Rankings / By State
Best Criminal Justice Colleges in Georgia
- 23
- Schools
- $43,576
- Avg. Earnings
- 33%
- Avg. Graduation
- $15,387
- Avg. Net Price
- $21,800
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $33,252 at the low end to $57,552 at the top. That 1.7× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
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Dalton State College offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $40,251 against $5,012 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
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Cost and quality are not at odds here. The most affordable school, Dalton State College at $5,012 a year in net price, delivers earnings of $40,251, matching or exceeding the list average.
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Completion rates separate this field: Kennesaw State University graduates 50% of its students, well above the 33% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
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Debt-to-earnings ratios favor Georgia Military College: graduates owe only 0.22× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. Dalton State College ($5,012/yr) and Clark Atlanta University ($37,702/yr) produce graduates earning $40,251 and $42,712 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $32,690 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, Dalton State College outperforms Kennesaw State University: similar career earnings at a much lower net price.
- Completion is where this ranking's schools diverge most: Kennesaw State University graduates 50% of its students versus 16% at Atlanta Metropolitan State College. Access without completion is opportunity unclaimed.
The Takeaway
A consistent pattern: the schools that finish at the top get there by delivering strong earnings, manageable debt, and real mobility rather than by charging more or rejecting more applicants. Those outcomes are what define educational value.
What This Means for Students
For students evaluating these schools, begin with Dalton State College and Kennesaw State University. Look past sticker price: pull each school's net price for your income level, compare it against projected earnings, and let the data guide the decision instead of the brand.
Why this ranking matters
These schools are ranked on outcomes that compound: graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value, all drawn from federal tax records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $43K ten years after enrollment.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Kennesaw State University #1 overall | $57,552 ▲ +32% vs avg | $15,048 | 50% | 72 |
| 2 University of North Georgia #2 overall | $50,135 ▲ +15% vs avg | $9,823 | 37% | 72 |
| 3 Columbus State University #3 overall | $44,544 ▲ +2% vs avg | $13,115 | 42% | 71 |
| $49,361 ▲ +13% vs avg | $10,945 | 42% | 70 | |
| $49,179 ▲ +13% vs avg | $8,365 | 38% | 68 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Criminal Justice Colleges in Georgia
This analysis ranks 23 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $43,576 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 33% and an average net price of $15,387.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: Dalton State College — Net Price: $5,012 | Graduation Rate: 28%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Kennesaw State University — 50% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Kennesaw State University — Median alumni earnings: $57,552
Data Insight
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Legal Profession Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the legal profession and the justice system?
$42,712
Median earnings (10yr)
37%
Median graduation rate
$13,115
Median net price
1.7%
Avg. mobility rate
Legal education is high-stakes. Graduates carry significant debt into a profession where earnings split sharply between large-firm and public-sector tracks, and bar passage is non-negotiable. The programs that deliver value combine strong bar preparation, real placement into legal employment, and costs that do not force graduates onto the large-firm track just to service loans.
Start with the medians across these 23 schools. Graduates earn a median of $42,712 ten years after enrollment. The median graduation rate is 37%, and the typical net price (what students pay after grants) runs $13,115 a year with about $23,900 in federal debt. Pell grants reach 46% of students on average, and the average mobility rate, the share of students lifted from the bottom income quintile to the top, is 1.7%.
The earnings premium at the top of legal education masks a long tail of modest outcomes, and debt amplifies every decision. With median earnings of $42,712 and typical debt of $23,900, choosing a program with strong bar-passage rates and employment outcomes matters far more than chasing a brand name.
