Rankings / By State

Best Criminal Justice Colleges in Illinois

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 19 schools · Agent Insights

Schools Analyzed

$55,000

Avg. Earnings (10yr)

49%

Avg. Graduation Rate

$17,031

Avg. Net Price

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Choosing a school for a criminal justice degree can feel overwhelming, especially in a state like Illinois with many options. With 19 programs listed here, students and families can weigh various outcomes that matter for future success in this field.

What separates the top schools from the rest? Key metrics include graduate earnings, completion rates, and student debt levels. In this list, we’ve ranked schools based on these important outcomes, giving you a clear view of which programs might offer better financial and career prospects.

Take Lewis University and Western Illinois University, for example. Lewis University graduates earn $66,099 on average, but only 65% complete their degree. In contrast, Western Illinois University has a lower average income of $54,163 and a lower graduation rate of 45%. These numbers highlight the tradeoffs students may need to consider while selecting their program.

Key Findings

Lewis University graduates earn $66,099, the highest in this list.

Western Illinois University has a graduation rate of only 45%.

The average net price across these schools is $17,197.

Illinois State University graduates have an average debt of $20,482.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 19

Avg. earnings at 10yr $55,000

Avg. graduation rate 49%

Avg. net price $17,031

Avg. median debt $21,408

How We Ranked

Criminal Justice programs in Illinois 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

Western Illinois University

Macomb, IL

Graduation45%

Earnings$54,163

Net Price$12,937

View full profile →

Lewis University

Romeoville, IL

Graduation65%

Earnings$66,099

Net Price$17,028

View full profile →

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Edwardsville, IL

Graduation56%

Earnings$56,346

Net Price$14,889

View full profile →

Featured Programs From Accredited Schools

Accredited schools accepting applicants in this field.

Full Rankings

Western Illinois University

Macomb, IL · 4,410 students · Public

Sitting in Macomb, Western Illinois University is home to around 4,410 students and provides an accessible education with a 71% acceptance rate. While its graduation rate is lower at 45%, the school still supports students in earning a median income of $54,163 ten years after graduation, which can open doors in various careers.

71% accepted 45% graduate $54,163 earnings

Western's full profile

Lewis University

Romeoville, IL · 4,015 students · Private nonprofit

With a median earning of $66,099 a decade after graduation, Lewis University in Romeoville is a solid choice for students looking to enter the workforce with a competitive salary. The school serves about 4,015 students and has a graduation rate of 65%, indicating that many students find their path to success here.

71% accepted 65% graduate $66,099 earnings

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Edwardsville, IL · 8,750 students · Public

With a welcoming 98% acceptance rate, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is an accessible option for many students looking to further their education. The campus serves about 8,750 students and graduates approximately 56% of them, suggesting that while challenges exist, there's a solid support system in place to help students succeed.

98% accepted 56% graduate $56,346 earnings

Southern's full profile

Illinois State University

Normal, IL · 19,057 students · Public

In the heart of Normal, Illinois State University is a vibrant hub for over 19,000 students. With a 65% graduation rate and a median earnings of $62,117 ten years after graduation, it's clear that many students find their footing and thrive in this dynamic environment.

88% accepted 65% graduate $62,117 earnings

Illinois's full profile

Eastern Illinois University

Charleston, IL · 4,188 students · Public

Eastern Illinois University, nestled in Charleston, welcomes around 4,188 students, fostering a close-knit community. With a graduation rate of 46%, students may find a range of resources to help them along the way, though some may need to work harder to cross the finish line.

65% accepted 46% graduate $51,989 earnings

Eastern's full profile

Eureka College

Eureka, IL · 522 students · Private nonprofit

With a small student body of just 522, Eureka College emphasizes a close-knit community where students can thrive academically and socially. The college has an acceptance rate of 85%, making it accessible for many students looking for a personalized educational experience.

85% accepted 41% graduate $51,641 earnings

Eureka's full profile

Aurora University

Aurora, IL · 3,974 students · Private nonprofit

With 59% of students graduating, Aurora University presents a solid choice for those seeking a supportive environment. The school has a diverse student body, with 45% of students receiving Pell Grants, indicating a commitment to accessibility for lower-income families.

81% accepted 59% graduate $58,709 earnings

Aurora's full profile

Saint Xavier University

Chicago, IL · 3,096 students · Private nonprofit

Saint Xavier University invites students into a community where nearly 60% of students receive Pell Grants. This statistic highlights its focus on inclusivity and support for those from diverse economic backgrounds, making it a welcoming choice for many.

84% accepted 58% graduate $58,656 earnings

Blackburn College

Carlinville, IL · 471 students · Private nonprofit

With a student count of 471, Blackburn College offers an intimate learning environment that encourages personal connections between students and faculty. With a graduation rate of 55%, the college focuses on supporting students through their academic journeys, ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed.

