Criminal Justice in Virginia 2026

Best Colleges for Criminal Justice in Virginia 2026

Criminal justice programs in Virginia 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 46 colleges and universities in Virginia 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 Virginia

Detailed School Profiles

1. University of Richmond

Location: University Of Richmond, Virginia • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 22.2%
• In-State Tuition: $65,230 | Out-of-State: $65,230
• Enrollment: 2,980 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 8:1
• Graduation Rate: 85% | Median Earnings (6yr): $46,900
• Average Financial Aid: $40,155

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2. The University of Virginias College at Wise

Location: Wise, Virginia • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 28.5%
• In-State Tuition: $11,780 | Out-of-State: $28,010
• Enrollment: 1,101 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
• Graduation Rate: 47% | Median Earnings (6yr): $28,100
• Average Financial Aid: $12,451

View full The University of Virginias College at Wise profile →

3. Regent University

Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 38.1%
• In-State Tuition: $21,650 | Out-of-State: $21,650
• Enrollment: 4,729 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 47:1
• Graduation Rate: 57% | Median Earnings (6yr): $31,400
• Average Financial Aid: $12,179

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4. Liberty University

Location: Lynchburg, Virginia • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 56%
• In-State Tuition: $21,271 | Out-of-State: $22,584
• Enrollment: 79,153 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
• Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $32,100
• Average Financial Aid: $10,595

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5. Averett University

Location: Danville, Virginia • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 56.6%
• In-State Tuition: $38,550 | Out-of-State: $38,550
• Enrollment: 1,231 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
• Graduation Rate: 48% | Median Earnings (6yr): $35,800
• Average Financial Aid: $21,119

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6. Bluefield College (BC)

Location: Bluefield, Virginia • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 59.3%
• In-State Tuition: $26,770 | Out-of-State: $26,770
• Enrollment: 614 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
• Graduation Rate: 18% | Median Earnings (6yr): $35,200
• Average Financial Aid: $14,989

View full Bluefield College (BC) profile →

7. Hampton University

Location: Hampton, Virginia • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 62.3%
• In-State Tuition: $30,592 | Out-of-State: $30,592
• Enrollment: 3,727 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
• Graduation Rate: 57% | Median Earnings (6yr): $33,900
• Average Financial Aid: $12,161

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8. University of Lynchburg (Lynchburg College)

Location: Lynchburg, Virginia • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 64%
• In-State Tuition: $11,360 | Out-of-State: $11,360
• Enrollment: 125 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
• Graduation Rate: 38% | Median Earnings (6yr): $34,200
• Average Financial Aid: $25,853

View full University of Lynchburg (Lynchburg College) profile →

9. Virginia Wesleyan University

Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 72.9%
• In-State Tuition: $37,500 | Out-of-State: $37,500
• Enrollment: 1,256 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
• Graduation Rate: 42% | Median Earnings (6yr): $29,800
• Average Financial Aid: $24,138

View full Virginia Wesleyan University profile →

10. ECPI University

Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia • Setting: Urban

• Acceptance Rate: 74.5%
• In-State Tuition: $18,484 | Out-of-State: $18,484
• Enrollment: 12,090 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
• Graduation Rate: 42% | Median Earnings (6yr): $29,000
• Average Financial Aid: $6,661

View full ECPI University profile →

How to Choose the Right Criminal Justice Program in Virginia

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 Virginia 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 Virginia?
Based on national rankings, acceptance rates, and program quality, the top Criminal Justice programs in Virginia include University of Richmond, The University of Virginias College at Wise, and Regent University.

How much does a Criminal Justice degree cost in Virginia?
In-state tuition for Criminal Justice programs in Virginia averages around $28,318 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 Virginia school?
Graduates from Virginia'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.