Criminal Justice Schools in Virginia

ASO Staff Writers
By
Updated on May 10, 2023

Schools, Career Options and Resources for Students in Virginia

The criminal justice field is made up of many rewarding jobs—some of which students can begin training for by obtaining a degree from criminal justice schools in Virginia. From police patrolmen to state Supreme Court justices and everyone in between, each professional plays a role in making the system work, and criminal justice programs can lay the founded students need to fulfill that role. Continue reading this page to find out which careers are popular among graduates, as well as their earning potential and projected job growth.

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VIRGINIA’S TOP-RANKING CRIMINAL JUSTICE SCHOOLS

Wondering which criminal justice schools in Virginia are among the best? Use the ranking tool below to find out. This resource allows users to find the most reputable programs based on tuition rates, teacher-student ratios, and enrollment numbers. Explore the top criminal justice schools in the state for 2017 below.

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
#1

George Mason University

  • Fairfax, VA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

George Mason University is a public college offering premier bachelor's-level education to students worldwide. Enrollees can pursue remote study or learn from the college's campus in Fairfax, Virginia. Undergraduate students connect with peers, faculty, and staff.

After enrollment, criminal justice students join a supportive learning community, connecting with peers, faculty, and staff in person and online. The college provides students with a competitive education through intensive coursework. Enrollees complete general and advanced classes and can modify their course load to suit their career goals.

Learners can customize their studies in consultation with an academic advisor. Students seeking academic and career guidance can connect with campus resources, such as academic advising and career services.

Learners can meet with a financial aid counselor to determine their eligibility for scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid. The average student receives approximately $6,524 in financial aid, with 74% of all enrollees receiving some form of aid.

33%

Online Enrollment

$ 9,060

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

86%

Retention Rate

$32,520

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
87%
Students Enrolled
37,863
Institution Type
Public
#2

Marymount University

  • Arlington, VA
  • 4 year
  • Campus
  • Accredited

Undergraduate students can benefit from a flexible, thorough education at Marymount University. Learners can study from the comfort of their homes, or on the college's Arlington-based campus. To date, the school offers 27 bachelor’s programs, including a BA in criminal justice.

After enrollment, students join a supportive learning community, connecting with peers, faculty, and staff in person and online. While enrolled, students complete general and criminal justice-specific coursework. Learners can also pursue internships, research projects, and experiential learning opportunities to supplement their education.

Learners can customize their studies in consultation with an academic advisor, to suit their personal and professional goals. Students seeking further academic and career guidance can access numerous institutional resources, such as career services and academic advising.

When preparing for the cost of education, degree-seekers can meet with the financial aid office to explore funding opportunities. Of all enrollees, 98% receive some form of financial aid.

19%

Online Enrollment

$32,100

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

72%

Retention Rate

$32,100

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
81%
Students Enrolled
3,363
Institution Type
Private
#3

Virginia State University

  • Petersburg, VA
  • 4 year
  • Campus
  • Accredited

Virginia State University provides flexible study for learners seeking a bachelor's-level education. Undergraduate students benefit from hybrid learning opportunities, with the option to study in person or online. To date, the school offers 30 bachelor’s programs, including a sociology and criminal justice program.

Learners across modalities benefit from a robust program curriculum. While enrolled, students complete general and criminal justice-specific coursework. Students gain skills and knowledge through their engagement with foundational and advanced classes.

Enrollees work with an academic advisor and customize their degree to meet their academic and career goals. While enrolled, learners can connect with institutional resources, such as career services and academic advising, to receive further guidance.

The college connects students with a variety of funding opportunities to defray educational costs. The average enrollee receives $5,205 in financial aid.

N/A

Online Enrollment

$ 5,540

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

65%

Retention Rate

$16,542

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
95%
Students Enrolled
4,365
Institution Type
Public
#4

Radford University

  • Radford, VA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Located in Virginia, Radford University provides flexible educational opportunities for learners worldwide. The public institution offers hybrid degree programs at the undergraduate level. To date, the public college supports 48 bachelor's programs, five of which are online.

