Best Colleges for Criminal Justice in North Carolina 2026
Discover the best Criminal Justice programs in North Carolina for 2026. Compare top-ranked schools by acceptance rate, tuition, financial aid, and
Best Colleges for Criminal Justice in North Carolina 2026
Criminal justice programs in North Carolina 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 92 colleges and universities in North Carolina 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 North Carolina
| School | Acceptance Rate | In-State Tuition | Student:Faculty | National Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of North Carolina (UNC) | 15.3% | $8,994 | 13:1 | Unranked |
| Miller-Motte College | 31% | $10,080 | 13:1 | Unranked |
| Saint Augustines University | 33.8% | $16,896 | 9:1 | Unranked |
| North Carolina State University | 41.7% | $8,799 | 13:1 | Unranked |
| Brevard College | 42.2% | $32,280 | 11:1 | Unranked |
| North Carolina A&T State University | 49.9% | $6,813 | 18:1 | Unranked |
| Livingstone College | 59.3% | $18,296 | 16:1 | Unranked |
| Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) | 64.2% | $6,536 | 16:1 | Unranked |
| Mars Hill University | 67.9% | $37,736 | 9:1 | Unranked |
| Chowan University | 68.8% | $27,910 | 16:1 | Unranked |
Detailed School Profiles
1. University of North Carolina (UNC)
Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 15.3%
- In-State Tuition: $8,994 | Out-of-State: $41,203
- Enrollment: 20,752 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
- Graduation Rate: 91% | Median Earnings (6yr): $41,000
- Average Financial Aid: $17,135
View full University of North Carolina (UNC) profile →
2. Miller-Motte College
Location: Wilmington, North Carolina • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 31%
- In-State Tuition: $10,080 | Out-of-State: $10,080
- Enrollment: 689 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
- Graduation Rate: 40% | Median Earnings (6yr): $19,400
- Average Financial Aid: $4,064
View full Miller-Motte College profile →
3. Saint Augustines University
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 33.8%
- In-State Tuition: $16,896 | Out-of-State: $16,896
- Enrollment: 172 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
- Graduation Rate: 25% | Median Earnings (6yr): $21,500
- Average Financial Aid: $6,501
View full Saint Augustines University profile →
4. North Carolina State University
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 41.7%
- In-State Tuition: $8,799 | Out-of-State: $32,847
- Enrollment: 27,371 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
- Graduation Rate: 85% | Median Earnings (6yr): $41,200
- Average Financial Aid: $10,332
View full North Carolina State University profile →
5. Brevard College
Location: Brevard, North Carolina • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 42.2%
- In-State Tuition: $32,280 | Out-of-State: $32,280
- Enrollment: 815 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
- Graduation Rate: 49% | Median Earnings (6yr): $25,500
- Average Financial Aid: $18,542
View full Brevard College profile →
6. North Carolina A&T State University
Location: Greensboro, North Carolina • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 49.9%
- In-State Tuition: $6,813 | Out-of-State: $20,673
- Enrollment: 12,182 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
- Graduation Rate: 57% | Median Earnings (6yr): $27,600
- Average Financial Aid: $8,193
View full North Carolina A&T State University profile →
7. Livingstone College
Location: Salisbury, North Carolina • Setting: Suburb
- Acceptance Rate: 59.3%
- In-State Tuition: $18,296 | Out-of-State: $18,296
- Enrollment: 924 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
- Graduation Rate: 28% | Median Earnings (6yr): $19,800
- Average Financial Aid: $10,751
View full Livingstone College profile →
8. Elizabeth City State University (ECSU)
Location: Elizabeth City, North Carolina • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 64.2%
- In-State Tuition: $6,536 | Out-of-State: $10,536
- Enrollment: 1,975 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
- Graduation Rate: 44% | Median Earnings (6yr): $23,700
- Average Financial Aid: $11,303
View full Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) profile →
9. Mars Hill University
Location: Mars Hill, North Carolina • Setting: Suburb
- Acceptance Rate: 67.9%
- In-State Tuition: $37,736 | Out-of-State: $37,736
- Enrollment: 1,044 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
- Graduation Rate: 45% | Median Earnings (6yr): $28,400
- Average Financial Aid: $27,126
View full Mars Hill University profile →
10. Chowan University
Location: Murfreesboro, North Carolina • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 68.8%
- In-State Tuition: $27,910 | Out-of-State: $27,910
- Enrollment: 603 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
- Graduation Rate: 30% | Median Earnings (6yr): $24,700
- Average Financial Aid: $18,296
View full Chowan University profile →
How to Choose the Right Criminal Justice Program in North Carolina
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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina?
Based on national rankings, acceptance rates, and program quality, the top Criminal Justice programs in North Carolina include University of North Carolina (UNC), Miller-Motte College, and Saint Augustines University.
How much does a Criminal Justice degree cost in North Carolina?
In-state tuition for Criminal Justice programs in North Carolina averages around $17,434 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 North Carolina school?
Graduates from North Carolina'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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