Best Value Criminal Justice and Corrections Colleges in Colorado

Colorado State University Global stands out among Colorado's criminal justice programs with graduates earning $50,439 annually while maintaining the state's lowest net cost at $14,099. This earnings advantage matters in Colorado's growing security sector, where aerospace companies like Lockheed Martin and Ball Aerospace create steady demand for criminal justice professionals. The $36,340 earnings gap between the highest and lowest performing programs reveals significant variation in career outcomes across the state's nine options.

Programs

$14,099 – $25,458

Net Price Range

$36,424

Avg. Program Earnings

43.7%

Avg. Graduation Rate

9 Criminal Justice and Corrections Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Colorado State University Global Aurora, Colorado	$14,099	$50,439	$8,400		96.9%
2	Metropolitan State University of Denver Denver, Colorado	$14,294	$40,369	$10,780	29.9%	97.9%
3	Colorado Mesa University Grand Junction, Colorado	$15,331	$37,306	$9,712	41.5%	81.8%
4	Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs Colorado Springs, Colorado	$14,954	$32,276	$12,760	17.6%
5	University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus Denver, Colorado	$19,133	$39,729	$10,017	47.4%	74.6%
6	University of Colorado Colorado Springs Colorado Springs, Colorado	$16,431	$32,711	$9,712	45.3%	84.8%
7	University of Northern Colorado Greeley, Colorado	$18,457	$34,526	$12,010	51.3%	78.5%
8	Colorado Christian University Lakewood, Colorado	$25,458	$24,035	$39,266	55.3%
9	Regis University Denver, Colorado	$22,689		$43,980	61.1%	76.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $36,340 earnings difference between Colorado's highest and lowest performing criminal justice programs?

Colorado State University Global graduates earn $50,439 compared to $24,035 at Colorado Christian University, reflecting differences in program focus and career preparation. Online programs like CSU Global often attract working professionals who leverage education for advancement, while traditional programs may serve recent high school graduates entering entry-level positions.

How do Colorado's public universities compare on value for criminal justice students?

Public options range from Colorado State University Global's $14,099 net cost to University of Northern Colorado's $18,457, with earnings spanning $32,711 to $50,439. Metropolitan State University of Denver offers middle-ground value at $14,294 net cost with $40,369 graduate earnings, though its 29.90% graduation rate requires consideration.

Does Colorado's aerospace and tech sector create advantages for criminal justice graduates?

Companies like Lockheed Martin and Ball Aerospace require security clearances and corporate investigation services, creating specialized opportunities beyond traditional law enforcement. Colorado's startup scene also drives demand for cybersecurity and fraud investigation expertise, potentially explaining higher earnings at programs with technology components.

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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.