2026 Best Value Criminology Schools in Ohio

1

Cleveland State University
Cleveland, OH

For return on investment in criminology, no school beat Cleveland State University this year. Located in the city of Cleveland, Cleveland State University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,982, with out-of-state students paying around $18,502. Typical student debt for criminology graduates is $25,000. Criminology graduates of Cleveland State University earn a median of $32,393 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

2

Wright State University Main Campus
Dayton, OH

Wright State University Main Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in criminology, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Dayton, Wright State University Main Campus is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,991, compared with $20,691 for out-of-state students. Criminology graduates carry a median of $27,250 in student loans. Early-career criminology graduates make about $37,476. Set against $27,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%.

3

Ohio State University Main Campus
Columbus, OH

Students looking for strong value in criminology will find it at Ohio State University Main Campus, which ranked #3. Set in the city of Columbus, Ohio State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,244, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for criminology graduates is $21,922. Soon after graduation, criminology degree recipients from Ohio State University Main Campus generally make around $39,396. That is a strong return on a $21,922 median debt. The acceptance rate is 61%.

4

Bowling Green State University Main Campus
Bowling Green, OH

Students looking for strong value in criminology will find it at Bowling Green State University Main Campus, which ranked #4. Located in the town of Bowling Green, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $13,912 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,900 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for criminology graduates is $25,449. Early-career criminology graduates make about $57,019. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bowling Green State University Main Campus admits about 81% of applicants.

5

Capital University
Columbus, OH

Capital University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in criminology, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Columbus, Capital University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $43,234. Typical student debt for criminology graduates is $27,000. Early-career criminology graduates make about $32,984. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Capital University admits about 70% of applicants.