Rankings / HBCU
Best HBCUs for Criminal Justice
- 50
- Schools
- $40,083
- Avg. Earnings
- 35%
- Avg. Graduation
- $15,463
- Avg. Net Price
- $27,210
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $31,088 at the low end to $63,066 at the top. That 2.0× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
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Elizabeth City State University offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $40,026 against $6,364 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, Elizabeth City State University at $6,364 a year in net price, delivers earnings of $40,026, matching or exceeding the list average.
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Completion rates separate this field: Howard University graduates 69% of its students, well above the 35% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
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Debt-to-earnings ratios favor Howard University: graduates owe only 0.39× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- The top spot belongs to Fayetteville State University ($40,144 earnings), not the highest earner, Howard University ($63,066). That is what weighting mobility and value over salary alone produces.
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. Elizabeth City State University ($6,364/yr) and Howard University ($50,539/yr) produce graduates earning $40,026 and $63,066 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $44,175 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, Elizabeth City State University outperforms Howard University: similar career earnings at a much lower 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 Elizabeth City State University and Howard University. 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 $39K 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 Fayetteville State University #1 overall | $40,144 ▲ +0% vs avg | $7,892 | 37% | 71 |
| 2 West Virginia State University #2 overall | $40,492 ▲ +1% vs avg | $11,139 | 36% | 71 |
| 3 Elizabeth City State University #3 overall | $40,026 ▲ +0% vs avg | $6,364 | 46% | 71 |
| $45,543 ▲ +14% vs avg | $15,840 | 40% | 70 | |
| $44,349 ▲ +11% vs avg | $13,739 | 53% | 70 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best HBCUs for Criminal Justice
This analysis ranks 50 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $40,083 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 35% and an average net price of $15,463.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: Elizabeth City State University — Net Price: $6,364 | Graduation Rate: 46%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Howard University — 69% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Howard University — Median alumni earnings: $63,066
Data Insight
The most expensive quartile of colleges costs 373% more than the most affordable — but their graduates earn just 34% more.
Legal Profession Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the legal profession and the justice system?
$38,992
Median earnings (10yr)
34%
Median graduation rate
$13,610
Median net price
2.7%
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.
The median graduation rate across these 50 schools is 34%. Median graduate earnings reach $38,992 ten years after enrollment. Average net price, the cost after grants, is $13,610 a year, and median federal debt at graduation is about $27,000. Some 63% of students receive Pell grants, and mobility, the share of low-income students who reach the top quintile, averages 2.7%.
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 $38,992 and typical debt of $27,000, choosing a program with strong bar-passage rates and employment outcomes matters far more than chasing a brand name.
The podium
Build your ranking
Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.
Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Fayetteville State University lands at #1 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (56/100). Graduates earn a median $40,144 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $7,892 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
West Virginia State University lands at #2 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (54/100). Graduates earn a median $40,492 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $11,139 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
Elizabeth City State University lands at #3 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (56/100). Graduates earn a median $40,026 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $6,364 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
Virginia State University lands at #4 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, 14% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,840 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
Tallahassee, FL · 21% accepted · $13,739 net
Why it ranks #5
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University lands at #5 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (59/100). Graduates earn a median $44,349 a decade after enrolling, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,739 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
Southern University at New Orleans lands at #6 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (77/100) and pulled down by academic quality (45/100). Graduates earn a median $34,042 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,810 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 #7
Lincoln University lands at #7 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $43,167 a decade after enrolling, 8% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,977 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 #8
North Carolina Central University lands at #8 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $42,968 a decade after enrolling, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,359 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
Greensboro, NC · 50% accepted · $10,846 net
Why it ranks #9
North Carolina A & T State University lands at #9 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (54/100). Graduates earn a median $44,440 a decade after enrolling, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,846 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 #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, 48% 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
Winston-Salem State University lands at #11 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (57/100). Graduates earn a median $45,344 a decade after enrolling, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,479 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.
Pillar breakdown
Pine Bluff, AR · 41% accepted · $12,653 net
Why it ranks #12
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff lands at #12 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (52/100). Graduates earn a median $35,550 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,653 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
Kentucky State University lands at #13 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (47/100). Graduates earn a median $36,382 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,040 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
Central State University lands at #14 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (46/100). Graduates earn a median $33,267 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,096 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
Fort Valley State University lands at #15 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, 9% 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 #16
Bluefield State University lands at #16 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by academic quality (51/100). Graduates earn a median $38,217 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,684 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 #17
Philander Smith University lands at #17 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (54/100). Graduates earn a median $38,427 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,224 a year. 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
Dillard University lands at #18 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (39/100). Graduates earn a median $39,196 a decade after enrolling, 2% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,094 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 #19
Wiley University lands at #19 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (68/100) and pulled down by academic quality (38/100). Graduates earn a median $33,159 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,092 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
Charlotte Amalie, VI · 99% accepted · $7,469 net
Why it ranks #20
University of the Virgin Islands lands at #20 with a 64/100 composite, led by value per dollar (78/100) and pulled down by social mobility (59/100). Graduates earn a median $38,681 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,469 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 #21
Grambling State University lands at #21 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (39/100). Graduates earn a median $41,109 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,809 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 #22
Savannah State University lands at #22 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, 5% 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 #23
Clark Atlanta University lands at #23 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, 7% above 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #24
Texas Southern University lands at #24 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (85/100) and pulled down by academic quality (44/100). Graduates earn a median $38,924 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,590 a year. 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 #25
Claflin University lands at #25 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $40,304 a decade after enrolling, 1% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,800 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 #26
South Carolina State University lands at #26 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $38,262 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,097 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 #27
Howard University lands at #27 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (22/100). Graduates earn a median $63,066 a decade after enrolling, 57% above this list's average, and net price runs $50,539 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 #28
Tennessee State University lands at #28 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (43/100). Graduates earn a median $42,730 a decade after enrolling, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,796 a year. 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 #29
Stillman College lands at #29 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (43/100). Graduates earn a median $35,421 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,258 a year. 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 #30
Langston University lands at #30 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (45/100). Graduates earn a median $33,261 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,504 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 #31
Albany State University lands at #31 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, 1% above 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #32
Bowie State University lands at #32 with a 61/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (64/100) and pulled down by academic quality (49/100). Graduates earn a median $54,537 a decade after enrolling, 36% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,298 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 #33
Coppin State University lands at #33 with a 61/100 composite, led by value per dollar (68/100) and pulled down by academic quality (45/100). Graduates earn a median $46,490 a decade after enrolling, 16% above this list's average, and net price runs $9,977 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #34
Prairie View A & M University lands at #34 with a 61/100 composite, led by social mobility (68/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (55/100). Graduates earn a median $45,411 a decade after enrolling, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,570 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #35
Florida Memorial University lands at #35 with a 61/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (39/100). Graduates earn a median $36,624 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $23,238 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 #36
Mississippi Valley State University lands at #36 with a 61/100 composite, led by social mobility (76/100) and pulled down by academic quality (45/100). Graduates earn a median $31,919 a decade after enrolling, 20% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,686 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 #37
Jackson State University lands at #37 with a 60/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (35/100). Graduates earn a median $39,060 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $23,836 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 #38
Voorhees University lands at #38 with a 59/100 composite, led by social mobility (62/100) and pulled down by academic quality (42/100). Graduates earn a median $35,339 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,335 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 #39
Le Moyne-Owen College lands at #39 with a 59/100 composite, led by value per dollar (65/100) and pulled down by academic quality (35/100). Graduates earn a median $35,594 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,099 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
Princess Anne, MD · 96% accepted · $13,338 net
Why it ranks #40
University of Maryland Eastern Shore lands at #40 with a 59/100 composite, led by social mobility (62/100) and pulled down by academic quality (53/100). Graduates earn a median $47,697 a decade after enrolling, 19% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,338 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #41
