John Jay College of Criminal Justice Overview 2025!

Imagine studying where the pulse of New York meets the pursuit of justice. John Jay College of Criminal Justice offers you higher education opportunities in fields such as criminal justice, forensic psychology, public administration, and cybersecurity. Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), it upholds academic standards across its various on-campus and online degree programs.

With 31 undergraduate majors, 13 graduate specialties, and John Jay Criminal Justice Phd programs, you’ll choose from a wide range of hands-on and JJC online courses every semester. The college provides facilities such as cutting-edge labs, the Lloyd Sealy Library, on-campus fitness and theater spaces, and research centers focused on topics ranging from cybercrime to human rights.

Curious to see how John Jay CUNY can launch your career? Scroll down to learn about programs, campus life, and application tips!

About the John Jay College of Criminal Justice

John Jay College of Criminal Justice began in 1964 as CUNY’s first school devoted to policing and public safety. Today, it serves over 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students from more than 130 countries. It is one of the best criminal justice schools in NY, offering affordable and high-quality degree and certificate programs. The US News and World Report ranks John Jay 7th among top public schools.

As a federally designated Hispanic-serving and minority-serving institution, John Jay stands tall among the nation’s leaders in social mobility and Black student success. Located in Midtown of Manhattan, just steps from Columbus Circle, you can intern with local law enforcement (NYPD), district attorney’s offices, and community research centers.

It is one of the top criminal justice schools in NY that allows you to combine academic study with community engagement. With world-class technology suites, faculty-led research projects, and a global alumni network, John Jay prepares graduates to advance justice in diverse and urban settings.

John Jay College of Criminal Justice Admission Requirements

John Jay is one of the top choices for students seeking a criminal justice degree New York. To help guide you with a complete guide for college application, here are the admission requirements for international undergraduate and graduate applicants:

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

• Apply online and pay a $65 application fee for freshmen or $70 for transfer students.
• Provide photocopies of all secondary school documents (transcripts, mark sheets, diplomas). If not in English, submit certified translations alongside the originals.
• Demonstrate completion of a secondary program equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma. The University Application Processing Center (UAPC)’s credential evaluators will verify your credentials.
• If you’re transferring credits, include official academic transcripts from every school or institution you’ve attended, along with proof of good academic standing.
• Meet the English proficiency requirement (unless you’ve earned a grade of “C” or higher in an English Composition course at a U.S. college) by submitting one of the following test scores:

Graduate Admission Requirements

• Apply online and pay a $75 application fee (this fee is waived for Fall 2025 admissions).
• Complete the online graduate application, including two to three academic or professional letters of recommendation (LOR).
• Submit a 500‑word personal statement for most master’s and certificate programs. 
  
  • Forensic program applicants should detail past and intended research 
  • MPA candidates should highlight service and professional experiences.
• Arrange a course‐by‐course credential evaluation (U.S. equivalency, graduation date, GPA) through a National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES)‑approved agency.
• Mail sealed and original‑language transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.
• GRE is waived for Fall 2025, except in specified forensic programs
  
  • Applicants with GPAs below 3.0 are encouraged to submit scores (GRE code 2115)
  • MA/JD candidates may submit LSAT results instead

Unless you earned your bachelor’s at a U.S.‑accredited, English‑medium school (see CUNY’s exempt‑countries list), you must demonstrate proficiency via one of the approved tests:

John Jay College of Criminal Justice Application Deadlines

John Jay College of Criminal Justice provides several application deadlines to fit various student timelines. It has rolling admissions to give you the best chance to become part of its community:

Undergraduate Application Deadlines

The 2025 John Jay admissions deadlines for undergraduate international applicants are:

Graduate Application Deadlines

The JJC application deadline for graduate programs differ for various programs. However, international students interested in the John Jay Criminal Justice Masters are advised to apply by:

How to Apply to the John Jay College of Criminal Justice

To apply to one of the best New York schools for criminal justice, you can follow this step-by-step application process:

Step 1: Decide whether you’re applying as an international undergraduate or graduate student, and decide on your John Jay criminal justice major. Then click the corresponding “Apply” link on the International Students page.

Step 2: Create your CUNYfirst (undergraduate) or CUNY Graduate Admissions account and fill out the online application.

Step 3: Pay the non-refundable application fee. You can pay it by mailing a check or money order to the Office of Admissions, made payable to John Jay College.

Step 4: Gather all the required documents, like English tests and transcripts, to mail them to the college for further processing.

Step 5: Allow 4 to 6 weeks for application processing, as evaluations can take time, so submit all materials well before your term deadline.

Step 6: Monitor your status via your CUNY portal or by emailing undergraduateadmissions@jjay.cuny.edu or graduateadmissions@jjay.cuny.edu, and supply any missing items.

Step 7: Upon admission, contact International Student Services to obtain your Form I‑20 and complete F‑1 visa requirements.

John Jay College of Criminal Justice Tuition Fees

John Jay is hailed as one of the most affordable criminal justice schools in NY, with 85% of students with $0 debt. Let us look at its tuition fee structure for undergraduate and graduate programs in detail:

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees (Summer 2025 - Spring 2026)

Graduate Tuition and Fees (Summer 2025 - Spring 2026)

Scholarship Opportunities at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice 

John Jay College of Criminal Justice offers various scholarship opportunities and financial aids to meritorious students. For international students looking for criminal justice programs in New York, the college provides the following scholarships:

Get Affordable Student Housing Near John Jay CUNY

Situated in the vibrant heart of Midtown Manhattan, John Jay College of Criminal Justice combines rigorous coursework with hands‑on training. Small seminars, state‑of‑the‑art labs, and partnerships with law enforcement and public safety agencies put real‑world experience at your fingertips. The college does not offer on-campus housing. However, it partners with many private student housing providers.

Additionally, Amber helps you pick a cozy studio near Bryant Park, a shared flat in Murray Hill, or a room by Times Square. Live within easy reach of campus and New York’s top cultural landmarks, so you can dedicate yourself to studies, internships, and city life.

Ready to start your journey to a criminal justice degree NYC? Explore off‑campus housing with Amber and begin your Manhattan adventure with ease!

Given below are some of the best affordable housing options for John Jay students:

1. New Yorker
2. W 42nd St
3. 92NY
4. 111 East 39th Street
5. 138 East 37th Street