I’ve been doing some research and I’ve noticed that the more prestigious Indiana colleges don’t even offer criminal justice as a major… Still, I want to get into the best college in Indiana that offers criminal justice. I haven’t found too many good options besides IU (Bloomington), but I would rather not go there since I’d prefer a small college. I have a 3.5 GPA and around a 1250 SAT (new) as a junior if that helps, and fairly good extracurriculars (track + volunteering + giving blood)
Sociology and Criminology is the name of that area of study at Valparaiso University. Also consider the Honors College where you can explore such issues in considerable depth. Scholarships and financial aid are available.
Criminoligy is academically legit, criminal justice is not, which is why you don’t find the latter at a top college. Criminal justice does have professional outcomes, law enforcement officer, corrections officer. Often, a 4-year degree isn’t necessary for these positions, a 2-year degree is sufficient.
Criminology is the interdisciplinary study of crimes and criminals, it’s different.
What did you want to do with a criminal justice major?
Earlham sounds like a good choice for the type of fit you’renlookibg for.
Would you consider colleges in Ohio or other states?
I’m planning on becoming a police officer. I thought criminal justice would be more practical than criminology, but if it’s not, I’m glad I’m getting that information now. I would prefer a college in Indiana since I’ve been taking dual credit classes that wouldn’t be recognized out of state, and I’m also not too happy about out of state tuition.
Some OOS colleges will accept dual enrollment credit.
OOS tuition applies to public universities, but private universities do not distinguish between instate and out of state, and actually many “national” private colleges, especially LACs, offer “preferential packaging” for students who come from 400+ miles away.
Retake the test, as pushing your scores even to 1400 will put you in the running for better scholarships. The “magic” number is 1450 for full tuition or even full ride.