2024 Best Colleges for Criminal Justice in Virginia

• Lynchburg, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  8,332 reviews

Graduate Student: I have had a wonderful experience in the Counselor Education & Supervision PhD program at Liberty! My program started as intensive based, but because of the pandemic, we online met online. I loved the time we had in the intensives (week only in-class instruction each semester). I had fabulous professors that really focused on our strengths and built us up rather than tear us down. Don’t get me wrong, they were fair in their assessments of us as students. The program was rigorous, accredited, and focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Yes, it’s Christian based, but all are welcome and the focus is not shoving Christianity down someone’s throat or beating people over the head with the Bible till they believe. The program I was in was fair, objective, personal, and followed counseling ethics set forth by the American Counseling Association.... Read 8,332 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 99%

• Net price $27,891

• SAT range 1040-1250

• Fairfax, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  5,030 reviews

Freshman: George Mason is a very good college when it comes to academics. The professors are very good at teaching and are nice to their students. GMU is an amazing school for research. Additionally, the mix is an engineer's paradise with many tools and machines to use for free. The student life could have improved, but during weekdays you can find some events around the campus. Mason's student success coaching service is awesome. They are very caring and are always there when you need help with getting good grades in your classes. Athletics are decent as well. However, there is no football field. There is a football team, but it is not like your other major football universities. GMU's diversity is the best I have seen at any college. Many cultures at GMU can be observed and celebrated!... Read 5,030 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $18,841

• SAT range 1140-1350

• Virginia Beach, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  1,041 reviews

Sophomore: I am currently doing online courses thru Regent University. Professors and online groups have been very helpful, with the common goal to learn as much as possible in cybersecurity. My questions are answered in a timely fashion. The online bookstore has an amazing buy back system that is financially helpful. On occasion I have met with staff on campus. They are very cordial and do their best to assist me in navigating future plans. The campus has always had a friendly, safe atmosphere. I am working towards actually being on campus Fall 2024. Can’t wait!... Read 1,041 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 41%

• Net price $16,579

• SAT range 960-1230

• Danville, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  365 reviews

Sophomore: Overall, I have had a wonderful experience at Averett University. Even though having only been there for three semesters, I feel like the on hands learning environment that is given to me has helped me further my knowledge, growth and overall passion about what I want to do after higher education. Not only has my education been impacted but also my growth as an athlete and leader has occurred at the university.... Read 365 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 48%

• Net price $22,674

• SAT range 910-1100

• Arlington, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  885 reviews

Other: I attended this weekend's admitted student day and thoroughly enjoyed our first campus visit. As a parent, it was fantastic to engage with various departments at the resource fair, and I particularly appreciated learning about the diverse range of student clubs and upcoming campus events, including the Black History Month programs happening this month. While the food was acceptable, there's room for improvement, especially considering the long lines. Surprisingly, the residence halls exceeded my expectations. I was able to attend the student life social which was great, unfortunately, we had to leave early. so I had to miss the mass. It might be beneficial to schedule mass in the morning.... Read 885 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $26,717

• SAT range 970-1170

• Richmond, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  4,747 reviews

Sophomore: I first came to VCU in the summer of 2022 for their summer scholars program. I came from a very small town with little to no diversity, so being in a large campus with many different colliding cultures was very refreshing! VCU has so many wonderful resources available to their students to encourage and support their success in whatever they may choose. I personally love Recwell, all of the student organizations, and the infinite opportunities to engage in tutoring/ supplemental instruction. I think there could be more safety procedures implemented on campus, but just like every other big university that is open to the public and immersed in the city - there is not much that they can do.... Read 4,747 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 93%

• Net price $19,656

• SAT range 1070-1300

• Winchester, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  890 reviews

Junior: I moved from VT to VA for the SU Music Therapy program. I have never regretted that decision as I love every aspect of the school. Challenging but fun academics, good people and overall lots to do! Overall a great place to spend a very important four years of my life!... Read 890 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 74%

• Net price $29,077

• SAT range 1000-1200

• Radford, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  1,662 reviews

Freshman: Radford is a really pleasant university! The campus is pretty and sized very conveniently. I can get everywhere within 10-15 minutes. I really enjoy the surrounding area, though if you don't have access to a car, it's hard to fully enjoy it. I'd also love more quality, healthy food variety on campus, but I make do.... Read 1,662 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 95%

• Net price $16,835

• SAT range 950-1150

• Lynchburg, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  717 reviews

Alum: I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Lynchburg. The small campus has such a homie feel. It is an extremely tight knit community. The small class sizes were perfect and promoted more student-professor interaction that I desired. Aside from the gorgeous campus, the city of Lynchburg is full of rich history and beautiful scenery to explore on the weekends.... Read 717 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 97%

