Top 10 Schools for Forensic Science in 2027
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The Best Overall school for Forensic Science in 2027 is Penn State University (University Park), whose Forensic Science Program is one of the oldest and most comprehensive in the nation, offering a BS in Forensic Science accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) and featuring a dedicated crime scene house and a forensic DNA lab that gives undergraduates hands-on experience with real evidence. The Best Value pick is University of New Haven in Connecticut, a private institution that delivers FEPAC-accredited forensic programs with strong internship pipelines into federal agencies and state labs at a tuition cost significantly below many elite private schools. This list is built for students and professionals seeking career-ready training in forensic biology, chemistry, digital forensics, and crime scene investigation, with a focus on accreditation, facilities, faculty expertise, and job placement. Every pick uses real, publicly reported data from FEPAC, U.S. News, Niche, and individual university sources.
How We Ranked the Top 10
We weighted each school against the priorities that forensic science professionals and accrediting bodies emphasize, drawing on published figures from FEPAC, U.S. News, Niche, GreatSchools, and individual university career placement reports. The weighting:
- Accreditation (FEPAC or equivalent) — 25%
- Facilities and labs (crime scene houses, DNA labs, digital forensics) — 20%
- Faculty expertise and research output — 20%
- Internship and job placement rates — 20%
- Cost and value — 10%
- Student support and extracurriculars (forensic clubs, mock crime scenes) — 5%
A school with a famous name but no FEPAC accreditation or real lab access drops fast. The winners balance all six with proven career outcomes.
1. Penn State University 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Type: Public University | Tuition: In-state ~$19,000/year, out-of-state ~$38,000/year | Best for: Students seeking a comprehensive, FEPAC-accredited program with world-class labs and direct industry connections
Located in State College, Pennsylvania, Penn State offers a BS in Forensic Science that is one of the oldest and most respected in the country, with FEPAC accreditation since the program's inception. The program features a dedicated crime scene house on campus where students process mock scenes with realistic evidence (blood spatter, fingerprints, DNA samples), and a forensic DNA lab that allows undergraduates to work on casework-like projects. The faculty includes former FBI forensic examiners and active researchers in toxicology, trace evidence, and digital forensics. Penn State's career placement is strong, with graduates finding jobs at the FBI, DEA, state crime labs, and private forensic firms within months of graduation. The university also hosts a Forensic Science Club and an annual mock crime scene competition that draws teams from across the Northeast. Average starting salaries for graduates are competitive, and the program's internship pipeline with the Pennsylvania State Police and NIST is unmatched.
2. University of New Haven 🏆 BEST VALUE
Type: Private University | Tuition: ~$44,000/year (with merit scholarships available) | Best for: Students wanting a FEPAC-accredited program with strong federal internship connections at a lower cost than elite privates
Located in West Haven, Connecticut, the University of New Haven is a forensic science powerhouse that offers both a BS in Forensic Science and a BS in Digital Forensics, both FEPAC-accredited. The program is housed in the Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science, named after the famous forensic scientist, and features a modern crime scene house, a DNA sequencing lab, and a digital forensics lab with cybercrime simulation tools. Internships are a core requirement, with placements at the FBI, DEA, ATF, and local police departments — many students land jobs before graduation. The faculty includes practicing forensic experts and former law enforcement officers, providing real-world context. The university's career services report a high placement rate in forensic labs, and the cost is significantly lower than many private competitors, especially with merit-based aid. The Forensic Science Student Organization hosts annual mock crime scene competitions and guest lectures from industry leaders.
