Criminal Justice in Minnesota 2026

Best Colleges for Criminal Justice in Minnesota 2026

Criminal justice programs in Minnesota 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 36 colleges and universities in Minnesota 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 Minnesota

Detailed School Profiles

1. Crown College

Location: Saint Bonifacius, Minnesota • Setting: Rural

• Acceptance Rate: 22.8%
• In-State Tuition: $31,410 | Out-of-State: $31,410
• Enrollment: 796 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
• Graduation Rate: 45% | Median Earnings (6yr): $30,300
• Average Financial Aid: $14,862

View full Crown College profile →

2. Bemidji State University (BSU)

Location: Bemidji, Minnesota • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 56%
• In-State Tuition: $10,237 | Out-of-State: $10,237
• Enrollment: 3,139 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
• Graduation Rate: 48% | Median Earnings (6yr): $35,300
• Average Financial Aid: $5,241

View full Bemidji State University (BSU) profile →

3. Minnesota State University Moorhead

Location: Moorhead, Minnesota • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 58.8%
• In-State Tuition: $10,428 | Out-of-State: $10,428
• Enrollment: 3,072 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
• Graduation Rate: 57% | Median Earnings (6yr): $34,400
• Average Financial Aid: $4,802

View full Minnesota State University Moorhead profile →

4. Southwest Minnesota State University

Location: Marshall, Minnesota • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 62.2%
• In-State Tuition: $10,361 | Out-of-State: $10,361
• Enrollment: 2,315 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
• Graduation Rate: 45% | Median Earnings (6yr): $33,100
• Average Financial Aid: $5,850

View full Southwest Minnesota State University profile →

5. St. Catherine University

Location: Saint Paul, Minnesota • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 73%
• In-State Tuition: $38,910 | Out-of-State: $39,554
• Enrollment: 4,859 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
• Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $42,700
• Average Financial Aid: $28,275

View full St. Catherine University profile →

6. Winona State University

Location: Winona, Minnesota • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 75.5%
• In-State Tuition: $10,576 | Out-of-State: $17,308
• Enrollment: 5,144 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
• Graduation Rate: 57% | Median Earnings (6yr): $38,400
• Average Financial Aid: $5,024

View full Winona State University profile →

7. Concordia University Saint Paul

Location: Saint Paul, Minnesota • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 78.9%
• In-State Tuition: $25,600 | Out-of-State: $25,600
• Enrollment: 3,018 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
• Graduation Rate: 46% | Median Earnings (6yr): $39,100
• Average Financial Aid: $13,595

View full Concordia University Saint Paul profile →

8. Hamline University

Location: Saint Paul, Minnesota • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 87.6%
• In-State Tuition: $50,004 | Out-of-State: $50,004
• Enrollment: 1,776 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
• Graduation Rate: 60% | Median Earnings (6yr): $39,600
• Average Financial Aid: $27,574

View full Hamline University profile →

9. University of Minnesota - Crookston (UMC)

Location: Crookston, Minnesota • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 87.9%
• In-State Tuition: $13,288 | Out-of-State: $13,288
• Enrollment: 1,729 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
• Graduation Rate: 50% | Median Earnings (6yr): $37,200
• Average Financial Aid: $9,990

View full University of Minnesota - Crookston (UMC) profile →

10. Minnesota State University, Mankato (MNSU)

Location: Mankato, Minnesota • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 88.4%
• In-State Tuition: $9,572 | Out-of-State: $18,942
• Enrollment: 11,703 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 22:1
• Graduation Rate: 54% | Median Earnings (6yr): $37,200
• Average Financial Aid: $5,366

View full Minnesota State University, Mankato (MNSU) profile →

How to Choose the Right Criminal Justice Program in Minnesota

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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota?
Based on national rankings, acceptance rates, and program quality, the top Criminal Justice programs in Minnesota include Crown College, Bemidji State University (BSU), and Minnesota State University Moorhead.

How much does a Criminal Justice degree cost in Minnesota?
In-state tuition for Criminal Justice programs in Minnesota averages around $21,038 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 Minnesota school?
Graduates from Minnesota'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.