
CUNY--John Jay College of Criminal Justice
School Overview
CUNY--John Jay College of Criminal Justice is located in New York, NY, 10019, set within a urban environment that shapes the daily student experience. The university is ranked #17 among National Universities by U.S. News & World Report. It offers programs at the bachelor’s degree level, serving students with a range of academic interests and career aspirations.
With an acceptance rate of 57%, CUNY--John Jay College of Criminal Justice offers a realistic pathway for students who have maintained a consistent academic record throughout high school. Successful applicants typically present SAT scores of 930-1220. The average high school GPA among enrolled freshmen is 3.0.
With 11,939 undergraduates, CUNY--John Jay College of Criminal Justice is large enough to offer a wide range of academic programs yet maintains a sense of campus community that helps students find their place. The student-to-faculty ratio is 16:01, meaning professors are accessible for office hours, research mentorship, and one-on-one guidance. Approximately 34% of classes have fewer than 20 students, fostering the kind of seminar-style discussion and hands-on collaboration that deepens real understanding. The institution achieves a four-year graduation rate of 41%, a strong indicator that students receive the support they need to finish on time and move into their careers or further study.
The most popular fields of study at CUNY--John Jay College of Criminal Justice include Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services (52% of students, median early-career salary: $62,064), Psychology (17% of students, median early-career salary: $55,307), and Social Sciences (12% of students, median early-career salary: $56,457). These enrollment patterns reflect the institution's strengths and the career interests of its student body, giving prospective students a clear sense of the academic culture and post-graduation opportunities available here.
However, the average net price after financial aid is $3,780, which is the amount most aided students actually pay — often considerably less than the sticker price. Need-based aid averages $5,877 per recipient, demonstrating the institution's commitment to making education financially accessible. For families evaluating the return on a college investment, these figures — combined with CUNY--John Jay College of Criminal Justice's academic reputation and graduate outcomes — provide a concrete basis for comparison.
Choosing a college is one of the most significant decisions a student and family will make. CUNY--John Jay College of Criminal Justice combines nationally recognized academic quality, a favorable student-to-faculty ratio, a diverse range of popular programs to create an environment where students can grow intellectually, build professional skills, and form lasting connections. We encourage prospective students to explore the detailed data on this page to determine whether CUNY--John Jay College of Criminal Justice is the right fit for their academic and personal goals.
Academics & Admissions
- Acceptance Rate: 57%
- SAT Range: 930-1220
- High School GPA: 3.0
- Graduation Rate (4yr): 41%
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 16:01
- Classes Under 20: 34%
- Undergraduate Enrollment: 11,939
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s Degree
Cost & Financial Aid
- Annual Cost: $3,780
- Avg Need-Based Aid: $5,877
Official Website
College Rankings
Popular Majors
CUNY--John Jay College of Criminal Justice Online Program
CUNY--John Jay College of Criminal Justice offers an online degree program designed for students who need the flexibility to study on their own schedule while earning an accredited degree. The program delivers its curriculum through a modern digital learning platform, with recorded lectures, interactive assignments, and virtual collaboration tools that replicate the engagement of an on-campus experience.
Tuition is structured at $470 per credit hour, giving students a transparent and predictable way to budget their educational investment. The program currently enrolls 299 online students, a figure that speaks to both the demand for flexible education and the program's ability to deliver on its academic promises. Admissions follow a rolling deadline, meaning students can apply at any time and begin their studies when ready — an ideal structure for those whose timelines don't align with traditional academic calendars.
From the program: CUNY--John Jay College of Criminal Justice′s online programs are among more than 1,800 programs surveyed by U.S. News. Only regionally accredited institutions whose programs are offered mostly or entirely online were evaluated. Learn more about the online programs rankings methodology.
What Students Gain
Students enrolled in CUNY--John Jay College of Criminal Justice's online program gain more than a credential — they develop practical skills and professional knowledge that translate directly into career advancement. The asynchronous format means coursework can be completed around work schedules, family responsibilities, and other commitments, removing the barriers that prevent many qualified individuals from pursuing higher education. The per-credit pricing model means you only pay for the courses you take each term, allowing you to control the pace and cost of your degree simultaneously. CUNY--John Jay College of Criminal Justice provides online students with the same academic standards, faculty expertise, and institutional resources as its on-campus programs, ensuring that your degree carries the same weight with employers and graduate schools. Support services — including academic advising, technical help, and career counseling — are available to distance learners throughout their enrollment, from orientation through commencement.
Cost & Enrollment
- Tuition/Credit: $470.0
- Online Enrollment: 299
- Application Deadline: Rolling
Online Rankings
- #75-99 in Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice Programs