Criminal Justice in Florida 2026

Best Colleges for Criminal Justice in Florida 2026

Criminal justice programs in Florida 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 69 colleges and universities in Florida 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 Florida

Detailed School Profiles

1. Keiser University

Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 100%
• In-State Tuition: $19,008 | Out-of-State: $19,808
• Enrollment: 19,567 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
• Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $28,000
• Average Financial Aid: $8,730

View full Keiser University profile →

2. Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU)

Location: Tallahassee, Florida • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 20.6%
• In-State Tuition: $5,785 | Out-of-State: $17,725
• Enrollment: 7,582 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
• Graduation Rate: 53% | Median Earnings (6yr): $26,800
• Average Financial Aid: $8,532

View full Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU) profile →

3. Florida State University (FSU)

Location: Tallahassee, Florida • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 24.2%
• In-State Tuition: $5,656 | Out-of-State: $18,786
• Enrollment: 32,212 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
• Graduation Rate: 86% | Median Earnings (6yr): $36,500
• Average Financial Aid: $8,620

View full Florida State University (FSU) profile →

4. University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM)

Location: Sarasota, Florida • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 32%
• In-State Tuition: $4,206 | Out-of-State: $16,501
• Enrollment: 2,069 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
• Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $36,800
• Average Financial Aid: $7,916

View full University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee (USFSM) profile →

5. Webber International University

Location: Babson Park, Florida • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 40%
• In-State Tuition: $23,380 | Out-of-State: $26,116
• Enrollment: 694 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 23:1
• Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $29,800
• Average Financial Aid: $15,675

View full Webber International University profile →

6. University of Central Florida (UCF)

Location: Orlando, Florida • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 40.1%
• In-State Tuition: $6,368 | Out-of-State: $22,467
• Enrollment: 59,146 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 30:1
• Graduation Rate: 78% | Median Earnings (6yr): $37,100
• Average Financial Aid: $8,057

View full University of Central Florida (UCF) profile →

7. Florida Institute of Technology

Location: Melbourne, Florida • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 40.2%
• In-State Tuition: $12,780 | Out-of-State: $12,780
• Enrollment: 475 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
• Graduation Rate: 64% | Median Earnings (6yr): $38,000
• Average Financial Aid: $24,590

View full Florida Institute of Technology profile →

8. The University of Tampa

Location: Tampa, Florida • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 40.3%
• In-State Tuition: $34,408 | Out-of-State: $34,408
• Enrollment: 10,572 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
• Graduation Rate: 64% | Median Earnings (6yr): $39,100
• Average Financial Aid: $12,496

View full The University of Tampa profile →

9. Warner University

Location: Lake Wales, Florida • Setting: Rural

• Acceptance Rate: 42.8%
• In-State Tuition: $29,992 | Out-of-State: $29,992
• Enrollment: 756 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
• Graduation Rate: 42% | Median Earnings (6yr): $34,400
• Average Financial Aid: $16,240

View full Warner University profile →

10. University of South Florida (USF)

Location: Tampa, Florida • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 43%
• In-State Tuition: $4,559 | Out-of-State: $17,324
• Enrollment: 43,846 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 22:1
• Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $36,800
• Average Financial Aid: $9,838

View full University of South Florida (USF) profile →

How to Choose the Right Criminal Justice Program in Florida

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 Florida 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 Florida?
Based on national rankings, acceptance rates, and program quality, the top Criminal Justice programs in Florida include Keiser University, Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU), and Florida State University (FSU).

How much does a Criminal Justice degree cost in Florida?
In-state tuition for Criminal Justice programs in Florida averages around $14,614 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 Florida school?
Graduates from Florida'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.