Criminal Justice in Georgia 2026

Best Colleges for Criminal Justice in Georgia 2026

Criminal justice programs in Georgia 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 58 colleges and universities in Georgia 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 Georgia

Detailed School Profiles

1. University of Georgia (UGA)

Location: Athens, Georgia • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 37.7%
• In-State Tuition: $11,450 | Out-of-State: $31,688
• Enrollment: 32,137 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
• Graduation Rate: 90% | Median Earnings (6yr): $39,900
• Average Financial Aid: $10,651

View full University of Georgia (UGA) profile →

2. Thomas University

Location: Thomasville, Georgia • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 38.3%
• In-State Tuition: $11,640 | Out-of-State: $11,640
• Enrollment: 998 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
• Graduation Rate: 28% | Median Earnings (6yr): $32,400
• Average Financial Aid: $9,856

View full Thomas University profile →

3. Emmanuel College (EC)

Location: Franklin Springs, Georgia • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 42%
• In-State Tuition: $19,952 | Out-of-State: $20,292
• Enrollment: 920 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
• Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $25,700
• Average Financial Aid: $12,357

View full Emmanuel College (EC) profile →

4. Morehouse College

Location: Atlanta, Georgia • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 44%
• In-State Tuition: $32,893 | Out-of-State: $32,893
• Enrollment: 2,844 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
• Graduation Rate: 59% | Median Earnings (6yr): $30,300
• Average Financial Aid: $9,522

View full Morehouse College profile →

5. Point University

Location: West Point, Georgia • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 44.3%
• In-State Tuition: $24,000 | Out-of-State: $24,000
• Enrollment: 1,996 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
• Graduation Rate: 34% | Median Earnings (6yr): $27,300
• Average Financial Aid: $10,930

View full Point University profile →

6. Andrew College

Location: Cuthbert, Georgia • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 45.7%
• In-State Tuition: $19,604 | Out-of-State: $19,604
• Enrollment: 473 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
• Graduation Rate: 33% | Median Earnings (6yr): $22,400
• Average Financial Aid: $12,175

View full Andrew College profile →

7. Albany State University

Location: Albany, Georgia • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 50%
• In-State Tuition: $5,656 | Out-of-State: $17,008
• Enrollment: 5,956 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
• Graduation Rate: 31% | Median Earnings (6yr): $24,500
• Average Financial Aid: $6,730

View full Albany State University profile →

8. Savannah State University

Location: Savannah, Georgia • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 51%
• In-State Tuition: $5,750 | Out-of-State: $19,043
• Enrollment: 2,833 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
• Graduation Rate: 28% | Median Earnings (6yr): $23,600
• Average Financial Aid: $8,884

View full Savannah State University profile →

9. Reinhardt University

Location: Waleska, Georgia • Setting: Rural

• Acceptance Rate: 61.5%
• In-State Tuition: $30,074 | Out-of-State: $30,074
• Enrollment: 1,066 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
• Graduation Rate: 44% | Median Earnings (6yr): $30,500
• Average Financial Aid: $14,785

View full Reinhardt University profile →

10. Clark Atlanta University (CAU)

Location: Atlanta, Georgia • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 64.2%
• In-State Tuition: $28,310 | Out-of-State: $28,310
• Enrollment: 3,603 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
• Graduation Rate: 49% | Median Earnings (6yr): $26,700
• Average Financial Aid: $10,239

View full Clark Atlanta University (CAU) profile →

How to Choose the Right Criminal Justice Program in Georgia

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 Georgia 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 Georgia?
Based on national rankings, acceptance rates, and program quality, the top Criminal Justice programs in Georgia include University of Georgia (UGA), Thomas University, and Emmanuel College (EC).

How much does a Criminal Justice degree cost in Georgia?
In-state tuition for Criminal Justice programs in Georgia averages around $18,932 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 Georgia school?
Graduates from Georgia'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.