Top 3 HBCU Criminal Justice Schools
A criminal justice degree can prepare you to enter the workforce or pursue further study. Learn more about HBCUs with criminal justice programs.
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For centuries, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have operated with the specific purpose of educating African American students. In recent decades, funding for these institutions has waxed and waned, but in 2023, the United Negro College Fund received $100 million to bolster HBCUs.
More money means higher-quality programs, including criminal justice. Read on to learn more about the best criminal justice programs at HBCUs and where this major can take you.
The 3 Best HBCUs for Criminal Justice Schools
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
Lincoln University
Jefferson City, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$6,720
$13,710
N/A
49%
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $373
Out-of-State | $625
Credits to Graduate: 120
Founded in 1854, Lincoln University is one of two HBCUs in Pennsylvania. You can earn a bachelor's in criminal justice at this HBCU, which offers a law enforcement track to focus your degree. The track incorporates coursework in forensic science, criminal investigation, and abnormal psychology. You can also choose between a BA or BS in criminal justice.
Consider joining this program if you want to explore the criminal justice system and the social forces that impact criminal conduct. You'll prepare for careers in law enforcement, public administration, social work, or criminal justice.
$5,608
$10,422
50%
1,794
Public
Yes
$6,720
$13,710
Jefferson City, MO4 yearCampus + Online
$6,720
$13,710
N/A
49%
$5,608
$10,422
50%
1,794
Public
Yes
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $373
Out-of-State | $625
Credits to Graduate: 120
Founded in 1854, Lincoln University is one of two HBCUs in Pennsylvania. You can earn a bachelor's in criminal justice at this HBCU, which offers a law enforcement track to focus your degree. The track incorporates coursework in forensic science, criminal investigation, and abnormal psychology. You can also choose between a BA or BS in criminal justice.
Consider joining this program if you want to explore the criminal justice system and the social forces that impact criminal conduct. You'll prepare for careers in law enforcement, public administration, social work, or criminal justice.
Talladega College
Talladega, AL4 yearCampus + Online
$12,130
$12,130
N/A
82%
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $505
Out-of-State | $505
Credits to Graduate: 120
Talladega College is Alabama's oldest private HBCU. Based in the historic city of Talladega, the school's oak-lined campus welcomes students pursuing a bachelor's in criminal justice.
You'll take courses in criminal law, social and behavioral statistics, criminology, and Constitutional law. The program also features coursework covering diversity in criminal justice and incorporates an internship that allows students to gain hands-on experience.
By enrolling in the FASTtrack program, which serves adult learners who have at least 45 college credits, you can earn a criminal justice degree in less than four years.
$16,000
$16,000
60%
1,203
Private
Yes
$12,130
$12,130
Talladega, AL4 yearCampus + Online
$12,130
$12,130
N/A
82%
$16,000
$16,000
60%
1,203
Private
Yes
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $505
Out-of-State | $505
Credits to Graduate: 120
Talladega College is Alabama's oldest private HBCU. Based in the historic city of Talladega, the school's oak-lined campus welcomes students pursuing a bachelor's in criminal justice.
You'll take courses in criminal law, social and behavioral statistics, criminology, and Constitutional law. The program also features coursework covering diversity in criminal justice and incorporates an internship that allows students to gain hands-on experience.
By enrolling in the FASTtrack program, which serves adult learners who have at least 45 college credits, you can earn a criminal justice degree in less than four years.
Philander Smith University
Little Rock, AR4 yearCampus + Online
$11,804
$11,804
N/A
85%
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $495
Out-of-State | $495
Credits to Graduate: 120
Located in Little Rock, Arkansas, Philander Smith University dates back to 1877. This private HBCU offers a personalized approach to its student population of under 800 people. When you enroll in Philander Smith University's criminal justice bachelor's program, you can choose from an on-campus or online learning format.
The criminal justice program covers law, sociology, psychology, and public administration. You'll explore policing, the juvenile justice system, and corrections operations while strengthening your critical thinking and communication skills. You can also customize your degree by taking elective coursework covering topics like serial killers, terrorism, and domestic violence.
N/A
N/A
55%
710
Private
Yes
$11,804
$11,804
Little Rock, AR4 yearCampus + Online
$11,804
$11,804
N/A
85%
N/A
N/A
55%
710
Private
Yes
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $495
Out-of-State | $495
Credits to Graduate: 120
Located in Little Rock, Arkansas, Philander Smith University dates back to 1877. This private HBCU offers a personalized approach to its student population of under 800 people. When you enroll in Philander Smith University's criminal justice bachelor's program, you can choose from an on-campus or online learning format.
The criminal justice program covers law, sociology, psychology, and public administration. You'll explore policing, the juvenile justice system, and corrections operations while strengthening your critical thinking and communication skills. You can also customize your degree by taking elective coursework covering topics like serial killers, terrorism, and domestic violence.
Why Attend an HBCU for Criminal Justice?
The decision to major in criminal justice at an HBCU offers a unique educational experience. Below are some reasons why.
Specialized Classes
Criminal justice programs at HBCUs often include specialized classes that explore issues in Black and other historically underrepresented communities. For example, the criminal justice major at Bowie State University requires a course on race, class, gender, and criminal justice. Additionally, HBCUs often offer courses focused on community relations with police.
Even a standard criminal justice course may be approached differently at an HBCU. When the majority of faculty and students are members of historically underrepresented communities, they provide unique perspectives on criminal justice topics.
Various Justice Reform Approaches
Not only do HBCUs offer a different approach to the standard criminal justice curriculum but many also put criminal justice into practice at their campuses and surrounding communities. HBCUs are often at the front lines of criminal justice and policing reforms.
For example, Dillard University’s criminal justice program emphasizes understanding the policing and criminal justice systems as they relate to the Black community. In 2020, Lincoln University of Missouri became the first HBCU to open a police academy.
Affordability
Since HBCUs have traditionally served students with limited access to education and resources, they generally prioritize charging lower-than-average tuition. While the costs vary across HBCUs, you can often expect lower tuition and more scholarship opportunities.
For example, Prairie View A&M University offers several university scholarships. Even HBCUs that charge on the higher end — like Hampton University — offer several merit scholarships.
What Can You Do With a Degree in Criminal Justice?
HBCUs with criminal justice majors can prepare you for many jobs, such as emergency management director, forensic science technician, and police officer. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for each of these roles is higher than the national median across all occupations as of 2022.
However, recent graduates should expect to make less than the median salary in their first year of work after graduation.
| Jobs | Median Annual Salary (May 2022) |
|---|---|
| Emergency Management Director | $79,180 |
| Forensic Science Technician | $63,740 |
| Police Officer | $69,160 |
| Private Detective | $52,120 |
| Probation Officer | $59,860 |
Frequently Asked Questions About HBCUs With Criminal Justice Majors
Criminology refers to the study of criminal behavior and motive, while criminal justice explores the judicial and community response to crime. Both programs can prepare you for a career in law enforcement, so they often share required courses.
For example, a criminal justice program may include a criminology and introductory psychology course, even though the program focuses on the judicial system. Likewise, criminology degree programs often include criminal justice courses.
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