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Criminal Justice and Corrections Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

Criminal Justice and Corrections programs span an extraordinary cost spectrum, from Colegio Universitario de San Juan's $200 net price to California State institutions approaching $4,000. This 20-to-1 price variation reflects the field's accessibility across different educational models and geographic regions. Texas A&M University-Central Texas graduates earn $25,774 annually while carrying $20,375 in debt, illustrating the financial reality many criminal justice graduates face. The federal corrections system alone employs over 37,000 workers nationwide, with state and local agencies adding hundreds of thousands more positions. CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice stands out with graduates earning $38,182, the highest in this affordable tier, while maintaining a selective 50.66% acceptance rate. Public institutions dominate this price range, offering criminal justice education at community colleges, regional universities, and specialized campuses. Graduation rates vary dramatically, from Atlanta Metropolitan State College's 14.30% to CUNY John Jay's 55.50%, reflecting different student populations and institutional missions.
50
Programs
$200 – $7,607
Net Price Range
$27,896
Avg. Program Earnings
37.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Criminal Justice and Corrections Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $200 $2,340 30.1% 98.5%
2 $1,113 $6,627 95.7%
3 $2,010 $4,252 33.8%
4 $3,046 $7,470 55.5% 50.7%
5 $3,061 $7,846 48.9% 47.9%
6 $3,659 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
7 $4,113 $6,813 52.6% 86.9%
8 $4,282 $3,320 30.4%
9 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
10 $4,694 $3,283 29.6%
11 $5,090 $3,105 14.3%
12 $5,202 $2,764 42.5%
13 $5,216 $6,400 32.6%
14 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
15 $5,455 $14,180
16 $5,458 $3,148 26.8%
17 $5,646 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
18 $5,671 $7,826 58.0% 96.6%
19 $5,732 $8,054 56.2%
20 $5,825 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
21 $5,918 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
22 $5,970 $8,179 36.9% 80.3%
23 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
24 $6,007 $7,001 25.6% 45.0%
25 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
26 $6,199 $6,863 39.8% 27.6%
27 $6,276 $8,179 44.7% 85.8%
28 $6,310 $5,966 62.5%
29 $6,352 $7,200 33.3% 74.2%
30 $6,392 $5,966 36.7%
31 $6,480 $6,980 54.8% 95.4%
32 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
33 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
34 $6,588 $2,944 20.8%
35 $6,680 $5,966 41.7%
36 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
37 $7,075 $4,714
38 $7,168 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
39 $7,233 $6,960 31.0% 62.7%
40 $7,237 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%
41 $7,349 $14,776 16.0% 45.1%
42 $7,360 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
43 $7,382 $5,542 38.4% 67.8%
44 $7,403 $5,040 26.0%
45 $7,557 $7,922 26.1%
46 $7,559 $6,920 31.1%
47 $7,563 $5,612 28.6% 96.9%
48 $7,569 $6,920 36.4%
49 $7,599 $7,095 56.2% 91.2%
50 $7,607 $5,542 38.7% 45.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive cost differences between criminal justice programs?

Geographic location and institutional type create dramatic price variations. Colegio Universitario de San Juan costs just $200 net, while California State University-Los Angeles reaches $4,113. Public institutions in lower-cost regions offer the most affordable options, with many community colleges providing associate degrees for under $3,000. Private nonprofit options like Trinity International University-Florida cost significantly more at $5,455 despite being in this affordable tier.

How do earnings compare to student debt loads in these programs?

The debt-to-earnings ratio varies significantly across institutions. CUNY John Jay graduates earn $38,182 while carrying only $10,350 in debt, creating a favorable 3.7-to-1 earnings ratio. California State University-Los Angeles graduates earn $33,281 with $11,000 in debt, while Texas A&M University-Central Texas shows a concerning pattern with $25,774 earnings against $20,375 debt. Indian River State College offers a middle ground with $32,213 earnings and $13,819 debt.

Is graduation rate a reliable indicator of program quality?

Graduation rates reflect institutional mission more than quality in criminal justice programs. CUNY John Jay's 55.50% rate serves traditional four-year students, while Atlanta Metropolitan State College's 14.30% rate reflects its open-access community college mission. Texas A & M International University achieves 48.90% despite serving a predominantly first-generation student population. Many students in this field transfer between institutions or enter the workforce before completing degrees.

Where do the highest-earning criminal justice graduates come from?

CUNY John Jay College leads with graduates earning $38,182, benefiting from proximity to New York's large law enforcement and corrections market. California institutions follow closely, with Cal State Dominguez Hills at $33,179 and Cal State Los Angeles at $33,281. Dalton State College in Georgia produces graduates earning $35,416, reflecting strong regional demand. These higher earnings typically correlate with urban job markets and advanced degree requirements.

Does acceptance rate impact the value of criminal justice programs?

Acceptance rates vary from CUNY John Jay's selective 50.66% to Colegio Universitario de San Juan's open 98.46%, but selectivity doesn't always predict outcomes. Texas A & M International University accepts 47.88% of applicants while producing graduates earning $27,784. California State University-Dominguez Hills accepts 89.13% but graduates earn $33,179. Program value depends more on regional job markets, internship opportunities, and career services than admission selectivity.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.