Rankings / By State
Best Criminal Justice Colleges in Virginia
- 16
- Schools
- $56,263
- Avg. Earnings
- 56%
- Avg. Graduation
- $22,449
- Avg. Net Price
- $24,146
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Median graduate earnings across these 16 schools run from $44,296 to $86,863, a 2.0× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
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George Mason University delivers the most for the money: roughly $76,343 in median earnings against $17,915 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.
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The most affordable option, Radford University ($14,578 net price), still posts $53,739 in earnings, at or above the list average. Paying more does not guarantee a better outcome.
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University of Virginia-Main Campus graduates 95% of its students, versus a 56% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.
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University of Virginia-Main Campus carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.20× their annual earnings.
Surprising Comparisons
- #1 George Mason University ($76,343 earnings) outranks the list's highest earner, University of Virginia-Main Campus ($86,863), because it does more on mobility and cost.
- Radford University costs $14,578 a year and Shenandoah University costs $30,298. Yet their graduates earn $53,739 and $58,433, nowhere near the $15,720 price gap.
- On value, George Mason University beats University of Virginia-Main Campus: comparable career payoff at a fraction of the net price.
The Takeaway
The through line among the top-ranked schools is plain. They pair solid graduate earnings with affordable costs and meaningful social mobility. Prestige and selectivity matter far less than whether students end up better off.
What This Means for Students
Your shortlist should start with George Mason University and University of Virginia-Main Campus. For each school, look up the net price your family would actually pay, weigh it against typical graduate earnings, and build the decision around the return instead of the name recognition.
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 $54K 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 George Mason University #1 overall | $76,343 ▲ +36% vs avg | $17,915 | 69% | 77 |
| 2 Longwood University #2 overall | $52,347 ▼ -7% vs avg | $19,066 | 61% | 72 |
| 3 Radford University #3 overall | $53,739 ▼ -4% vs avg | $14,578 | 49% | 72 |
| $86,863 ▲ +54% vs avg | $21,565 | 95% | 72 | |
| $58,128 ▲ +3% vs avg | $23,433 | 64% | 71 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Criminal Justice Colleges in Virginia
This analysis ranks 16 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $56,263 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 56% and an average net price of $22,449.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: George Mason University — Net Price: $17,915 | Graduation Rate: 69%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: University of Virginia-Main Campus — 95% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: University of Virginia-Main Campus — Median alumni earnings: $86,863
CollegeRanker Primary Research
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?
$53,043
Median earnings (10yr)
56%
Median graduation rate
$22,245
Median net price
1.6%
Avg. mobility rate
Law and criminal-justice programs feed careers where outcomes hinge on two numbers most rankings ignore: bar passage and employment in the field. Salaries are famously bimodal, with a cluster at large firms and a long tail in public-interest and government roles. Debt loads can be heavy, so program quality carries unusual stakes.
The median graduation rate across these 16 schools is 56%. Median graduate earnings reach $53,043 ten years after enrollment, roughly $5,043 more than the national worker average of $48,000. Average net price, the cost after grants, is $22,245 a year, and median federal debt at graduation is about $25,000. Some 36% of students receive Pell grants, and mobility, the share of low-income students who reach the top quintile, averages 1.6%.
What we’re seeing: the gap between programs with strong bar-passage and placement records and the rest is wide, and debt makes that gap consequential. Median earnings of $53,043 against $25,000 in typical debt show why fit and outcomes matter more here than prestige alone.