Learners across modalities benefit from a robust criminal justice program curriculum. While enrolled, students complete general and criminal justice-specific coursework. These classes equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to advance in their future career.

In consultation with an academic advisor, students can modify their coursework, choose electives, and pursue degree concentrations and minors to suit their career goals. While enrolled, learners can connect with institutional resources, such as career services and academic advising, to receive further guidance.

Learners can meet with a financial aid counselor to determine their eligibility for scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid. The average enrollee receives $8,884 in financial aid.

45%

Online Enrollment

$ 7,922

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

71%

Retention Rate

$19,557

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
75%
Students Enrolled
11,870
Institution Type
Public
#5

Virginia Commonwealth University

  • Richmond, VA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Virginia Commonwealth University offers flexible educational opportunities for undergraduate students. The school supports hybrid study from its main campus in Richmond. At present, the college provides 61 bachelor's degree programs, with six programs supporting remote study.

Whether learning in-person or online, students join a supportive learning community, working alongside peers, faculty, and staff. Throughout their studies, enrollees in the criminal justice program complete field-specific coursework as part of the program curriculum. These classes equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to advance in their career.

Enrollees work with an academic advisor and customize their degree to meet their academic and career goals. Students can receive guidance through career services, academic advising, and other institutional resources.

Learners can meet with a financial aid counselor to determine their eligibility for scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid. Typically, students receive an average financial aid package of $10,295.

31%

Online Enrollment

$12,177

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

83%

Retention Rate

$32,825

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
87%
Students Enrolled
29,757
Institution Type
Public
#6

Averett University

  • Danville, VA
  • 4 year
  • Campus
  • Accredited

Averett University is a private college offering hybrid education in Danville, Virginia. Students can choose from 52 in-person bachelor's degree programs. Enrollees benefit from rigorous coursework, supportive faculty and peers, and a premier education.

Students in the sociology and criminal justice program complete foundational and advanced classes. Students can work with their academic advisor to customize their degree and study trajectory. While enrolled, participants benefit from career and academic counselors, receiving personal and academic guidance throughout their studies.

Students can explore their eligibility for scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid in consultation with the financial aid office. The college notes that 100% of all enrollees receive some form of financial aid.

43%

Online Enrollment

$35,450

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

68%

Retention Rate

$35,450

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
65%
Students Enrolled
894
Institution Type
Private
#7

Liberty University

  • Lynchburg, VA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Students seeking a flexible bachelor's degree program should consider Liberty University. Located in Lynchburg, Virginia, the private institution features in-person and virtual programs, enabling students near and far to benefit from top-ranked classes, prominent faculty, and a supportive learning community.

Students gain skills and knowledge through their coursework, and become better prepared for their future careers. Depending on their career goals, students can declare a double major, minor, or degree concentration and select elective courses. Throughout their program, students can access resources such as career services, academic advising, and library services.

Depending on their eligibility, students can apply scholarships, fellowships, and other funding toward their educational expenses. Of all enrollees, 99% receive financial aid awards.

92%

Online Enrollment

$15,417

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

81%

Retention Rate

$15,417

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
51%
Students Enrolled
85,586
Institution Type
Private
#8

Roanoke College

  • Salem, VA
  • 4 year
  • Campus
  • Accredited

Roanoke College is a private college offering premier bachelor's-level education to students worldwide. Located in Salem, Virginia, the private institution offers competitive, flexible programs that can be completed in person or online. To date, the school offers 36 bachelor’s programs.

Upon enrollment, criminal justice students connect with a supportive learning community, whether in person or online. While enrolled, students complete general and criminal justice-specific coursework. Students gain skills and knowledge through their engagement with general and advanced classes.

