This snapshot is built from CollegeWhale’s own scholarship database and planning tools. It shows how many awards are available for Criminal Justice majors, how much money is on the table, and what early-career pay and typical college costs can look like.
We currently have 7 Criminal Justice verified and active scholarships available in our database. These awards come from professional associations, nonprofit organizations, and private sponsors. We’re actively adding scholarships tied to Criminal Justice. Check back often or use our main scholarship search to uncover more awards that fit your profile.
Across these listings, the total advertised award value comes to roughly $47,500. Many scholarships for this major list flexible or renewable award amounts. As we continue to add additional Criminal Justice scholarships, this section will show an estimate of the total dollars currently available in our database.
Graduates with a Criminal Justice degree commonly see early-career median pay around $77,000 per year, depending on location, employer type, and experience.
Criminal Justice ROI Snapshot:
We estimate a typical 4-year net cost of college at about
$108,584.
First-year median earnings are roughly 71% of that total cost. At that pace, it would take about 1.4 years of early-career earnings to “earn back” your degree investment (before taxes and living costs).
The average cost of in-of-state college in the United States is $27,146 per student per year, including books, supplies, and daily living expenses. Out-of-state students pay $45,708 per year. Private, nonprofit university students pay $58,628. According to data provided by educationdata.org as of 8/2025. Our ROI calculation is based on in-state average tuition. Median pay statistics are provided by bls.gov
The CollegeWhale Scholarship FastFind™ makes it easy to discover the best Criminal Justice scholarships — fast. Filter by award amount, deadline month, and estimated time to apply, then instantly download your personalized list. No sign-ups, no personal info, no spam — just real, verified scholarships.
The Scholarship offered by the Federal Criminal Investigators Association (FCIA) supports students pursuing degrees in criminal justice, criminology, forensic science, intelligence, homeland security or related fields, particularly with an interest in federal law-enforcement careers or public service in investigative work.
Award: Varies Deadline: March Est. Application Time: Med (78 min)
Alpha Phi Sigma, the National Criminal Justice Honor Society, offers several annual scholarships to outstanding students committed to scholarship, leadership and service within the criminal-justice field. These awards support undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate academic excellence, campus involvement and
Award: Varies Deadline: February Est. Application Time: Med (78 min)
The American Criminal Justice Association (ACJA), also known as Lambda Alpha Epsilon, offers scholarships to students pursuing careers in criminal justice, law enforcement, forensic science, corrections, security studies and related public-safety fields. The scholarship program reflects ACJA’s mission to promote
Award: $200 Deadline: December Est. Application Time: Med (78 min)
The James L. Maddex, Jr. Scholarship was established in honor of Professor Emeritus James L. Maddex, Jr., a respected educator whose work and leadership made a lasting impact on the Criminal Justice program at Georgia State University (GSU). This scholarship
Award: Varies Deadline: January Est. Application Time: Low (23 min)
Since its founding in 1999, Women in Federal Law Enforcement (WIFLE) has been at the forefront of advocating for the advancement of women in law enforcement. WIFLE is committed to promoting equality, offering mentorship, professional development, and empowerment within the
Award: $2,500 Deadline: May Est. Application Time: Med (58 min)
The Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship was established in 1992 by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) to honor the memories of Larry Jennings and Tracy Ritchie, two ACFE members who lost their lives in a terrorist attack in 1997. This
Award: $10,000 Deadline: Rolling Est. Application Time: Med (33 min)
The Earl Warren Scholarship is awarded annually by the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF) to rising law students who demonstrate a strong commitment to racial justice. The scholarship aims to support students whose dedication to civil rights reveals
Award: $10,000 Deadline: June Est. Application Time: Med (88 min)This comprehensive collection of Criminal Justice scholarships and grants for the 2026 - 2027 school years, curated from our regularly updated databases. To explore all available scholarship matches, visit our Scholarship Database and Grant Database, which both offer easy-to-use filters, current deadlines, and detailed eligibility information to help you discover the best Criminal Justice scholarship opportunities.
Scholarships for criminal justice majors help future law enforcement officers, criminologists, and forensic investigators pursue their education without financial barriers. With career paths that include policing, corrections, forensics, cybersecurity, and public policy, many organizations are committed to supporting students entering this vital field. Funding is available from national associations, corporate sponsors, universities, and law enforcement foundations—each designed to encourage ethical leadership and public service in the justice system.
In this guide, you’ll find scholarships for women, high school seniors, minority students, and those specializing in areas like forensic science and cybercrime. You’ll also learn how to strengthen your application, highlight civic engagement, and stand out to selection committees seeking the next generation of public safety professionals.
Yes, scholarships and grants are widely available for students majoring in criminal justice, criminology, forensic science, and related fields. These awards are offered by universities, government agencies, private foundations, and professional associations to support future law enforcement officers, public servants, and researchers.
Tip: Many scholarships for criminal justice majors consider leadership, community involvement, or a demonstrated interest in public safety—not just GPA.
Yes, several scholarships are designed to support women pursuing careers in criminal justice, law enforcement, and forensic science.
Tip: Highlight how your goals support representation and leadership in the field of justice or forensic science.
Yes, high school students who plan to pursue a criminal justice degree can apply for entry-level scholarships tied to public safety, leadership, or law enforcement interest.
Tip: Volunteer work, school safety club participation, or mock trial competitions can boost your application profile.
The Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) Law Enforcement Scholarship supports students pursuing careers that blend criminal justice with technology. It is ideal for those interested in cybersecurity, digital forensics, or intelligence within law enforcement.
This scholarship is especially valuable for students seeking careers in federal law enforcement, cybercrime investigation, or intelligence analysis.
Tip: Strong candidates will demonstrate both technical proficiency and a clear commitment to public safety.
The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Scholarship provides financial support to students pursuing degrees in law enforcement, criminal justice, or public safety. It helps foster the next generation of officers and public servants connected to the FOP community.
Scholarship amounts vary by lodge and can support both undergraduate and graduate students pursuing careers in policing, corrections, or justice administration.
Tip: Contact your local or state FOP lodge for application instructions, since guidelines and deadlines can vary by chapter.
The James L. Maddex Criminal Justice Scholarship is awarded by the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS) to students pursuing careers in law enforcement, criminology, or criminal justice research.
Tip: A strong personal statement outlining your goals in justice reform, policy work, or public safety can strengthen your application.
The NOBLE Scholarship promotes diversity in law enforcement by supporting minority students pursuing criminal justice degrees.
Tip: Emphasize community engagement and your commitment to equity in justice and policing.
Yes, several corporate and nonprofit partnerships offer scholarships to support students pursuing degrees in criminal justice, cybersecurity, and public safety.
Tip: Explore internships or mentorships offered through these programs—they often provide networking benefits alongside funding.
Many universities offer dedicated scholarships for students majoring in criminal justice, criminology, or forensic science. Examples include:
Tip: Contact your school’s criminal justice department directly—some awards are not widely advertised online.
Applying for scholarships in criminal justice is similar to other fields but often emphasizes civic engagement, ethical reasoning, and career alignment.
Tip: Apply for both national and local scholarships—even smaller awards can add up over time.
Fact: While many scholarships support students entering policing or corrections, others focus on:
The criminal justice field is broad—and scholarships are available for nearly every specialization within it.
Tip: Use specific keywords when searching—like “forensic science scholarship,” “juvenile justice grants,” or “law school diversity scholarships.”
Reviewed by CollegeWhale Editorial Team on November, 2025. Content is updated regularly to reflect current scholarship deadlines and verified data from official sources.
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