2026 Best Value Criminology Schools in North Carolina

1

University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
Charlotte, NC

Leading the list is University Of North Carolina At Charlotte, our #1 best value for criminology in North Carolina. Set in the city of Charlotte, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,239, with out-of-state students paying around $22,492. Typical student debt for criminology graduates is $24,673. Early-career criminology graduates make about $51,799. That is a strong return on a $24,673 median debt. The acceptance rate is 80%.

2

East Carolina University
Greenville, NC

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at East Carolina University earned it the #2 place for criminology. Located in the city of Greenville, East Carolina University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $7,361, compared with $23,638 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for criminology graduates is $24,747. Early-career criminology graduates make about $51,931. Set against $24,747 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. East Carolina University admits about 89% of applicants.

3

North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Raleigh, NC

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at North Carolina State University At Raleigh earned it the #3 place for criminology. Set in the city of Raleigh, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,799 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. Typical student debt for criminology graduates is $21,875. Early-career criminology graduates make about $35,076. That is a strong return on a $21,875 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%.

4

University Of North Carolina At Wilmington
Wilmington, NC

Students looking for strong value in criminology will find it at University Of North Carolina At Wilmington, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Wilmington, University Of North Carolina At Wilmington is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,277, compared with $24,152 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,915 to complete the criminology program here. Criminology graduates of University Of North Carolina At Wilmington earn a median of $34,443 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted.

5

Johnson C Smith University
Charlotte, NC

Johnson C Smith University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in criminology, landing the #5 spot this year. Johnson C Smith University is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Charlotte. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,300. Criminology graduates carry a median of $32,047 in student loans. Soon after graduation, criminology degree recipients from Johnson C Smith University generally make around $32,751. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted.

6

Peace College
Raleigh, NC

Peace College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value criminology schools. Set in the city of Raleigh, Peace College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,176. Typical student debt for criminology graduates is $26,000. Soon after graduation, criminology degree recipients from Peace College generally make around $41,509. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%.