Criminal Justice in Washington 2026
Discover the best Criminal Justice programs in Washington for 2026. Compare top-ranked schools by acceptance rate, tuition, financial aid, and outcomes.
Best Colleges for Criminal Justice in Washington 2026
Criminal justice programs in Washington 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 30 colleges and universities in Washington 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 Washington
| School | Acceptance Rate | In-State Tuition | Student:Faculty | National Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Washington (UW) | 49% | $10,127 | 19:1 | Unranked |
| Seattle University (SU) | 76.9% | $56,721 | 11:1 | Unranked |
| Gonzaga University | 81.7% | $55,480 | 11:1 | Unranked |
| University of Washington-Tacoma | 82.5% | $13,168 | 16:1 | Unranked |
| Northwest University | 83.2% | $14,652 | 12:1 | Unranked |
| Washington State University (WSU) | 86.6% | $11,678 | 15:1 | Unranked |
| Saint Martins University | 89.8% | $45,510 | 11:1 | Unranked |
| Central Washington University (CWU) | 90.6% | $9,417 | 19:1 | Unranked |
| Tacoma Community College | N/A | $5,507 | 16:1 | Unranked |
| Yakima Valley College | N/A | $5,312 | 19:1 | Unranked |
Detailed School Profiles
1. University of Washington (UW)
Location: Seattle, Washington • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 49%
- In-State Tuition: $10,127 | Out-of-State: $36,588
- Enrollment: 47,400 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
- Graduation Rate: N/A | Median Earnings (6yr): $44,900
- Average Financial Aid: $12,756
View full University of Washington (UW) profile →
2. Seattle University (SU)
Location: Seattle, Washington • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 76.9%
- In-State Tuition: $56,721 | Out-of-State: $56,721
- Enrollment: 4,062 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
- Graduation Rate: 76% | Median Earnings (6yr): $44,400
- Average Financial Aid: $23,666
View full Seattle University (SU) profile →
3. Gonzaga University
Location: Spokane, Washington • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 81.7%
- In-State Tuition: $55,480 | Out-of-State: $55,480
- Enrollment: 5,198 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
- Graduation Rate: 86% | Median Earnings (6yr): $47,100
- Average Financial Aid: $21,554
View full Gonzaga University profile →
4. University of Washington-Tacoma
Location: Tacoma, Washington • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 82.5%
- In-State Tuition: $13,168 | Out-of-State: $43,404
- Enrollment: 4,185 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
- Graduation Rate: 63% | Median Earnings (6yr): $44,900
- Average Financial Aid: $12,254
View full University of Washington-Tacoma profile →
5. Northwest University
Location: Kirkland, Washington • Setting: Suburb
- Acceptance Rate: 83.2%
- In-State Tuition: $14,652 | Out-of-State: $14,652
- Enrollment: 405 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
- Graduation Rate: 50% | Median Earnings (6yr): $34,400
- Average Financial Aid: $18,640
View full Northwest University profile →
6. Washington State University (WSU)
Location: Pullman, Washington • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 86.6%
- In-State Tuition: $11,678 | Out-of-State: $13,021
- Enrollment: 21,099 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
- Graduation Rate: 60% | Median Earnings (6yr): $40,600
- Average Financial Aid: $9,112
View full Washington State University (WSU) profile →
7. Saint Martins University
Location: Lacey, Washington • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 89.8%
- In-State Tuition: $45,510 | Out-of-State: $45,510
- Enrollment: 1,158 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
- Graduation Rate: 52% | Median Earnings (6yr): $37,600
- Average Financial Aid: $26,284
View full Saint Martins University profile →
8. Central Washington University (CWU)
Location: Ellensburg, Washington • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: 90.6%
- In-State Tuition: $9,417 | Out-of-State: $27,526
- Enrollment: 7,833 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
- Graduation Rate: 54% | Median Earnings (6yr): $36,900
- Average Financial Aid: $7,220
View full Central Washington University (CWU) profile →
9. Tacoma Community College
Location: Tacoma, Washington • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- In-State Tuition: $5,507 | Out-of-State: $11,646
- Enrollment: 4,668 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
- Graduation Rate: 32% | Median Earnings (6yr): $30,100
- Average Financial Aid: $5,941
View full Tacoma Community College profile →
10. Yakima Valley College
Location: Yakima, Washington • Setting: Urban
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- In-State Tuition: $5,312 | Out-of-State: $5,873
- Enrollment: 2,770 students | Student-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
- Graduation Rate: 29% | Median Earnings (6yr): $26,300
- Average Financial Aid: $6,093
View full Yakima Valley College profile →
How to Choose the Right Criminal Justice Program in Washington
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 Washington 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 Washington?
Based on national rankings, acceptance rates, and program quality, the top Criminal Justice programs in Washington include University of Washington (UW), Seattle University (SU), and Gonzaga University.
How much does a Criminal Justice degree cost in Washington?
In-state tuition for Criminal Justice programs in Washington averages around $22,757 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 Washington school?
Graduates from Washington'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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