Shaw University lands at #41 with a 59/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (43/100). Graduates earn a median $34,409 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,512 a year. 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
Baton Rouge, LA · 35% accepted · $20,077 net
Why it ranks #42
Southern University and A & M College lands at #42 with a 57/100 composite, led by social mobility (62/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (43/100). Graduates earn a median $43,371 a decade after enrolling, 8% above this list's average, and net price runs $20,077 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 #43
Harris-Stowe State University lands at #43 with a 57/100 composite, led by social mobility (61/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (49/100). Graduates earn a median $31,088 a decade after enrolling, 22% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,922 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 #44
Edward Waters University lands at #44 with a 56/100 composite, led by social mobility (65/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (48/100). Graduates earn a median $34,782 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,649 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 #45
Bethune-Cookman University lands at #45 with a 56/100 composite, led by social mobility (63/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (50/100). Graduates earn a median $38,518 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,030 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 #46
Jarvis Christian University lands at #46 with a 56/100 composite, led by social mobility (65/100) and pulled down by academic quality (35/100). Graduates earn a median $32,992 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $9,825 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 #47
Huston-Tillotson University lands at #47 with a 56/100 composite, led by social mobility (65/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (43/100). Graduates earn a median $42,937 a decade after enrolling, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,719 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 #48
Lane College lands at #48 with a 55/100 composite, led by social mobility (63/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (45/100). Graduates earn a median $31,670 a decade after enrolling, 21% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,904 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 #49
Fisk University lands at #49 with a 54/100 composite, led by social mobility (65/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (34/100). Graduates earn a median $45,454 a decade after enrolling, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $32,020 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 #50
Livingstone College lands at #50 with a 54/100 composite, led by social mobility (64/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (45/100). Graduates earn a median $32,600 a decade after enrolling, 19% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,479 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
Cut it by what you care about
The same 50 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Top states on this list
This list highlights the best historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) for studying criminal justice. These schools share a commitment to providing quality education in a field that is crucial for public safety and community engagement. As the demand for skilled professionals in criminal justice continues to grow, many students and families are evaluating their options in this area.
What sets the top schools apart in this ranking are their outcomes: earnings potential, graduation rates, and debt levels. For example, the average earnings for graduates in this list is $39,978, which reflects the kind of financial stability a degree can offer. As you look through the schools below, consider how these factors align with your own goals and priorities.
Take Elizabeth City State University and Coppin State University as examples. Elizabeth City State graduates earn an average of $40,026, with a graduation rate of 46%. In contrast, Coppin State offers higher earnings at $46,490, but with a significantly lower graduation rate of 26%. This stark difference illustrates the trade-offs you might face in choosing a program that fits both your financial and academic needs.
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 33 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 2.7%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. Dillard University leads the group at 5%, with Grambling State University (4.6%) and Savannah State University (4%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 24.1% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. Mississippi Valley State University enrolls the most, at 45.5%, 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 13% across the list, peaking at 37.1% at Howard 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 1.09, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and Hampton University is highest at 1.62.
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
Where These Schools Are Located
When examining the performance of HBCUs in criminal justice, it's apparent that Elizabeth City State University and Coppin State University offer contrasting outcomes. While Elizabeth City State leads with a graduation rate of 46%, Coppin State's rate of 26% shows that not all programs yield the same level of student success, despite Coppin’s higher earnings.
After reviewing these 50 schools, think about what matters most to you. Is it the potential earnings after graduation, or perhaps the campus environment? Weigh the financial implications alongside your academic interests. Consider location as well—some schools may offer connections in local law enforcement or community organizations that can enhance your education.
The data underscores the significant impact education has on future earnings and stability. For families making decisions about college, understanding these figures is crucial. Choosing the right school can lead to better job prospects and financial health in the long run. One student's choice can change the trajectory of their life, making this decision one of the most important they'll face.
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 HBCUs for Criminal Justice: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best HBCUs for Criminal Justice ranking? +
Fayetteville State University in Fayetteville, NC ranks #1 in our 2026 Best HBCUs for Criminal Justice ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $40,144 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 37% 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? +
Howard University posts the highest median earnings on this list: $63,066 ten years after enrollment, well above the $40,083 average across the 50 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, Elizabeth City State University leads: graduates earn a median $40,026 against net price of about $6,364 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? +
Howard University has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 69%, compared with a 35% 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 $15,463 a year across the 50 ranked schools with cost data. Elizabeth City State University is among the most affordable at roughly $6,364. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best HBCUs for Criminal Justice 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 50 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
Related Rankings
