Criminal Justice in California 2026

Best Colleges for Criminal Justice in California 2026

Criminal justice programs in California prepare students for careers in law enforcement, corrections, homeland security, and legal services. Many programs include hands-on experience through internships with local agencies.

We analyzed 145 colleges and universities in California offering Criminal Justice programs, evaluating them on national ranking, acceptance rate, tuition costs, student-to-faculty ratio, and graduation outcomes. Here are the top 10 programs for 2026.

Quick Comparison: Top Criminal Justice Programs in California

Detailed School Profiles

1. University of San Diego (USD)

Location: San Diego, California • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 52.4%
• In-State Tuition: $59,486 | Out-of-State: $59,486
• Enrollment: 5,671 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
• Graduation Rate: 84% | Median Earnings (6yr): $50,100
• Average Financial Aid: $28,994

View full University of San Diego (USD) profile →

2. California Miramar University (CMU)

Location: San Diego, California • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 18.5%
• In-State Tuition: $12,442 | Out-of-State: $12,442
• Enrollment: 135 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
• Graduation Rate: 50% | Median Earnings (6yr): N/A
• Average Financial Aid: $6,348

View full California Miramar University (CMU) profile →

3. San Diego State University (SDSU)

Location: San Diego, California • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 36.2%
• In-State Tuition: $7,498 | Out-of-State: $20,098
• Enrollment: 35,377 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 27:1
• Graduation Rate: 76% | Median Earnings (6yr): $37,700
• Average Financial Aid: $8,006

View full San Diego State University (SDSU) profile →

4. University of California, Davis (UCD)

Location: Davis, California • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 41.8%
• In-State Tuition: $16,774 | Out-of-State: $50,974
• Enrollment: 32,253 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
• Graduation Rate: 86% | Median Earnings (6yr): $40,400
• Average Financial Aid: $20,415

View full University of California, Davis (UCD) profile →

5. Carrington College

Location: Sacramento, California • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 46%
• In-State Tuition: $18,163 | Out-of-State: $18,163
• Enrollment: 436 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
• Graduation Rate: 51% | Median Earnings (6yr): $25,700
• Average Financial Aid: $4,923

View full Carrington College profile →

6. California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)

Location: Long Beach, California • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 46.3%
• In-State Tuition: $7,350 | Out-of-State: $19,950
• Enrollment: 35,924 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 23:1
• Graduation Rate: 69% | Median Earnings (6yr): $36,500
• Average Financial Aid: $8,876

View full California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) profile →

7. San Diego Christian College (SDC)

Location: Santee, California • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 60%
• In-State Tuition: $29,864 | Out-of-State: $31,404
• Enrollment: 525 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
• Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $27,700
• Average Financial Aid: $14,968

View full San Diego Christian College (SDC) profile →

8. Fresno Pacific University

Location: Fresno, California • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 64.1%
• In-State Tuition: $36,660 | Out-of-State: $36,660
• Enrollment: 1,544 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
• Graduation Rate: 50% | Median Earnings (6yr): $34,900
• Average Financial Aid: $21,151

View full Fresno Pacific University profile →

9. Chapman University

Location: Orange, California • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 65.4%
• In-State Tuition: $64,984 | Out-of-State: $64,984
• Enrollment: 7,478 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
• Graduation Rate: 82% | Median Earnings (6yr): $43,900
• Average Financial Aid: $27,559

View full Chapman University profile →

10. California Lutheran University (CLU)

Location: Thousand Oaks, California • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 75.7%
• In-State Tuition: $52,560 | Out-of-State: $52,560
• Enrollment: 2,296 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
• Graduation Rate: 70% | Median Earnings (6yr): $38,500
• Average Financial Aid: $27,016

View full California Lutheran University (CLU) profile →

How to Choose the Right Criminal Justice Program in California

Selecting the best Criminal Justice program depends on your career goals, budget, and learning preferences. Here are key factors to evaluate:

• Accreditation: Verify the program holds relevant professional accreditation, which affects both educational quality and career eligibility.
• Career Outcomes: Look at job placement rates, median starting salaries, and employer partnerships. Programs with strong internship pipelines give graduates a significant advantage.
• Faculty Expertise: Schools with lower student-to-faculty ratios and active researchers typically offer more mentorship opportunities and cutting-edge coursework.
• Financial Fit: Compare net price after financial aid, not just sticker price. In-state public universities often deliver excellent value for California residents.
• Campus Resources: Consider research labs, industry connections, career services, and student organizations related to Criminal Justice.

Explore More

Looking for more college comparisons? Check out our College Comparison Tool to evaluate schools side by side, or use our Admissions Calculator to estimate your chances at top Criminal Justice programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best colleges for Criminal Justice in California?
Based on national rankings, acceptance rates, and program quality, the top Criminal Justice programs in California include University of San Diego (USD), California Miramar University (CMU), and San Diego State University (SDSU).

How much does a Criminal Justice degree cost in California?
In-state tuition for Criminal Justice programs in California averages around $30,578 per year. Out-of-state students typically pay significantly more. Financial aid can substantially reduce the net cost.

What can I do with a Criminal Justice degree from a California school?
Graduates from California's Criminal Justice programs pursue careers across multiple sectors. The state's economic landscape and industry connections provide graduates with strong networking opportunities and career pathways.