• Net price $27,305

• SAT range 970-1170

• Salem, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  770 reviews

Senior: Embarking on the journey of higher education as a first-generation college student at Roanoke College has been a transformative experience, marked by academic accomplishments, personal growth, and the discovery of my true passions. As a finance major with a solid 3.0 GPA, my time at Roanoke College has not only equipped me with the technical skills required in my field but has also provided a platform for holistic development. One of the defining aspects of my college experience has been the invaluable relationships forged with professors who have served not only as educators but as mentors and guides. The close-knit community at Roanoke College has allowed me to establish professional connections with faculty members who have played a crucial role in my academic journey.... Read 770 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 80%

• Net price $27,758

• SAT range 1080-1230

• Norfolk, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  4,659 reviews

Freshman: As an online-only student at Old Dominion University, I've had an overwhelmingly positive experience. The flexibility of their online programs allowed me to pursue my education while balancing other commitments. The courses were engaging, and the faculty were generally supportive and knowledgeable. However, I did encounter one professor whose teaching style didn't quite align with my learning preferences. Nonetheless, the university's resources and community made up for this, ensuring a rewarding academic journey overall.... Read 4,659 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 96%

• Net price $17,254

• SAT range 1020-1220

• Virginia Beach, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.05 out of 5  1,309 reviews

Freshman: There are a lot of pros and cons about going to ECPI University. Firstly, the tuition price alone is enough to scare some people away. However this school made the most sense for me at the time because after getting out of boot camp and Hospital Corpsman basic in the Navy Reserves, I did not have any prerequisites. I enjoy the accelerated style of ECPI and how they incorporate prerequisites into the program. I am currently taking pharmacology and dosage calc, I have had all of my clinicals so far, cancelled, which i do find a major con. The program has promised to reschedule the clinicals and my reschedule was cancelled as well. I believe the hours will get made up toward the end of the program which poses as a con because juggling extra clinicals in a class with lecture and sim lab then the extra clinicals on top of it may be very challenging. for pros I enjoy the smaller class setting and amazing professors that do the best to prepare students for NCLEX and real world nursing.... Read 1,309 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $22,004

• SAT range —

• Petersburg, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.51 out of 5  1,357 reviews

Freshman: I love VSU, and if you are looking for interactive classes with caring professors then this is the place for you! Band is one of the biggest growing programs which gives you many opportunities. Sports is thriving and continues to produce great athletes with character. There are always activities and clubs on campus to keep you active . So if these things sound good to you pick VSU, Go Trojans!... Read 1,357 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 96%

• Net price $16,770

• SAT range 830-1040

• Farmville, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  1,213 reviews

Freshman: What I like about Longwood University is the campus scenery, especially during the Spring and Summer, because there are beautiful flowers and a lovely fountain. The Dining Hall has a variety of foods to choose from, and there are numerous locations like Chick-Fil-A and Moe’s where students can use meal swipes to get a free meal. I also like that there is a Symposium Day where students get the opportunity to share and participate in hands-on activities to learn about different cultures. What I would like to see change is for students to be more involved on campus and for students to get more opportunities to learn about different cultures.... Read 1,213 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 90%

• Net price $21,166

• SAT range 1030-1170

• Richmond, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.31 out of 5  543 reviews

Freshman: Virginia Union University is a small school but that's one of the reasons why I chose to attend. When you attend a small University you get to know your professors and they get to know you. I also like it because the classrooms are smaller than your usual big schools. There's a short walk to all of the classrooms, dorms and cafeterias. The only thing I would change would be the hours of operation at the cafeteria on the weekend and maybe use the vans that are at school for student transportation in a two mile radius.... Read 543 reviews

• grade C minus

• Acceptance rate 94%

• Net price $16,068

• SAT range 760-940

• Staunton, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.43 out of 5  636 reviews

Freshman: Mary Baldwin is a college that includes all sorts of students. When I visited the campus for a free tour, I already felt welcomed and was excited to begin my 4 year journey at the college. The college allowed me to connect to resources in order to get through college easily. As I am a first generation student, I am treated more with resources since this I have no clue as to what is going on within the college. My advisor allows me to look at look at and organize my schedule to my liking so that I can have time to study, visit events, and have personal time with friends.... Read 636 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $17,525

• SAT range —

• Virginia Beach, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  759 reviews

Freshman: Personally, it's my first time and year learning in virginia wesleyan and I am flabbergasted on how the university is beautiful, how wonderful it was on the Cafe their meals and even the campus life is very good on casting events that could let us meet different types of people. In diversity they got good amount of diverse students from different countries and it has been good being marlin.... Read 759 reviews

