expensive university for majoring in Criminology based on the Department of Education tuition data. On average, students pay $49,536 to attend University of Pennsylvania.