Learners can customize their studies to suit their personal and professional goals. Learners can also connect with career services to receive guidance throughout the criminal justice program.

Depending on their eligibility, students can apply for scholarships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities. Of all enrollees, 100% receive some form of financial aid.

N/A

Online Enrollment

$43,818

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

78%

Retention Rate

$43,818

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
75%
Students Enrolled
2,003
Institution Type
Private
#9

Longwood University

  • Farmville, VA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Students seeking flexible study should consider Longwood University. Learners can study from the comfort of their homes or on the college's Farmville-based campus. The college campus and online learning environment enable students to connect with peers, faculty, and staff during their studies.

Enrollees benefit from a supportive learning community. While enrolled, students complete general and criminal justice-specific coursework. These classes equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their future career.

Students have the option to modify their coursework, choose electives, and declare minors and degree concentrations. A leader in students success, the college connects enrollees with career services, academic advising, and other supportive resources.

Students can meet with the financial aid office to determine their eligibility for scholarships and other educational funding. According to the college, 90% of all enrollees receive financial aid, with the average student awarded $7,453 in aid.

8%

Online Enrollment

$ 7,940

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

75%

Retention Rate

$23,900

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
90%
Students Enrolled
4,468
Institution Type
Public
#10

Virginia Wesleyan University

  • Virginia Beach, VA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited

Students seeking flexible study should consider Virginia Wesleyan University. Undergraduate students can choose from in-person and remote degree programs. To date, the school offers 35 bachelor’s programs, with five online degree options.

Learners attending the criminal justice program in person and online benefit from a supportive learning community. Throughout their studies, learners in the criminal justice program complete field-specific coursework. Participants take foundational classes, as well as advanced coursework, with the option to modify their schedule and choose electives.

In consultation with an academic advisor, students can modify their coursework, choose electives, and pursue degree concentrations and minors to suit their career goals. While enrolled, learners can connect with institutional resources, such as career services and academic advising, to receive further guidance.

Depending on their eligibility, students can apply for scholarships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities. According to the school, 100% of all enrollees receive some form of aid.

14%

Online Enrollment

$36,010

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

59%

Retention Rate

$36,010

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-State
Acceptance Rate
77%
Students Enrolled
1,487
Institution Type
Private

POPULAR CRIMINAL JUSTICE JOBS IN VIRGINIA

Salaries and job opportunities are huge considerations for students earning degrees from criminal justice schools in Virginia. The table below provides that information by outlining how many people are employed in specific criminal justice jobs and the average median salaries for these positions. Also, there is information on the level of education required to obtain employment in different careers.

VIRGINIA VERSUS NATIONAL AVERAGES: CRIMINAL JUSTICE CAREER STATISTICS

Students attending criminal justice schools in Virginia need to have confidence that they’ll get a return on their tuition investment. The good news is, some of the most popular careers command salaries that rival national averages and have stronger growth potential. Review the tables below for more information on national and state-specific salary statistics and job growth projections.

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EMPLOYERS IN VIRGINIA LOOKING TO HIRE CRIMINAL JUSTICE GRADUATES

Wondering where the jobs are? Want to know which areas of Virginia pay the highest wages? The table below provides that information. Find out which locations have the most employees and the highest salaries for protective service and legal positions. In addition, there is a list of some organizations where criminal justice graduates may be able to find employment.

LARGEST AREAS OF EMPLOYMENT IN DESCENDING ORDER

Protective service

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News

Richmond

Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area

Roanoke

Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area

Legal service

Richmond

Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News

Roanoke

Charlottesville

Southwest Virginia nonmetropolitan area

PROFESSIONAL RESOURCES FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE IN VIRGINIA

BUSINESS COMPLIANCE RESOURCES

CORRECTIONAL RESOURCES

COURT & JUDICIAL RESOURCES

LEGAL RESOURCES

LAW ENFORCEMENT RESOURCES

WILDLIFE & ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES