Criminal Justice in Texas 2026

Best Colleges for Criminal Justice in Texas 2026

Criminal justice programs in Texas 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 111 colleges and universities in Texas 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 Texas

Detailed School Profiles

1. The University of Texas at Austin

Location: Austin, Texas • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 26.6%
• In-State Tuition: $11,688 | Out-of-State: $44,908
• Enrollment: 42,855 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
• Graduation Rate: 89% | Median Earnings (6yr): $46,000
• Average Financial Aid: $11,217

View full The University of Texas at Austin profile →

2. Huston-Tillotson University

Location: Austin, Texas • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 39.1%
• In-State Tuition: $26,709 | Out-of-State: $26,709
• Enrollment: 1,005 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
• Graduation Rate: 34% | Median Earnings (6yr): $27,700
• Average Financial Aid: $8,697

View full Huston-Tillotson University profile →

3. Paul Quinn College

Location: Dallas, Texas • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 40.3%
• In-State Tuition: $13,498 | Out-of-State: $13,498
• Enrollment: 620 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 22:1
• Graduation Rate: 27% | Median Earnings (6yr): $24,200
• Average Financial Aid: $5,775

View full Paul Quinn College profile →

4. Texas A&M International University (TAMIU)

Location: Laredo, Texas • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 44.4%
• In-State Tuition: $7,894 | Out-of-State: $19,454
• Enrollment: 6,667 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 22:1
• Graduation Rate: 46% | Median Earnings (6yr): $32,700
• Average Financial Aid: $9,044

View full Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) profile →

5. Texas Christian University (TCU)

Location: Fort Worth, Texas • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 44.5%
• In-State Tuition: $61,740 | Out-of-State: $61,740
• Enrollment: 11,026 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
• Graduation Rate: 86% | Median Earnings (6yr): $46,900
• Average Financial Aid: $25,367

View full Texas Christian University (TCU) profile →

6. Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU)

Location: San Antonio, Texas • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 55%
• In-State Tuition: $32,106 | Out-of-State: $32,106
• Enrollment: 1,066 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
• Graduation Rate: 46% | Median Earnings (6yr): $31,600
• Average Financial Aid: $21,294

View full Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) profile →

7. Wayland Baptist University (WBU)

Location: Plainview, Texas • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 56%
• In-State Tuition: $23,782 | Out-of-State: $23,782
• Enrollment: 2,041 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
• Graduation Rate: 19% | Median Earnings (6yr): $37,800
• Average Financial Aid: $8,639

View full Wayland Baptist University (WBU) profile →

8. Texas A&M University

Location: College Station, Texas • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 57.4%
• In-State Tuition: $11,597 | Out-of-State: $33,705
• Enrollment: 59,615 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
• Graduation Rate: 84% | Median Earnings (6yr): $48,600
• Average Financial Aid: $9,597

View full Texas A&M University profile →

9. East Texas Baptist University

Location: Marshall, Texas • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 57.8%
• In-State Tuition: $30,680 | Out-of-State: $30,680
• Enrollment: 1,352 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
• Graduation Rate: 47% | Median Earnings (6yr): $33,400
• Average Financial Aid: $15,732

View full East Texas Baptist University profile →

10. Texas A&M University - Texarkana

Location: Texarkana, Texas • Setting: Rural

• Acceptance Rate: 63.5%
• In-State Tuition: $8,349 | Out-of-State: $45,080
• Enrollment: 1,982 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
• Graduation Rate: 30% | Median Earnings (6yr): $33,200
• Average Financial Aid: $7,738

View full Texas A&M University - Texarkana profile →

How to Choose the Right Criminal Justice Program in Texas

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 Texas 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 Texas?
Based on national rankings, acceptance rates, and program quality, the top Criminal Justice programs in Texas include The University of Texas at Austin, Huston-Tillotson University, and Paul Quinn College.

How much does a Criminal Justice degree cost in Texas?
In-state tuition for Criminal Justice programs in Texas averages around $22,804 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 Texas school?
Graduates from Texas'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.