Criminal Justice in Colorado 2026
Discover the best Criminal Justice programs in Colorado for 2026. Compare top-ranked schools by acceptance rate, tuition, financial aid, and outcomes.
Best Colleges for Criminal Justice in Colorado 2026
Criminal justice programs in Colorado 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 21 colleges and universities in Colorado 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 Colorado
| School | Acceptance Rate | In-State Tuition | Student:Faculty | National Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Denver | 77.8% | $61,398 | 11:1 | #97 |
| Colorado Christian University (CCU) | 57% | $41,342 | 15:1 | Unranked |
| Metropolitan State University of Denver | 59% | $6,245 | 17:1 | Unranked |
| University of Colorado Denver (CU) | 74.7% | $10,383 | 17:1 | Unranked |
| Colorado Mesa University (CMU) | 82% | $9,927 | 20:1 | Unranked |
| University of Northern Colorado (UNC) | 85.9% | $12,416 | 17:1 | Unranked |
| University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) | 97.4% | $10,149 | 18:1 | Unranked |
| Colorado State University - Global Campus | 98.4% | $9,000 | 24:1 | Unranked |
| Community College Of Aurora | N/A | $3,574 | 23:1 | Unranked |
| Colorado Technical University (CTU) | N/A | $12,685 | 28:1 | Unranked |
Detailed School Profiles
1. University of Denver
Location: Denver, Colorado • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 77.8%
- In-State Tuition: $61,398 | Out-of-State: $61,398
- Enrollment: 6,025 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
- Graduation Rate: 76% | Median Earnings (6yr): $44,500
- Average Financial Aid: $30,531
View full University of Denver profile →
2. Colorado Christian University (CCU)
Location: Lakewood, Colorado • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 57%
- In-State Tuition: $41,342 | Out-of-State: $41,342
- Enrollment: 5,549 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
- Graduation Rate: 64% | Median Earnings (6yr): $34,200
- Average Financial Aid: $18,455
View full Colorado Christian University (CCU) profile →
3. Metropolitan State University of Denver
Location: Denver, Colorado • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 59%
- In-State Tuition: $6,245 | Out-of-State: $20,847
- Enrollment: 20,192 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
- Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $34,100
- Average Financial Aid: $6,160
View full Metropolitan State University of Denver profile →
4. University of Colorado Denver (CU)
Location: Denver, Colorado • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 74.7%
- In-State Tuition: $10,383 | Out-of-State: $29,391
- Enrollment: 10,519 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
- Graduation Rate: 46% | Median Earnings (6yr): $41,500
- Average Financial Aid: $7,172
View full University of Colorado Denver (CU) profile →
5. Colorado Mesa University (CMU)
Location: Grand Junction, Colorado • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 82%
- In-State Tuition: $9,927 | Out-of-State: $25,124
- Enrollment: 8,143 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
- Graduation Rate: 41% | Median Earnings (6yr): $30,700
- Average Financial Aid: $6,515
View full Colorado Mesa University (CMU) profile →
6. University of Northern Colorado (UNC)
Location: Greeley, Colorado • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 85.9%
- In-State Tuition: $12,416 | Out-of-State: $27,266
- Enrollment: 5,598 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
- Graduation Rate: 51% | Median Earnings (6yr): $33,800
- Average Financial Aid: $8,554
View full University of Northern Colorado (UNC) profile →
7. University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS)
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 97.4%
- In-State Tuition: $10,149 | Out-of-State: $24,336
- Enrollment: 8,697 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
- Graduation Rate: 47% | Median Earnings (6yr): $34,600
- Average Financial Aid: $6,035
View full University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) profile →
8. Colorado State University - Global Campus
Location: Aurora, Colorado • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 98.4%
- In-State Tuition: $9,000 | Out-of-State: $9,000
- Enrollment: 6,563 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 24:1
- Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): N/A
- Average Financial Aid: $14,870
View full Colorado State University - Global Campus profile →
9. Community College Of Aurora
Location: Aurora, Colorado • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- In-State Tuition: $3,574 | Out-of-State: $14,914
- Enrollment: 7,981 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 23:1
- Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $30,100
- Average Financial Aid: $7,098
View full Community College Of Aurora profile →
10. Colorado Technical University (CTU)
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- In-State Tuition: $12,685 | Out-of-State: $12,685
- Enrollment: 28,086 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 28:1
- Graduation Rate: 19% | Median Earnings (6yr): $27,900
- Average Financial Aid: $5,801
View full Colorado Technical University (CTU) profile →
How to Choose the Right Criminal Justice Program in Colorado
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 Colorado 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 Colorado?
Based on national rankings, acceptance rates, and program quality, the top Criminal Justice programs in Colorado include University of Denver, Colorado Christian University (CCU), and Metropolitan State University of Denver.
How much does a Criminal Justice degree cost in Colorado?
In-state tuition for Criminal Justice programs in Colorado averages around $17,711 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 Colorado school?
Graduates from Colorado'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.
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★ Key Takeaways
Source: The College Monk — Based on data from 3,837 U.S. universities. Last updated July 2026.
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