• grade C minus

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $22,584

• SAT range 1150-1380

• Ashland, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.54 out of 5  527 reviews

Alum: Randolph-Macon was the perfect "home away from home" that I could ask for. The entire community, from the professors and staff to the students, is incredibly welcoming and supportive. Professors genuinely care for your well-being and want to see you succeed both inside and outside of the classroom. There are countless ways to get involved on campus and pursue your passions. Internships, study abroad opportunities, and research are all encouraged and easily accessible to students, offering unique ways of learning/gaining experience outside of the traditional classroom setting. The dining hall seems to get a bad reputation, but I honestly loved the food and always felt like there were plenty of options if I wasn't interested in one of the main courses offered. If food is a big concern, make sure to visit the dining hall when you visit to decide if it is up to your standards. Overall, I wouldn't trade my experience here for the world and feel very lucky that I chose RMC.... Read 527 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $26,794

• SAT range 1030-1230

• Hampton, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.25 out of 5  2,157 reviews

Freshman: I am a student at Hampton University, and while I have no intention of disparaging this esteemed institution, there are certain aspects I wish I had been aware of before enrolling. Despite Hampton’s reputation for being supportive and attentive to its students, I have not found this to be the case. The faculty and staff, in my experience, have not been helpful, and I have often found their demeanor disrespectful. I have suffered from food poisoning on two occasions, which is attributed to undercooked meals that we pay $5000 for. It’s disheartening to think that we invest so much money, yet we are not provided with proper meals, adequate treatment, or satisfactory living conditions. There’s even mold in the dorms. However, the campus is indeed beautiful, and it offers a sense of safety. You could venture out at 2 am and feel completely secure. But that’s about the extent of it. Hampton is not known for its party scene, and the surrounding area doesn’t offer much in terms of either.... Read 2,157 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 80%

• Net price $33,204

• SAT range 980-1120

• Danville, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  47 reviews

Freshman: I love the staff and all the help they give when getting started! I'm a 42 yr old single mom of 4 and going back to school has long been a struggle. Without the help and patience of the faculty at averett I don't know that I would be on my way to a degree!... Read 47 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 9%

• Net price $12,165

• SAT range —

• Virginia Beach, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  114 reviews

Junior: This is a very great school with an excellent BSN program. The staff are very supportive and always available for questions. I have not regretted coming to this school.... Read 114 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $22,714

• SAT range —

• Arlington, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  35 reviews

Sophomore: What I enjoy the most is the flexibilty the university offers. The school students a self pace program that allows students to fit classes to their busy schedule. The staff and techs are very military friendly and support the service members. I attend college on line and would not change anything, all my experiences have been great.... Read 35 reviews

• grade unavailable

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $11,075

• SAT range —

• Charlottesville, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  2,408 reviews

Freshman: I have really loved my first year at UVA. All of my professors have been intelligent, thoughtful, and well-versed in their subjects; even better, almost all of them cared about my well-being not just as a student, but also as a human being, even in classes of 100+ people. The friends I've made here have been wonderful, and there is a wealth of opportunities in terms of extracurricular activities, internships, and undergraduate research here. I have no complaints at all!... Read 2,408 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 21%

• Net price $20,401

• SAT range 1380-1500

• Annandale, VA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  2,972 reviews

Sophomore: I will be graduating from NOVA in a month and it has been a great experience. I have taken my time with my degree and have spent six years here. I've had many great professors that genuinely care about my success. I've been able to experience many great things while also saving a lot of money. Not only are the academics great, but NOVA hosts a lot of events. Movie nights, NOVA's got talent, and NOVA day are just a few examples. They're really fun ways that the school encourages socializing and provides a well deserved break from classes. The school is located right near anything you'll need; shopping, food, and entertainment. Being so close to DC is definitely a plus! Something I would like to see changed is the food inside of the school. I attended the Manassas campus, and the cafe is not the best. There used to be students running it, but now the food is served from vending machines. Overall, my experience has been fantastic and I hope other students enjoy it as well.... Read 2,972 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $9,627

• SAT range —

• Norfolk, VA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  1,604 reviews

Other: I have loved being both a student and employed at Tidewater Community College. A smaller campus, allows for more opportunity to actual get to know your fellow classmate and faculty and staff. All of my professors have been very kind and willing to help. And all my classmates have shown a true interest in learning and getting to know each other. As a staff member, I have more appreciation that goes into maintaining such an image and standard. They also prioritize my current education-work-life balance very deeply. It has been a joy to attend and staff this school... Read 1,604 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,292

• SAT range —