The podium
Build your ranking
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Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Kennesaw State University lands at #1 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (63/100). Graduates earn a median $57,552 a decade after enrolling, 32% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,048 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
University of North Georgia lands at #2 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (59/100). Graduates earn a median $50,135 a decade after enrolling, 15% above this list's average, and net price runs $9,823 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
Columbus State University lands at #3 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (58/100). Graduates earn a median $44,544 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,115 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
Valdosta State University lands at #4 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (62/100). Graduates earn a median $49,361 a decade after enrolling, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,945 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Clayton State University lands at #5 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (58/100). Graduates earn a median $49,179 a decade after enrolling, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $8,365 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Dalton State College lands at #6 with a 68/100 composite, led by value per dollar (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (55/100). Graduates earn a median $40,251 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,012 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Piedmont University lands at #7 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $49,130 a decade after enrolling, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $20,599 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
Thomas University lands at #8 with a 66/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (64/100) and pulled down by academic quality (41/100). Graduates earn a median $49,716 a decade after enrolling, 14% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,499 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Georgia Highlands College lands at #9 with a 66/100 composite, led by value per dollar (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (47/100). Graduates earn a median $43,184 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,928 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Truett McConnell University lands at #10 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (78/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (55/100). Graduates earn a median $46,700 a decade after enrolling, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $22,227 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Fort Valley State University lands at #11 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (49/100). Graduates earn a median $36,666 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,338 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
Middle Georgia State University lands at #12 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (75/100) and pulled down by academic quality (55/100). Graduates earn a median $40,863 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,361 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
Gordon State College lands at #13 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (41/100). Graduates earn a median $37,871 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,105 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
Savannah State University lands at #14 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (48/100). Graduates earn a median $37,981 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,172 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Clark Atlanta University lands at #15 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (23/100). Graduates earn a median $42,712 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $37,702 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
Reinhardt University lands at #16 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (44/100). Graduates earn a median $46,541 a decade after enrolling, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,425 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
Georgia Military College lands at #17 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (74/100) and pulled down by academic quality (42/100). Graduates earn a median $39,257 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,923 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
Atlanta Metropolitan State College lands at #18 with a 62/100 composite, led by value per dollar (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (32/100). Graduates earn a median $33,252 a decade after enrolling, 24% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,258 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
Albany State University lands at #19 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (52/100). Graduates earn a median $40,674 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,898 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
Georgia Gwinnett College lands at #20 with a 59/100 composite, led by value per dollar (64/100) and pulled down by academic quality (55/100). Graduates earn a median $47,730 a decade after enrolling, 10% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,844 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #21
Point University lands at #21 with a 54/100 composite, led by academic quality (68/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (49/100). Graduates earn a median $38,740 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $25,335 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Mount Vernon, GA · 96% accepted · $26,054 net
Why it ranks #22
Brewton-Parker Christian University lands at #22 with a 52/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (56/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (45/100). Graduates earn a median $42,009 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $26,054 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #23
Emmanuel University lands at #23 with a 51/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (55/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $38,208 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,925 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 23 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
When considering a career in criminal justice, choosing the right college can significantly impact future opportunities. In Georgia, 23 institutions offer programs that equip students with the skills needed for this field. With average earnings for graduates around $43,683, it's essential to understand which schools can best prepare students for success.
The standout schools on this list have been ranked based on key outcomes such as graduation rates, post-graduation earnings, and student debt. Each school has its own strengths, making it important to look closely at how they compare. For instance, Kennesaw State University boasts the highest earnings at $57,552, alongside a solid 50% graduation rate, while schools like Dalton State College, while more affordable, show lower earnings and graduation rates.
Take the University of North Georgia and Kennesaw State University as examples. While UNG has a lower average debt of $17,750 and a net price of $9,823, Kennesaw State offers significantly higher earnings potential but comes with more debt at $23,833. This contrast highlights the trade-offs students may face, making it crucial to weigh financial factors against potential career returns.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
Social mobility carries the heaviest weight in this ranking, and the measure comes from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built from more than 30 million anonymized tax records. Across the 18 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 1.7%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. Savannah State University leads the group at 4%, with Clark Atlanta University (3.3%) and Fort Valley State University (2.8%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 13% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. Atlanta Metropolitan State College enrolls the most, at 25.6%, a sign it is reaching the students mobility is meant to lift. A high mobility rate paired with strong access is the combination that changes a generation's trajectory.
For the low-income students who do enroll, the success rate (the odds of reaching the top quintile) averages 15.2% across the list, peaking at 26.7% at University of North Georgia.
These campuses can also be measured on social capital: the cross-class friendships Opportunity Insights links to long-run economic outcomes. Economic connectedness here averages 1.14, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and Kennesaw State University is highest at 1.63.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
Kennesaw State University and Thomas University exemplify the trade-offs in Georgia's criminal justice programs. Kennesaw State's graduates enjoy the highest earnings of $57,552, but they also face a debt average of $23,833. In contrast, Thomas University offers lower earnings at $49,716, yet students graduate with a higher debt load at $21,198. This comparison illustrates how one school's strong outcomes can come with financial implications, making it essential for students to consider what matters most to them.
As you weigh your options, think about what your priorities are. Are you looking for a school with high earnings post-graduation, or is minimizing debt more important? Consider factors such as location, campus culture, and specific program strengths. By aligning your personal goals with the data, you can make a more informed decision that fits your unique circumstances.
Ultimately, this data sheds light on the critical connection between college choices and future stability. A well-informed decision can pave the way for a secure future, whether you're aiming for a career in law enforcement, corrections, or social services. One choice can set the stage for a lifetime of opportunities, so take the time to find the right fit for your needs.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Criminal Justice Colleges in Georgia: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Criminal Justice Colleges in Georgia ranking? +
Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, GA ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Criminal Justice Colleges in Georgia ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $57,552 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 50% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
Kennesaw State University posts the highest median earnings on this list: $57,552 ten years after enrollment, well above the $43,576 average across the 23 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, Dalton State College leads: graduates earn a median $40,251 against net price of about $5,012 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
Kennesaw State University has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 50%, compared with a 33% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $15,387 a year across the 23 ranked schools with cost data. Dalton State College is among the most affordable at roughly $5,012. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Criminal Justice Colleges in Georgia ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 23 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
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