# Best Criminal Justice Colleges in Florida

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 40 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-criminal-justice-florida

## Methodology

Criminal Justice programs in Florida ranked by outcomes and program concentration

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

When considering a degree in criminal justice, Florida offers a variety of options that cater to different needs and goals. With 40 colleges in our ranking, prospective students can find programs that not only match their interests but also lead to strong career outcomes. For many, the choice comes down to the balance between quality education and financial considerations.

The schools listed here have been evaluated based on critical factors such as graduation rates, average earnings, student debt, and overall program concentration. The top schools stand out because they not only have higher graduation rates but also provide graduates with solid earning potential. For instance, while the average earnings among these programs is $45,619, the leading institutions show figures significantly above that mark.

Take, for example, the University of Florida-Online, which boasts average earnings of $71,588 and an impressive graduation rate of 81%. In contrast, the University of North Florida, while still a solid choice, has lower earnings at $56,343 and a graduation rate of 69%. This difference illustrates how outcomes can vary widely among similar programs, making it vital for students to dig deeper into what each school offers.

## Key Findings

- The University of Florida-Online has the highest earnings at $71,588.
- Florida State University has an 84% graduation rate, the highest among the top five schools.
- The average debt for graduates across these programs is $16,220.
- Florida International University has a net price of $9,288, which is lower than others in the top five.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [University of Central Florida](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-central-florida) | Orlando, FL | 77% | $58,308 | $10,411 | $18,190 | 0.31x |
| 2 | [University of North Florida](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-north-florida) | Jacksonville, FL | 69% | $56,343 | $10,154 | $15,531 | 0.28x |
| 3 | [Florida State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/florida-state-university) | Tallahassee, FL | 84% | $61,675 | $11,297 | $18,000 | 0.29x |
| 4 | [Florida International University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/florida-international-university) | Miami, FL | 74% | $60,249 | $9,288 | $16,500 | 0.27x |
| 5 | [Florida Atlantic University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/florida-atlantic-university) | Boca Raton, FL | 63% | $56,746 | $8,752 | $17,236 | 0.3x |
| 6 | [Florida Gulf Coast University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/florida-gulf-coast-university) | Fort Myers, FL | 57% | $54,560 | $12,568 | $17,622 | 0.32x |
| 7 | [University of West Florida](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-west-florida) | Pensacola, FL | 60% | $49,137 | $9,364 | $16,624 | 0.34x |
| 8 | [University of Florida-Online](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-florida-online) | Gainesville, FL | 81% | $71,588 | $4,815 | $15,000 | 0.21x |
| 9 | [Saint Leo University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/saint-leo-university) | Saint Leo, FL | 47% | $48,364 | $21,293 | $25,278 | 0.52x |
| 10 | [Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/florida-agricultural-and-mechanical-university) | Tallahassee, FL | 53% | $44,349 | $13,739 | $23,548 | 0.53x |
| 11 | [Polk State College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/polk-state-college) | Winter Haven, FL | 35% | $40,624 | $9,427 | $10,076 | 0.25x |
| 12 | [South Florida State College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/south-florida-state-college) | Avon Park, FL | 49% | $39,990 | $3,877 | $7,368 | 0.18x |
| 13 | [Gulf Coast State College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/gulf-coast-state-college) | Panama City, FL | 44% | $38,359 | $4,709 | $7,147 | 0.19x |
| 14 | [Chipola College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/chipola-college) | Marianna, FL | 57% | $37,378 | $1,133 | N/A | N/A |
| 15 | [Northwest Florida State College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/northwest-florida-state-college) | Niceville, FL | 41% | $39,664 | $4,571 | $7,932 | 0.2x |
