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Best Colleges for Criminal Justice in Texas

The best colleges for a Criminal Justice degree in Texas, led by The University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University-College Station and Texas Christian University. Each school is shown with its acceptance rate, tuition, and average SAT so you can weigh Criminal Justice programs side by side.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best college for Criminal Justice in Texas?

Based on our rankings, The University of Texas at Austin is the top-ranked college for Criminal Justice in Texas. Other top choices include Texas A&M University-College Station, Texas Christian University, The University of Texas at Arlington.

What are the best Criminal Justice schools?

The best Criminal Justice schools, based on program-specific federal data including median earnings and graduate counts, are The University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University-College Station, Texas Christian University. Our rankings use College Scorecard field-of-study data rather than editorial opinion.

How much does it cost to study Criminal Justice?

The average out-of-state tuition among top Criminal Justice programs is approximately $28,523 per year. However, costs vary significantly — many schools offer generous financial aid packages that can reduce the effective cost.

How long does it take to get a Criminal Justice degree?

A bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice typically takes four years of full-time study. Some programs offer accelerated tracks or combined bachelor's-to-master's options that can extend or shorten the timeline.

How are these Criminal Justice rankings determined?

Our major rankings are independently calculated from U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard field-of-study (CIP) data — primarily median earnings 4 years after graduation and program scale (graduate count), with a 10+ annual graduates minimum per program. They are not derived from US News or any other publication.

Career outcomes for Criminal Justice graduates

Among the top 10 ranked Criminal Justice programs, the average early-career salary is approximately $60,687 per year. Below are the highest-paying Criminal Justice programs based on federal College Scorecard earnings data reported by graduates four years after completion.

  1. 1. The University of Texas at Austin — Austin, TX · 26.6% acceptance · SAT 1,395 · $44,908 tuition · 89% grad rate
  2. 2. Texas A&M University-College Station — College Station, TX · 57.4% acceptance · SAT 1,280 · $40,124 tuition · 84% grad rate
  3. 3. Texas Christian University — Fort Worth, TX · 44.5% acceptance · SAT 1,298 · $61,740 tuition · 86% grad rate
  4. 4. The University of Texas at Arlington — Arlington, TX · 79.9% acceptance · SAT 1,124 · $29,582 tuition · 54% grad rate
  5. 5. The University of Texas at San Antonio — San Antonio, TX · 86.8% acceptance · SAT 1,105 · $22,051 tuition · 53% grad rate
  6. 6. University of North Texas — Denton, TX · 72.2% acceptance · SAT 1,109 · $21,149 tuition · 61% grad rate
  7. 7. Wayland Baptist University — Plainview, TX · 56% acceptance · $23,782 tuition · 19% grad rate
  8. 8. Texas Wesleyan University — Fort Worth, TX · 69.2% acceptance · SAT 1,070 · $39,582 tuition · 32% grad rate
  9. 9. Sam Houston State University — Huntsville, TX · 90.3% acceptance · SAT 1,041 · $19,068 tuition · 55% grad rate
  10. 10. Lubbock Christian University — Lubbock, TX · 73.1% acceptance · SAT 1,100 · $28,540 tuition · 51% grad rate
  11. 11. East Texas Baptist University — Marshall, TX · 57.8% acceptance · $30,680 tuition · 47% grad rate
  12. 12. Texas A & M International University — Laredo, TX · 44.4% acceptance · SAT 993 · $19,454 tuition · 46% grad rate
  13. 13. Stephen F Austin State University — Nacogdoches, TX · 94% acceptance · SAT 1,066 · $23,426 tuition · 53% grad rate
  14. 14. Abilene Christian University — Abilene, TX · 66% acceptance · SAT 1,194 · $44,200 tuition · 59% grad rate
  15. 15. Hardin-Simmons University — Abilene, TX · 90% acceptance · SAT 1,108 · $32,960 tuition · 46% grad rate
  16. 16. McMurry University — Abilene, TX · 57% acceptance · SAT 1,043 · $32,340 tuition · 44% grad rate
  17. 17. Tarleton State University — Stephenville, TX · 89.6% acceptance · SAT 1,075 · $18,142 tuition · 48% grad rate
  18. 18. Lamar University — Beaumont, TX · 86.4% acceptance · SAT 1,061 · $18,745 tuition · 37% grad rate
  19. 19. Midwestern State University — Wichita Falls, TX · 93.5% acceptance · $12,530 tuition · 43% grad rate
  20. 20. Angelo State University — San Angelo, TX · 83% acceptance · SAT 1,054 · $18,300 tuition · 44% grad rate
  21. 21. Sul Ross State University — Alpine, TX · 98.7% acceptance · SAT 1,024 · $17,672 tuition · 30% grad rate

Best Colleges for Criminal Justice in Texas on PickACampus