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
George Mason University lands at #1 with a 77/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (60/100). Graduates earn a median $76,343 a decade after enrolling, 36% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,915 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 #2
Longwood University lands at #2 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (58/100). Graduates earn a median $52,347 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,066 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, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
Radford University lands at #3 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (62/100). Graduates earn a median $53,739 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,578 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, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Charlottesville, VA · 17% accepted · $21,565 net
Why it ranks #4
University of Virginia-Main Campus lands at #4 with a 72/100 composite, led by academic quality (95/100) and pulled down by social mobility (59/100). Graduates earn a median $86,863 a decade after enrolling, 54% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,565 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Virginia Commonwealth University lands at #5 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $58,128 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,433 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 #6
Virginia State University lands at #6 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $45,543 a decade after enrolling, 19% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,840 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, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Virginia Wesleyan University lands at #7 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (55/100). Graduates earn a median $50,074 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,676 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, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
Averett University lands at #8 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (43/100). Graduates earn a median $51,516 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,925 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Roanoke College lands at #9 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (44/100). Graduates earn a median $58,047 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $24,503 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 #10
Hampton University lands at #10 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (37/100). Graduates earn a median $59,159 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $25,319 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
Ferrum College lands at #11 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (44/100). Graduates earn a median $44,296 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,082 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
Marymount University lands at #12 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (42/100). Graduates earn a median $67,516 a decade after enrolling, 20% above this list's average, and net price runs $29,137 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 #13
Shenandoah University lands at #13 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (40/100). Graduates earn a median $58,433 a decade after enrolling, 4% above this list's average, and net price runs $30,298 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 #14
Regent University lands at #14 with a 58/100 composite, led by academic quality (71/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (48/100). Graduates earn a median $44,498 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $19,923 a year, well under 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
Why it ranks #15
Bluefield University lands at #15 with a 57/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (64/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (39/100). Graduates earn a median $48,896 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $25,573 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 #16
Liberty University lands at #16 with a 51/100 composite, led by academic quality (61/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (36/100). Graduates earn a median $44,813 a decade after enrolling, 20% below this list's average, and net price runs $29,357 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
Cut it by what you care about
The same 16 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Choosing a college for criminal justice in Virginia is a significant decision for many students. With 19 programs on this list, families are looking for schools that will not only provide a solid education but also strong career prospects after graduation. The average earnings for graduates across these programs sit at $54,386, offering a benchmark for what students might expect in the job market.
What sets the top schools apart in this field are key outcomes such as earnings, graduation rates, and debt levels. The five schools highlighted below have demonstrated strong performance in these areas, with graduation rates averaging 52%. Weighing these metrics can help students and families identify which programs may lead to better financial and professional outcomes in the long run.
For instance, the University of Virginia-Main Campus stands out with earnings of $86,863 and a graduation rate of 95%, while Northern Virginia Community College has lower earnings at $53,557 and a graduation rate of just 35%. This contrast highlights the trade-offs students may face when choosing between different types of institutions and degrees within criminal justice.
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 12 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 1.6%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. Marymount University leads the group at 3.4%, with George Mason University (3.1%) and Hampton University (2.1%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 8.9% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. Virginia State University enrolls the most, at 32.8%, 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 23.5% across the list, peaking at 50.3% at George Mason University.
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 1.62, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and George Mason University is highest at 1.75.
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
Comparing the University of Virginia-Main Campus and Brightpoint Community College reveals stark differences in outcomes. The University of Virginia boasts an impressive average earnings figure of $86,863, while Brightpoint graduates earn only $41,223. This difference of over $45,000 underscores the potential financial benefits of attending a more selective institution.
After reviewing the schools, consider your own priorities. Location might play a big role—some students prefer large universities in urban areas, while others might value smaller community colleges closer to home. Financial considerations are crucial too; weigh the net price against potential earnings. Use this data to align your choices with your own life goals and circumstances.
The implications of these choices can be substantial. A degree can pave the way to a stable life, but it’s essential to choose a program that aligns with your family's financial situation and career aspirations. One decision could impact your earning potential for years to come.
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 Virginia: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Criminal Justice Colleges in Virginia ranking? +
George Mason University in Fairfax, VA ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Criminal Justice Colleges in Virginia ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $76,343 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 69% 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? +
University of Virginia-Main Campus posts the highest median earnings on this list: $86,863 ten years after enrollment, well above the $56,263 average across the 16 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, George Mason University leads: graduates earn a median $76,343 against net price of about $17,915 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? +
University of Virginia-Main Campus has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 95%, compared with a 56% 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 $22,449 a year across the 16 ranked schools with cost data. Radford University is among the most affordable at roughly $14,578. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Criminal Justice Colleges in Virginia 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 16 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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