| 16 | [Saint Johns River State College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/saint-johns-river-state-college) | Palatka, FL | 47% | $41,728 | $6,135 | $12,000 | 0.29x |
| 17 | [Indian River State College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/indian-river-state-college) | Fort Pierce, FL | 44% | $38,315 | $3,815 | $8,023 | 0.21x |
| 18 | [Palm Beach State College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/palm-beach-state-college) | Lake Worth, FL | 41% | $41,923 | $9,182 | $7,081 | 0.17x |
| 19 | [Lynn University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/lynn-university) | Boca Raton, FL | 52% | $49,006 | $44,089 | $17,940 | 0.37x |
| 20 | [Florida State College at Jacksonville](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/florida-state-college-at-jacksonville) | Jacksonville, FL | 35% | $42,244 | $4,128 | $13,562 | 0.32x |
| 21 | [Eastern Florida State College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/eastern-florida-state-college) | Melbourne, FL | 52% | $37,195 | $6,440 | $12,250 | 0.33x |
| 22 | [St Petersburg College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/st-petersburg-college) | St. Petersburg, FL | 38% | $42,557 | $1,471 | $16,868 | 0.4x |
| 23 | [Hillsborough Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/hillsborough-community-college) | Tampa, FL | 34% | $40,782 | $3,861 | $9,762 | 0.24x |
| 24 | [Broward College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/broward-college) | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 38% | $41,939 | $14,506 | $7,500 | 0.18x |
| 25 | [Daytona State College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/daytona-state-college) | Daytona Beach, FL | 42% | $37,096 | $7,177 | $8,250 | 0.22x |
| 26 | [Webber International University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/webber-international-university) | Babson Park, FL | 27% | $45,606 | $29,529 | $25,250 | 0.55x |
| 27 | [Tallahassee State College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/tallahassee-state-college) | Tallahassee, FL | 37% | $37,561 | $7,781 | $7,668 | 0.2x |
| 28 | [Florida Memorial University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/florida-memorial-university) | Miami Gardens, FL | 31% | $36,624 | $23,238 | $30,063 | 0.82x |
| 29 | [Edward Waters University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/edward-waters-university) | Jacksonville, FL | 28% | $34,782 | $13,649 | N/A | N/A |
| 30 | [Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/embry-riddle-aeronautical-university-daytona-beach) | Daytona Beach, FL | 67% | $84,131 | $41,272 | $23,666 | 0.28x |
| 31 | [Pasco-Hernando State College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/pasco-hernando-state-college) | New Port Richey, FL | 42% | $39,903 | $5,203 | $9,535 | 0.24x |
| 32 | [St. Thomas University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/st-thomas-university) | Miami Gardens, FL | 46% | $54,272 | $26,312 | $19,125 | 0.35x |
| 33 | [Bethune-Cookman University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bethune-cookman-university) | Daytona Beach, FL | 29% | $38,518 | $12,030 | $31,000 | 0.8x |
| 34 | [Warner University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/warner-university) | Lake Wales, FL | 38% | $46,086 | $19,748 | $22,250 | 0.48x |
| 35 | [Florida SouthWestern State College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/florida-southwestern-state-college) | Fort Myers, FL | 39% | $43,421 | $7,247 | $8,000 | 0.18x |
| 36 | [The College of the Florida Keys](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/the-college-of-the-florida-keys) | Key West, FL | 37% | $42,508 | $13,636 | $9,500 | 0.22x |
| 37 | [Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/keiser-university-ft-lauderdale) | Fort Lauderdale, FL | 58% | $39,696 | $30,498 | $26,125 | 0.66x |
| 38 | [State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/state-college-of-florida-manatee-sarasota) | Bradenton, FL | 37% | $40,318 | $22,356 | $9,000 | 0.22x |
| 39 | [Trinity Baptist College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/trinity-baptist-college) | Jacksonville, FL | 38% | $37,275 | $20,011 | $24,250 | 0.65x |
| 40 | [North Florida College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/north-florida-college) | Madison, FL | 61% | $33,929 | $804 | N/A | N/A |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Criminal Justice Colleges in Florida." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-criminal-justice-florida

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.