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Best Value Criminal Justice and Corrections Colleges in Kansas

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Central Christian College of Kansas delivers the state's most surprising criminal justice value proposition, combining a $12,473 net cost with $52,941 average earnings for graduates. This small McPherson college outperforms much larger public universities in post-graduation income despite charging private tuition rates. