Best Colleges for Criminal Justice in New Jersey 2026
Discover the best Criminal Justice programs in New Jersey for 2026. Compare top-ranked schools by acceptance rate, tuition, financial aid, and outcomes.
Best Colleges for Criminal Justice in New Jersey 2026
Criminal justice programs in New Jersey 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 39 colleges and universities in New Jersey 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 New Jersey
| School | Acceptance Rate | In-State Tuition | Student:Faculty | National Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rutgers University | 60% | $12,330 | 16:1 | Unranked |
| The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) | 62.3% | $19,632 | 13:1 | Unranked |
| Rutgers University-Camden | 71% | $11,886 | 15:1 | Unranked |
| College of Saint Elizabeth | 71% | $36,741 | 11:1 | Unranked |
| Caldwell University | 71.3% | $40,848 | 13:1 | Unranked |
| Rutgers University-Newark | 71.4% | $17,250 | 16:1 | Unranked |
| Seton Hall University | 73.3% | $53,170 | 13:1 | Unranked |
| Kean University | 75.9% | $14,299 | 17:1 | Unranked |
| Rowan University | 77.7% | $16,574 | 17:1 | Unranked |
| Rider University | 78.6% | $41,120 | 10:1 | Unranked |
Detailed School Profiles
1. Rutgers University
Location: New Brunswick, New Jersey • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- In-State Tuition: $12,330 | Out-of-State: $32,189
- Enrollment: 50,254 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
- Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $44,300
- Average Financial Aid: $14,107
View full Rutgers University profile →
2. The College of New Jersey (TCNJ)
Location: Ewing, New Jersey • Setting: Suburb
- Acceptance Rate: 62.3%
- In-State Tuition: $19,632 | Out-of-State: $25,752
- Enrollment: 7,105 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
- Graduation Rate: 86% | Median Earnings (6yr): $49,200
- Average Financial Aid: $10,335
View full The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) profile →
3. Rutgers University-Camden
Location: Camden, New Jersey • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- In-State Tuition: $11,886 | Out-of-State: $30,613
- Enrollment: 7,171 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
- Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $44,300
- Average Financial Aid: $14,078
View full Rutgers University-Camden profile →
4. College of Saint Elizabeth
Location: Morristown, New Jersey • Setting: Suburb
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- In-State Tuition: $36,741 | Out-of-State: $36,741
- Enrollment: 557 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
- Graduation Rate: 51% | Median Earnings (6yr): $33,000
- Average Financial Aid: $30,583
View full College of Saint Elizabeth profile →
5. Caldwell University
Location: Caldwell, New Jersey • Setting: Suburb
- Acceptance Rate: 71.3%
- In-State Tuition: $40,848 | Out-of-State: $40,848
- Enrollment: 1,575 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
- Graduation Rate: 57% | Median Earnings (6yr): $32,200
- Average Financial Aid: $27,426
View full Caldwell University profile →
6. Rutgers University-Newark
Location: Newark, New Jersey • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 71.4%
- In-State Tuition: $17,250 | Out-of-State: $36,762
- Enrollment: 7,709 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
- Graduation Rate: 64% | Median Earnings (6yr): $44,300
- Average Financial Aid: $13,883
View full Rutgers University-Newark profile →
7. Seton Hall University
Location: South Orange, New Jersey • Setting: Suburb
- Acceptance Rate: 73.3%
- In-State Tuition: $53,170 | Out-of-State: $53,170
- Enrollment: 6,036 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
- Graduation Rate: 69% | Median Earnings (6yr): $44,800
- Average Financial Aid: $25,114
View full Seton Hall University profile →
8. Kean University
Location: Union, New Jersey • Setting: Suburb
- Acceptance Rate: 75.9%
- In-State Tuition: $14,299 | Out-of-State: $22,446
- Enrollment: 11,433 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
- Graduation Rate: 47% | Median Earnings (6yr): $35,800
- Average Financial Aid: $7,510
View full Kean University profile →
9. Rowan University
Location: Glassboro, New Jersey • Setting: Suburb
- Acceptance Rate: 77.7%
- In-State Tuition: $16,574 | Out-of-State: $26,932
- Enrollment: 15,841 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
- Graduation Rate: 67% | Median Earnings (6yr): $38,500
- Average Financial Aid: $9,523
View full Rowan University profile →
10. Rider University
Location: Lawrenceville, New Jersey • Setting: Suburb
- Acceptance Rate: 78.6%
- In-State Tuition: $41,120 | Out-of-State: $41,120
- Enrollment: 3,106 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
- Graduation Rate: 61% | Median Earnings (6yr): $41,200
- Average Financial Aid: $28,265
View full Rider University profile →
How to Choose the Right Criminal Justice Program in New Jersey
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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey?
Based on national rankings, acceptance rates, and program quality, the top Criminal Justice programs in New Jersey include Rutgers University, The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), and Rutgers University-Camden.
How much does a Criminal Justice degree cost in New Jersey?
In-state tuition for Criminal Justice programs in New Jersey averages around $26,385 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 New Jersey school?
Graduates from New Jersey'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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