Best Value Criminal Justice and Corrections Colleges in Alabama

Criminal justice graduates from Alabama's most affordable program at University of North Alabama earn $31,133 annually for just $11,024 in net costs, while Herzing University-Birmingham produces the state's highest earners at $58,943 despite charging $20,957. This wide earnings gap reflects Alabama's expanding aerospace and law enforcement sectors, where NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center and major automotive manufacturers create specialized security and investigative roles. Public universities dominate the value equation, with Auburn University at Montgomery offering strong earning potential of $43,426 for under $15,000 in net costs. The state's 20 criminal justice programs show dramatic variation in outcomes, from Miles College graduates earning $24,679 to Herzing's nearly $59,000 average. Alabama's growing industrial base, including Hyundai and Airbus facilities, generates demand for corporate security specialists and compliance officers beyond traditional law enforcement careers.

Programs

$11,024 – $30,795

Net Price Range

$35,586

Avg. Program Earnings

45.1%

Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Criminal Justice and Corrections Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Columbia Southern University Orange Beach, Alabama	$14,975	$48,667	$5,808	37.2%
2	Auburn University at Montgomery Montgomery, Alabama	$14,596	$43,426	$9,436	35.7%	92.2%
3	University of North Alabama Florence, Alabama	$11,024	$31,133	$11,990	54.0%	95.7%
4	Herzing University-Birmingham Birmingham, Alabama	$20,957	$58,943	$13,420	25.0%	94.1%
5	Troy University Troy, Alabama	$13,869	$33,651	$9,792	46.8%	94.8%
6	University of South Alabama Mobile, Alabama	$15,142	$32,806	$9,676	52.6%	65.4%
7	Jacksonville State University Jacksonville, Alabama	$14,850	$30,499	$12,426	51.1%	78.5%
8	Alabama State University Montgomery, Alabama	$13,889	$28,236	$11,248	30.2%	96.6%
9	University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham, Alabama	$17,727	$32,284	$8,832	62.4%	86.7%
10	Strayer University-Alabama Birmingham, Alabama	$22,923	$40,448	$13,920
11	Miles College Fairfield, Alabama	$14,514	$24,679	$12,714	25.7%
12	Faulkner University Montgomery, Alabama	$21,165	$34,704	$23,920	37.7%	82.4%
13	The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, Alabama	$22,150	$34,526	$11,900	73.7%	80.1%
14	South University-Montgomery Montgomery, Alabama	$25,157	$34,420	$18,238	15.4%
15	Remington College-Mobile Campus Mobile, Alabama	$25,655	$25,372	$20,476	47.5%
16	Huntingdon College Montgomery, Alabama	$21,401		$28,650	46.9%	66.0%
17	Samford University Birmingham, Alabama	$30,795		$38,144	79.9%	83.3%
18	Stillman College Tuscaloosa, Alabama	$12,272		$11,392	41.0%	64.5%
19	Talladega College Talladega, Alabama	$13,461		$15,650	65.0%
20	Alabama A & M University Normal, Alabama	$14,559		$10,024	28.7%	68.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of North Alabama the best value for criminal justice in Alabama?

University of North Alabama offers the lowest net cost at $11,024 while maintaining a strong 54% graduation rate, well above the state average. Graduates earn $31,133 annually with manageable debt of $20,375. The school's 95.68% acceptance rate makes it accessible to most students seeking affordable criminal justice education.

How do public university criminal justice programs compare to private options in Alabama?

Public universities consistently offer better value, with net costs ranging from $11,024 to $22,150 compared to private schools reaching $25,655. Auburn University at Montgomery exemplifies this advantage with $43,426 graduate earnings for just $14,596 in net costs. Private schools like Herzing produce higher earners but at significantly greater expense.

Is there a significant earnings difference between Alabama criminal justice programs?

Graduate earnings vary dramatically from $24,679 at Miles College to $58,943 at Herzing University-Birmingham, a $34,264 spread. This 139% difference reflects program quality, location, and career placement services. Most graduates earn between $30,000-$45,000 annually, with public university graduates typically earning $31,000-$43,000.

Does graduation rate correlate with program value in Alabama criminal justice schools?

The University of Alabama achieves the highest graduation rate at 73.7% but costs $22,150, while University of North Alabama graduates 54% for half the price. Herzing University-Birmingham has only a 25% graduation rate despite producing the highest earners at $58,943. Value depends more on individual student success factors than institutional graduation rates.

Where do Alabama's aerospace and automotive industries create criminal justice opportunities?

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center requires security clearance specialists and investigative personnel, while Hyundai and Airbus facilities need corporate security managers and compliance officers. These high-tech employers often pay premiums above traditional law enforcement salaries. Birmingham and Huntsville areas offer the most opportunities in these specialized security roles.

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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.