Rankings / By State

Best Criminal Justice Colleges in Alabama

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 11 schools · Agent Insights

Schools Analyzed

$41,332

Avg. Earnings (10yr)

40%

Avg. Graduation Rate

$17,325

Avg. Net Price

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Choosing the right college for a Criminal Justice degree can be a game-changer for aspiring professionals. In Alabama, several schools stand out for their program quality and outcomes. The data shows that focusing on earnings and graduation rates can help steer students toward programs that will benefit them long after graduation.

What sets the top schools apart is not just their focus on Criminal Justice but also their measurable success post-graduation. Schools in this ranking offer a range of outcomes, including average earnings, completion rates, and student debt figures. These factors provide a clearer picture of what you can expect after completing your degree, making it easier to compare your options below.

Take, for instance, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where graduates earn an impressive $54,501 on average, with a graduation rate of 63%. In contrast, Faulkner University reports lower earnings of $43,457 and a graduation rate of just 38%. This highlights the importance of choosing a program that aligns with your career goals and financial expectations.

Key Findings

University of Alabama at Birmingham graduates earn $54,501 on average.

Jacksonville State University has a graduation rate of 53%, below the state average of 40%.

Faulkner University students face $23,000 in average debt.

Auburn University at Montgomery offers a lower net price of $13,224 compared to other schools.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 11

Avg. earnings at 10yr $41,332

Avg. graduation rate 40%

Avg. net price $17,325

Avg. median debt $26,843

How We Ranked

Criminal Justice programs in Alabama ranked by outcomes and program concentration

Read our full methodology →

Earnings vs. Cost

Each dot is a ranked school. Up = higher earnings. Right = higher cost. Top-left is the best value.

Graduation Rates

Longer bars = higher graduation rate.

Top 3

Faulkner University

Montgomery, AL

Graduation38%

Earnings$43,457

Net Price$22,085

View full profile →

Jacksonville State University

Jacksonville, AL

Graduation53%

Earnings$45,235

Net Price$14,279

View full profile →

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Birmingham, AL

Graduation63%

Earnings$54,501

Net Price$18,749

View full profile →

Featured Programs From Accredited Schools

Accredited schools accepting applicants in this field.

Full Rankings

Faulkner University

Montgomery, AL · 1,549 students · Private nonprofit

At Faulkner University, the focus on character and faith sets the tone for a unique educational experience. With a smaller enrollment of about 1,549 students, individuals often find a personalized approach to learning that fosters close relationships with faculty and peers. This private nonprofit school emphasizes moral and ethical development alongside academics, appealing to those seeking a values-driven education.

73% accepted 38% graduate $43,457 earnings

Faulkner's full profile

Jacksonville State University

Jacksonville, AL · 7,036 students · Public

Jacksonville State University offers a close-knit community with around 7,000 students, creating a unique environment where everyone can connect. The school is dedicated to supporting students from various backgrounds, with 43% of its population receiving Pell Grants, showcasing its commitment to accessibility in higher education.

78% accepted 53% graduate $45,235 earnings

Jacksonville's full profile

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Birmingham, AL · 11,635 students · Public

With a diverse student body of over 11,600, the University of Alabama at Birmingham is a bustling hub for education and healthcare. The campus is known for its strong emphasis on research, making it an appealing choice for students interested in fields like medicine and engineering. The supportive atmosphere and variety of programs encourage students to thrive both academically and personally.

88% accepted 63% graduate $54,501 earnings

University's full profile

Auburn University at Montgomery

Montgomery, AL · 2,542 students · Public

Auburn University at Montgomery, with its enrollment of about 2,542 students, provides a welcoming environment for a diverse group of learners. The campus culture emphasizes both academic excellence and community involvement, making it a great fit for students who are looking to engage with both their studies and the surrounding area. With a high acceptance rate of 92%, the university is open to a wide range of students seeking a welcoming place to grow.