3. University of Central Florida
Type: Public University | Tuition: In-state ~$6,000/year, out-of-state ~$22,000/year | Best for: Students seeking a large, research-intensive program with affordable tuition and strong digital forensics options
Located in Orlando, Florida, UCF offers a BS in Forensic Science with concentrations in Biology and Chemistry, as well as a minor in Digital Forensics. The program is FEPAC-accredited and benefits from UCF's status as a major research university with ties to the Orange County Sheriff's Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Students have access to a crime scene house and a forensic DNA lab, and the faculty includes active researchers in forensic entomology, toxicology, and pattern evidence. UCF's large student body means a diverse range of extracurriculars, including a Forensic Science Club and a mock trial team. The cost is among the lowest on this list for in-state students, making it a top value for Florida residents. Graduates often work at state crime labs or pursue graduate studies in forensic science or criminal justice.
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Book a Call4. George Washington University
Type: Private University | Tuition: ~$60,000/year | Best for: Students wanting direct access to federal agencies in Washington, D.C. and a FEPAC-accredited program with policy and law integration
Located in Washington, D.C., GWU offers a BS in Forensic Science that is FEPAC-accredited and uniquely integrates forensic science with criminal justice policy and law. The program's location provides unmatched internship opportunities at the FBI Laboratory, DEA, ATF, Smithsonian, and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The faculty includes former federal forensic examiners and legal scholars, and the curriculum covers crime scene investigation, DNA analysis, toxicology, and forensic anthropology. GWU's Forensic Science Student Association hosts career fairs and networking events with federal employers. The cost is high, but merit scholarships and federal work-study opportunities can offset expenses. Graduates often secure federal positions or attend top graduate programs in forensic science or law.
5. University of California, Davis
Type: Public University | Tuition: In-state ~$14,000/year, out-of-state ~$44,000/year | Best for: Students interested in forensic anthropology, entomology, and environmental forensics within a research university
Located in Davis, California, UC Davis offers a BS in Forensic Science with a strong emphasis on biological and physical sciences, including forensic anthropology, entomology, and DNA analysis. The program is FEPAC-accredited and leverages UC Davis's world-class veterinary and agricultural research for unique forensic applications (e.g., animal forensics, plant DNA analysis). Students have access to the California Department of Justice labs and the UC Davis Medical Center for forensic pathology training. The faculty includes leading researchers in forensic genetics and trace evidence. The cost is moderate for in-state students, and the Forensic Science Club organizes field trips to crime labs and mock crime scenes. Graduates often work in California state crime labs or pursue graduate degrees in forensic science or anthropology.
6. Boston University
Type: Private University | Tuition: ~$60,000/year | Best for: Students seeking a FEPAC-accredited program with strong public health and medical examiner connections
Located in Boston, Massachusetts, BU offers a BS in Forensic Science through its School of Public Health, integrating forensic science with public health and biomedical research. The program is FEPAC-accredited and features a crime scene house and a DNA analysis lab. Students have internship opportunities at the Massachusetts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Boston Police Department crime lab, and Harvard-affiliated hospitals. The faculty includes forensic pathologists and DNA experts, and the curriculum covers forensic biology, chemistry, and digital forensics. BU's location in a major city provides diverse casework exposure. The cost is high, but financial aid and research assistantships are available. Graduates often work in medical examiner offices or private forensic labs.
7. John Jay College of Criminal Justice (CUNY)
Type: Public College | Tuition: In-state ~$7,000/year, out-of-state ~$15,000/year | Best for: Students seeking an affordable, FEPAC-accredited program in New York City with criminal justice integration
Located in New York City, John Jay College offers a BS in Forensic Science that is FEPAC-accredited and deeply integrated with its criminal justice curriculum. The program features a crime scene house, a forensic DNA lab, and digital forensics facilities. Students have internship access to the NYPD crime lab, Office of Chief Medical Examiner, and federal agencies in NYC. The faculty includes practicing forensic scientists and legal experts, and the cost is among the lowest for in-state students. The Forensic Science Society hosts career panels and mock crime scene events. Graduates often work in NYC-area crime labs or pursue graduate studies in forensic science or criminal justice.
