Best Colleges for Criminal Justice in South Carolina 2026
Discover the best Criminal Justice programs in South Carolina for 2026. Compare top-ranked schools by acceptance rate, tuition, financial aid, and
Best Colleges for Criminal Justice in South Carolina 2026
Criminal justice programs in South 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 35 colleges and universities in South 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 South Carolina
| School | Acceptance Rate | In-State Tuition | Student:Faculty | National Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citadel Military College of South Carolina | 22.7% | $12,570 | 12:1 | Unranked |
| Anderson University | 54.7% | $34,970 | 15:1 | Unranked |
| University of South Carolina | 60.2% | $12,688 | 17:1 | Unranked |
| Claflin University | 64.9% | $18,282 | 14:1 | Unranked |
| North Greenville University | 66.7% | $25,800 | 14:1 | Unranked |
| University of South Carolina - Upstate | 67.3% | $11,588 | 16:1 | Unranked |
| Spartanburg Methodist College | 78.2% | $20,650 | 20:1 | Unranked |
| Voorhees College | 79% | $12,630 | 14:1 | Unranked |
| Lander University | 81.3% | $11,700 | 16:1 | Unranked |
| South Carolina State University | 82.6% | $11,060 | 16:1 | Unranked |
Detailed School Profiles
1. Citadel Military College of South Carolina
Location: Charleston, South Carolina • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 22.7%
- In-State Tuition: $12,570 | Out-of-State: $38,508
- Enrollment: 2,705 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
- Graduation Rate: 75% | Median Earnings (6yr): $44,600
- Average Financial Aid: $11,930
View full Citadel Military College of South Carolina profile →
2. Anderson University
Location: Anderson, South Carolina • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 54.7%
- In-State Tuition: $34,970 | Out-of-State: $34,970
- Enrollment: 3,183 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
- Graduation Rate: 66% | Median Earnings (6yr): $29,900
- Average Financial Aid: $19,940
View full Anderson University profile →
3. University of South Carolina
Location: Columbia, South Carolina • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 60.2%
- In-State Tuition: $12,688 | Out-of-State: $35,972
- Enrollment: 29,820 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
- Graduation Rate: 79% | Median Earnings (6yr): $38,000
- Average Financial Aid: $6,642
View full University of South Carolina profile →
4. Claflin University
Location: Orangeburg, South Carolina • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 64.9%
- In-State Tuition: $18,282 | Out-of-State: $18,282
- Enrollment: 1,706 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
- Graduation Rate: 52% | Median Earnings (6yr): $25,300
- Average Financial Aid: $13,321
View full Claflin University profile →
5. North Greenville University
Location: Tigerville, South Carolina • Setting: Rural
- Acceptance Rate: 66.7%
- In-State Tuition: $25,800 | Out-of-State: $25,800
- Enrollment: 1,819 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
- Graduation Rate: 55% | Median Earnings (6yr): $26,600
- Average Financial Aid: $15,750
View full North Greenville University profile →
6. University of South Carolina - Upstate
Location: Spartanburg, South Carolina • Setting: Suburb
- Acceptance Rate: 67.3%
- In-State Tuition: $11,588 | Out-of-State: $23,090
- Enrollment: 4,038 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
- Graduation Rate: 43% | Median Earnings (6yr): $33,200
- Average Financial Aid: $7,805
View full University of South Carolina - Upstate profile →
7. Spartanburg Methodist College
Location: Spartanburg, South Carolina • Setting: Suburb
- Acceptance Rate: 78.2%
- In-State Tuition: $20,650 | Out-of-State: $20,650
- Enrollment: 1,116 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
- Graduation Rate: 43% | Median Earnings (6yr): $24,300
- Average Financial Aid: $15,302
View full Spartanburg Methodist College profile →
8. Voorhees College
Location: Denmark, South Carolina • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
- In-State Tuition: $12,630 | Out-of-State: $12,630
- Enrollment: 440 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
- Graduation Rate: 43% | Median Earnings (6yr): $19,300
- Average Financial Aid: $8,474
View full Voorhees College profile →
9. Lander University
Location: Greenwood, South Carolina • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 81.3%
- In-State Tuition: $11,700 | Out-of-State: $21,300
- Enrollment: 3,397 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
- Graduation Rate: 50% | Median Earnings (6yr): $29,100
- Average Financial Aid: $9,514
View full Lander University profile →
10. South Carolina State University
Location: Orangeburg, South Carolina • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 82.6%
- In-State Tuition: $11,060 | Out-of-State: $21,750
- Enrollment: 2,934 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
- Graduation Rate: 37% | Median Earnings (6yr): $22,300
- Average Financial Aid: $9,041
View full South Carolina State University profile →
How to Choose the Right Criminal Justice Program in South 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 South 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 South Carolina?
Based on national rankings, acceptance rates, and program quality, the top Criminal Justice programs in South Carolina include Citadel Military College of South Carolina, Anderson University, and University of South Carolina.
How much does a Criminal Justice degree cost in South Carolina?
In-state tuition for Criminal Justice programs in South Carolina averages around $17,193 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 South Carolina school?
Graduates from South 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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