92% accepted 34% graduate $44,391 earnings

Auburn's full profile

Huntingdon College

Montgomery, AL · 879 students · Private nonprofit

Huntingdon College, nestled in Montgomery, Alabama, provides an intimate learning environment with only 879 students. Its 69% acceptance rate indicates a welcoming atmosphere where students can connect closely with faculty and peers, fostering personal growth and academic success.

69% accepted 47% graduate $49,601 earnings

Huntingdon's full profile

Stillman College

Tuscaloosa, AL · 706 students · Private nonprofit

Stillman College, a private nonprofit in Tuscaloosa, has a close-knit atmosphere with just 706 students, fostering strong relationships between peers and professors. The school’s acceptance rate of 62% indicates a thoughtful admissions process, aiming to build a community of students who are not only academically prepared but also eager to engage in campus life.

62% accepted 32% graduate $35,421 earnings

Stillman's full profile

Troy University

Troy, AL · 9,805 students · Public

With a 96% acceptance rate, Troy University welcomes a diverse range of students seeking an accessible education in a friendly, supportive environment. Located in Troy, Alabama, this public university serves nearly 10,000 students and maintains a focus on preparing graduates for the workforce.

96% accepted 48% graduate $42,062 earnings

Alabama State University

Montgomery, AL · 3,477 students · Public

With a generous acceptance rate of 98%, Alabama State University in Montgomery welcomes a diverse range of students. The school supports a vibrant campus community where 71% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting its commitment to making education accessible for low-income families.

98% accepted 30% graduate $34,502 earnings

Alabama's full profile

Talladega College

Talladega, AL · 701 students · Private nonprofit

Talladega College, located in Talladega, Alabama, is a close-knit community with a focus on student success for its 701 enrolled students. With an 85% acceptance rate, it welcomes a wide range of applicants and emphasizes a supportive campus environment that encourages individual growth and a sense of belonging.

85% accepted 43% graduate $32,229 earnings

Talladega's full profile

#10

Alabama A & M University

Normal, AL · 6,124 students · Public

Alabama A & M University in Normal, Alabama, serves a vibrant community of over 6,000 students. Despite a lower acceptance rate of 58% and a graduation rate of just 26%, the university has a rich history of supporting students, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, with 63% of its students receiving Pell Grants.

58% accepted 26% graduate $40,628 earnings

Alabama's full profile

#11

Miles College

Fairfield, AL · 1,155 students · Private nonprofit

Miles College in Fairfield is a private nonprofit with a welcoming environment for just over 1,100 students. The school has a 20% graduation rate, suggesting that while some students face challenges, those who persist may find a supportive community that values resilience and dedication to education.

20% graduate $32,627 earnings

The data reveals a stark contrast between the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Troy University. While UAB graduates enjoy average earnings of $54,501, Troy graduates earn only $42,062. This significant difference illustrates how the right program can influence financial outcomes, making UAB a more appealing choice for prospective students.

As you navigate these schools, consider what matters most to you. Weigh factors like program fit, campus culture, and financial implications alongside these data points. For example, if minimizing debt is a priority, Auburn University at Montgomery's lower net price of $13,224 could be a key factor in your decision-making process.

Ultimately, the path from college to a stable career is shaped by informed choices. With average earnings in the Criminal Justice field hovering around $41,332, understanding these figures can empower families to make decisions that lead to financial stability. One informed choice can lead to a better future for students and their families, making the college search a critical step in their journey.

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Social Capital Atlas

Times Higher Education World Rankings

NCES IPEDS

Sources & Citations

[1]

U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics. →

[2]

National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). →

David Krug

Co-Founder, CollegeRanker

David Krug is the co-founder of CollegeRanker and a data systems architect focused on making institutional research accessible to families. He builds the data pipelines and ranking algorithms that power CollegeRanker, drawing from federal datasets and Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights research to measure what traditional rankings ignore: whether a college actually changes a family's economic trajectory.

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