Criminal Justice in Pennsylvania 2026
Discover the best Criminal Justice programs in Pennsylvania for 2026. Compare top-ranked schools by acceptance rate, tuition, financial aid, and outcomes.
Best Colleges for Criminal Justice in Pennsylvania 2026
Criminal justice programs in Pennsylvania 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 97 colleges and universities in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania
| School | Acceptance Rate | In-State Tuition | Student:Faculty | National Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Crest College | 84.1% | $46,314 | 10:1 | #321 |
| Central Penn College | 18.5% | $19,854 | 9:1 | Unranked |
| Hussian College School of Art | 50% | $21,990 | 8:1 | Unranked |
| University of Pittsburgh-Titusville | 50% | $10,958 | 7:1 | Unranked |
| The Pennsylvania State University | 54% | $13,484 | 17:1 | Unranked |
| Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | 56% | $17,416 | 14:1 | Unranked |
| Alvernia University | 58.1% | $45,000 | 12:1 | Unranked |
| University of Pittsburgh | 59% | $18,130 | 14:1 | Unranked |
| Mercyhurst University | 60% | $34,500 | 14:1 | Unranked |
| Marywood University | 60.6% | $41,420 | 12:1 | Unranked |
Detailed School Profiles
1. Cedar Crest College
Location: Allentown, Pennsylvania • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 84.1%
- In-State Tuition: $46,314 | Out-of-State: $46,314
- Enrollment: 834 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
- Graduation Rate: 60% | Median Earnings (6yr): $39,100
- Average Financial Aid: $27,426
View full Cedar Crest College profile →
2. Central Penn College
Location: Summerdale, Pennsylvania • Setting: Suburb
- Acceptance Rate: 18.5%
- In-State Tuition: $19,854 | Out-of-State: $19,854
- Enrollment: 662 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
- Graduation Rate: 51% | Median Earnings (6yr): $32,000
- Average Financial Aid: $8,717
View full Central Penn College profile →
3. Hussian College School of Art
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 50%
- In-State Tuition: $21,990 | Out-of-State: $21,990
- Enrollment: 81 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
- Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $21,600
- Average Financial Aid: $8,571
View full Hussian College School of Art profile →
4. University of Pittsburgh-Titusville
Location: Titusville, Pennsylvania • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 50%
- In-State Tuition: $10,958 | Out-of-State: $21,532
- Enrollment: 225 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 7:1
- Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $39,500
- Average Financial Aid: $8,622
View full University of Pittsburgh-Titusville profile →
5. The Pennsylvania State University
Location: University Park, Pennsylvania • Setting: Rural
- Acceptance Rate: 54%
- In-State Tuition: $13,484 | Out-of-State: $36,476
- Enrollment: 14,458 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
- Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $40,100
- Average Financial Aid: $6,294
View full The Pennsylvania State University profile →
6. Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Location: University Park, Pennsylvania • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 56%
- In-State Tuition: $17,416 | Out-of-State: $34,858
- Enrollment: 46,810 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
- Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $40,100
- Average Financial Aid: $10,107
View full Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus profile →
7. Alvernia University
Location: Reading, Pennsylvania • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 58.1%
- In-State Tuition: $45,000 | Out-of-State: $45,000
- Enrollment: 2,152 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
- Graduation Rate: 56% | Median Earnings (6yr): $36,000
- Average Financial Aid: $19,687
View full Alvernia University profile →
8. University of Pittsburgh
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 59%
- In-State Tuition: $18,130 | Out-of-State: $32,052
- Enrollment: 28,673 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
- Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $39,500
- Average Financial Aid: $11,740
View full University of Pittsburgh profile →
9. Mercyhurst University
Location: Erie, Pennsylvania • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- In-State Tuition: $34,500 | Out-of-State: $37,170
- Enrollment: 2,685 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
- Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $32,800
- Average Financial Aid: $26,395
View full Mercyhurst University profile →
10. Marywood University
Location: Scranton, Pennsylvania • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 60.6%
- In-State Tuition: $41,420 | Out-of-State: $41,420
- Enrollment: 1,784 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
- Graduation Rate: 72% | Median Earnings (6yr): $34,000
- Average Financial Aid: $23,198
View full Marywood University profile →
How to Choose the Right Criminal Justice Program in Pennsylvania
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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
Based on national rankings, acceptance rates, and program quality, the top Criminal Justice programs in Pennsylvania include Cedar Crest College, Central Penn College, and Hussian College School of Art.
How much does a Criminal Justice degree cost in Pennsylvania?
In-state tuition for Criminal Justice programs in Pennsylvania averages around $26,906 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 Pennsylvania school?
Graduates from Pennsylvania'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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