Criminal Justice in Tennessee 2026

Best Colleges for Criminal Justice in Tennessee 2026

Criminal justice programs in Tennessee 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 34 colleges and universities in Tennessee 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 Tennessee

Detailed School Profiles

1. Bryan College

Location: Dayton, Tennessee • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 42%
• In-State Tuition: $19,800 | Out-of-State: $19,800
• Enrollment: 814 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
• Graduation Rate: 50% | Median Earnings (6yr): $34,300
• Average Financial Aid: $20,311

View full Bryan College profile →

2. Lane College

Location: Jackson, Tennessee • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 50%
• In-State Tuition: $11,790 | Out-of-State: $11,790
• Enrollment: 736 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
• Graduation Rate: 18% | Median Earnings (6yr): $20,400
• Average Financial Aid: $8,331

View full Lane College profile →

3. Freed-Hardeman University (FHU)

Location: Henderson, Tennessee • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 59.7%
• In-State Tuition: $25,620 | Out-of-State: $25,620
• Enrollment: 1,212 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
• Graduation Rate: 71% | Median Earnings (6yr): $30,800
• Average Financial Aid: $18,403

View full Freed-Hardeman University (FHU) profile →

4. Bethel University Tennessee

Location: Mckenzie, Tennessee • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 60.2%
• In-State Tuition: $18,712 | Out-of-State: $18,712
• Enrollment: 1,547 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
• Graduation Rate: 35% | Median Earnings (6yr): $33,100
• Average Financial Aid: $15,232

View full Bethel University Tennessee profile →

5. Lincoln Memorial University (LMU)

Location: Harrogate, Tennessee • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 62.6%
• In-State Tuition: $26,938 | Out-of-State: $26,938
• Enrollment: 1,572 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
• Graduation Rate: 50% | Median Earnings (6yr): $32,800
• Average Financial Aid: $20,279

View full Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) profile →

6. Hiwassee College

Location: Madisonville, Tennessee • Setting: Rural

• Acceptance Rate: 67%
• In-State Tuition: $18,484 | Out-of-State: $19,571
• Enrollment: 253 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
• Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $23,000
• Average Financial Aid: $14,450

View full Hiwassee College profile →

7. Cumberland University (CU)

Location: Lebanon, Tennessee • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 67.3%
• In-State Tuition: $27,840 | Out-of-State: $27,840
• Enrollment: 2,104 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
• Graduation Rate: 46% | Median Earnings (6yr): $34,600
• Average Financial Aid: $10,567

View full Cumberland University (CU) profile →

8. Lipscomb University

Location: Nashville, Tennessee • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 67.7%
• In-State Tuition: $40,572 | Out-of-State: $40,572
• Enrollment: 2,997 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
• Graduation Rate: 72% | Median Earnings (6yr): $35,900
• Average Financial Aid: $20,106

View full Lipscomb University profile →

9. Tennessee Wesleyan University (TWU)

Location: Athens, Tennessee • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 68.9%
• In-State Tuition: $30,814 | Out-of-State: $30,814
• Enrollment: 846 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
• Graduation Rate: 48% | Median Earnings (6yr): $32,400
• Average Financial Aid: $19,711

View full Tennessee Wesleyan University (TWU) profile →

10. Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)

Location: Murfreesboro, Tennessee • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 69.1%
• In-State Tuition: $10,266 | Out-of-State: $31,574
• Enrollment: 16,301 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
• Graduation Rate: 54% | Median Earnings (6yr): $31,200
• Average Financial Aid: $8,683

View full Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) profile →

How to Choose the Right Criminal Justice Program in Tennessee

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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
Based on national rankings, acceptance rates, and program quality, the top Criminal Justice programs in Tennessee include Bryan College, Lane College, and Freed-Hardeman University (FHU).

How much does a Criminal Justice degree cost in Tennessee?
In-state tuition for Criminal Justice programs in Tennessee averages around $23,083 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 Tennessee school?
Graduates from Tennessee'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.