63% accepted 55% graduate $46,802 earnings

Blackburn's full profile

#10

Greenville University

Greenville, IL · 955 students · Private nonprofit

Greenville University, with its population of 955 students, offers an engaging environment where nearly everyone can find their place. With an impressive acceptance rate of 98%, the school welcomes a diverse range of students, fostering a community that embraces various backgrounds and perspectives.

98% accepted 46% graduate $46,827 earnings

Greenville's full profile

#11

Elmhurst University

Elmhurst, IL · 3,006 students · Private nonprofit

Elmhurst University stands out with a solid graduation rate of 68%, indicating a supportive environment that helps students cross the finish line. With a smaller student body of 3,006, it fosters a close-knit community where students can thrive.

74% accepted 68% graduate $61,462 earnings

Elmhurst's full profile

#12

Northeastern Illinois University

Chicago, IL · 3,982 students · Public

With an acceptance rate of 75%, Northeastern Illinois University is accessible to a wide range of students. However, the graduation rate is only 18%, suggesting that while many begin their journey here, fewer finish. This trend points to the need for strong support systems for students to help them persist and succeed.

75% accepted 18% graduate $52,234 earnings

Northeastern's full profile

#13

Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, IL · 11,737 students · Private nonprofit

Loyola University Chicago, located in the vibrant city of Chicago, serves over 11,700 students and offers a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional growth. With a graduation rate of 75%, the university cultivates an atmosphere where students can succeed and reach their full potential in a bustling urban setting.

82% accepted 75% graduate $71,530 earnings

Loyola's full profile

#14

Waubonsee Community College

Sugar Grove, IL · 5,721 students · Public

Waubonsee Community College serves as a gateway for many students in Sugar Grove, with an enrollment of 5,721. The college has a graduation rate of 40%, showing that while some students move on to further education, it may require additional effort for others to complete their programs.

40% graduate $44,788 earnings

Waubonsee's full profile

#15

Olivet Nazarene University

Bourbonnais, IL · 2,603 students · Private nonprofit

With a solid graduation rate of 61% and median earnings of $53,213 ten years after graduating, Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois, presents a promising option for students looking for a supportive academic environment. About 38% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a commitment to helping those from lower-income backgrounds succeed. This blend of financial support and academic achievement suggests that many students find their place here and go on to thrive in their careers.

56% accepted 61% graduate $53,213 earnings

Olivet's full profile

#16

Quincy University

Quincy, IL · 1,010 students · Private nonprofit

Located in Quincy, Illinois, Quincy University caters to a smaller student body of 1,010, offering a more intimate learning environment. While the graduation rate is lower at 44%, the median earnings for graduates ten years out are still a respectable $50,369. This suggests that even though the completion rates might be a concern, those who do graduate find pathways to solid employment, possibly thanks to the university's strong community ties and career support services.

51% accepted 44% graduate $50,369 earnings

Quincy's full profile

#17

University of Illinois Springfield

Springfield, IL · 2,263 students · Public

The University of Illinois Springfield provides a more intimate campus experience with just 2,263 students, fostering close-knit relationships and personalized education. With a graduation rate of 57% and median earnings of $57,103 after ten years, students can expect a supportive environment and solid financial outcomes post-graduation.

86% accepted 57% graduate $57,103 earnings

University's full profile

#18

Chicago State University

Chicago, IL · 1,384 students · Public

Chicago State University, set in the vibrant city of Chicago, presents unique opportunities despite a challenging graduation rate of just 16%. However, its median earnings of $42,778 for graduates ten years after enrollment suggest that students can still find success in the workforce. With a diverse student body, 58% of whom are Pell Grant recipients, the university emphasizes accessibility and support for students from various backgrounds, fostering resilience and determination.

43% accepted 16% graduate $42,778 earnings

Chicago's full profile

#19

Governors State University

University Park, IL · 2,556 students · Public

Governors State University, located in University Park, has a smaller student body of 2,556, which can create a more personalized educational experience. However, with a graduation rate of only 21%, it's clear that the journey might be challenging for many students, indicating a need for strong support systems.

48% accepted 21% graduate $58,169 earnings

Governors's full profile

When examining the data, a clear pattern emerges. Lewis University outperforms Western Illinois University in both earnings and graduation rates, with a significant $11,936 difference in average income. This suggests that, despite potentially higher tuition costs, the return on investment for Lewis students may be more favorable in the long run.

After reviewing your options, consider your own priorities. Think about factors like location, campus culture, and financial situation. If a lower net price is essential, schools like the University of Illinois Springfield, with a net price of $9,833, might be more appealing. Finding the right balance is key in making a decision that aligns with your goals.

The data here paints a clear picture of the stakes involved in choosing a college. For many families, this choice can shape not just educational outcomes but also long-term financial stability. A single decision about where to study can lead to varying paths in life, making it crucial to examine these figures thoughtfully.

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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