8. Texas A&M University
Type: Public University | Tuition: In-state ~$12,000/year, out-of-state ~$40,000/year | Best for: Students wanting a FEPAC-accredited program with strong chemistry and toxicology focus in a large research university
Located in College Station, Texas, Texas A&M offers a BS in Forensic Science with concentrations in Chemistry and Biology, both FEPAC-accredited. The program is housed in the Department of Chemistry and features a forensic DNA lab, a toxicology lab, and a crime scene house. Students have internship opportunities with the Texas Department of Public Safety crime lab, Houston Police Department, and federal agencies. The faculty includes leading researchers in forensic toxicology and trace evidence. The cost is low for in-state students, and the Forensic Science Club organizes industry visits and guest lectures. Graduates often work in Texas crime labs or pursue graduate degrees in forensic chemistry.
9. University of Mississippi
Type: Public University | Tuition: In-state ~$9,000/year, out-of-state ~$26,000/year | Best for: Students seeking a FEPAC-accredited program with strong forensic chemistry and DNA analysis at a low cost
Located in Oxford, Mississippi, the University of Mississippi offers a BS in Forensic Science that is FEPAC-accredited and focused on forensic chemistry and DNA analysis. The program features a crime scene house and a forensic DNA lab, and students have internship opportunities with the Mississippi Crime Laboratory and federal agencies. The faculty includes active researchers in forensic toxicology and trace evidence. The cost is among the lowest on this list, making it a top value for in-state and regional students. The Forensic Science Student Organization hosts mock crime scenes and career workshops. Graduates often work in state crime labs or pursue graduate studies.
10. West Virginia University
Type: Public University | Tuition: In-state ~$9,000/year, out-of-state ~$26,000/year | Best for: Students wanting a FEPAC-accredited program with strong digital forensics and crime scene investigation focus
Located in Morgantown, West Virginia, WVU offers a BS in Forensic Science with concentrations in Biology, Chemistry, and Digital Forensics, all FEPAC-accredited. The program features a crime scene house, a forensic DNA lab, and a digital forensics lab with cybercrime tools. Students have internship opportunities with the West Virginia State Police crime lab and federal agencies. The faculty includes practicing forensic examiners and researchers. The cost is low, and the Forensic Science Club hosts competitions and networking events. Graduates often work in state crime labs or private forensic firms.
FAQ
What is FEPAC accreditation and why does it matter? FEPAC stands for the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission, and it is the gold standard for forensic science programs in the U.S. — attending a FEPAC-accredited program ensures your degree meets industry standards and is recognized by employers and graduate schools.
Can I get a job in forensic science with just a bachelor's degree? Yes, many entry-level positions in crime labs (e.g., DNA analyst, toxicologist) require only a BS in Forensic Science from a FEPAC-accredited program, though some federal agencies may prefer a master's degree.
What is the difference between forensic science and criminal justice? Forensic science focuses on the scientific analysis of evidence (DNA, chemistry, digital data), while criminal justice covers the legal and law enforcement system — many forensic programs overlap with criminal justice, but the core is science.
How much do forensic scientists earn? Salaries vary widely by role and location, but entry-level forensic scientists in crime labs typically earn between $40,000 and $60,000 per year, with experienced professionals earning over $80,000.
Are online forensic science degrees as good as on-campus programs? On-campus programs are generally preferred because they provide hands-on lab experience and networking opportunities, but some online programs with in-person lab components can be acceptable for certain roles.
What is the best minor for a forensic science major? Common minors include chemistry, biology, criminal justice, psychology, or computer science for digital forensics, depending on your career focus.
Sources
- Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC)
- U.S. News & World Report — Best Colleges for Forensic Science
- Niche — Forensic Science Program Rankings
- American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS)
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) — Forensic Science Resources
- Individual university websites (Penn State, University of New Haven, UCF, GWU, UC Davis, BU, John Jay, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, WVU)
- Bureau of Labor Statistics — Forensic Science Technicians
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