Top 3 HBCU Criminal Justice Schools of 2024
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2024For 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.
Featured Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
The 3 Best HBCUs for Criminal Justice Schools of 2024
Lincoln University
Jefferson City, MO- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,720
- Out-of-state$13,710
- In-State$5,608
- Out-of-state$10,422
- Retention Rate50%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,794
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment49%
- AccreditationYes
- In-State$12,130
- Out-of-state$12,130
- In-State$16,000
- Out-of-state$16,000
- Retention Rate60%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,203
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment82%
- AccreditationYes
Philander Smith University
- Little Rock, AR
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$11,804
- Out-of-state$11,804
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate55%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled710
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment85%
- AccreditationYes
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.
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.
Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed March 6, 2024.
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