Best Colleges for Criminal Justice in New York 2026

Best Colleges for Criminal Justice in New York 2026

Criminal justice programs in New York 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 88 colleges and universities in New York 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 York

Detailed School Profiles

1. Binghamton University

Location: Vestal, New York • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 38.6%
• In-State Tuition: $10,567 | Out-of-State: $30,447
• Enrollment: 14,655 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
• Graduation Rate: 82% | Median Earnings (6yr): $45,300
• Average Financial Aid: $9,338

View full Binghamton University profile →

2. Syracuse University

Location: Syracuse, New York • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 45.9%
• In-State Tuition: $65,528 | Out-of-State: $65,528
• Enrollment: 15,477 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
• Graduation Rate: 84% | Median Earnings (6yr): $45,900
• Average Financial Aid: $26,296

View full Syracuse University profile →

3. The Sage Colleges

Location: Troy, New York • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 53.3%
• In-State Tuition: $38,164 | Out-of-State: $38,164
• Enrollment: 1,244 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
• Graduation Rate: 56% | Median Earnings (6yr): $36,200
• Average Financial Aid: $22,574

View full The Sage Colleges profile →

4. Marist College

Location: Poughkeepsie, New York • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 56.5%
• In-State Tuition: $47,750 | Out-of-State: $47,750
• Enrollment: 5,182 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
• Graduation Rate: 80% | Median Earnings (6yr): $46,400
• Average Financial Aid: $16,702

View full Marist College profile →

5. John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Location: New York, New York • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 57.1%
• In-State Tuition: $7,470 | Out-of-State: $15,420
• Enrollment: 11,590 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
• Graduation Rate: 56% | Median Earnings (6yr): $31,700
• Average Financial Aid: $9,203

View full John Jay College of Criminal Justice profile →

6. Medaille College

Location: Buffalo, New York • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 63%
• In-State Tuition: $29,500 | Out-of-State: $29,500
• Enrollment: 2,146 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
• Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $31,800
• Average Financial Aid: $23,540

View full Medaille College profile →

7. Farmingdale State College (SUNY)

Location: Farmingdale, New York • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 63.3%
• In-State Tuition: $8,626 | Out-of-State: $18,536
• Enrollment: 9,552 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
• Graduation Rate: 53% | Median Earnings (6yr): $41,300
• Average Financial Aid: $8,057

View full Farmingdale State College (SUNY) profile →

8. Dominican College

Location: Orangeburg, New York • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 63.3%
• In-State Tuition: $34,220 | Out-of-State: $34,220
• Enrollment: 1,105 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
• Graduation Rate: 53% | Median Earnings (6yr): $38,700
• Average Financial Aid: $21,456

View full Dominican College profile →

9. St Francis College

Location: Brooklyn Heights, New York • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 64%
• In-State Tuition: $28,775 | Out-of-State: $28,775
• Enrollment: 1,684 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
• Graduation Rate: 55% | Median Earnings (6yr): $32,500
• Average Financial Aid: $16,615

View full St Francis College profile →

10. Adelphi University

Location: Garden City, New York • Setting: Suburb

• Acceptance Rate: 65.9%
• In-State Tuition: $49,110 | Out-of-State: $49,110
• Enrollment: 5,276 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
• Graduation Rate: 67% | Median Earnings (6yr): $43,500
• Average Financial Aid: $20,705

View full Adelphi University profile →

How to Choose the Right Criminal Justice Program in New York

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 York 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 York?
Based on national rankings, acceptance rates, and program quality, the top Criminal Justice programs in New York include Binghamton University, Syracuse University, and The Sage Colleges.

How much does a Criminal Justice degree cost in New York?
In-state tuition for Criminal Justice programs in New York averages around $31,971 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 York school?
Graduates from New York'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.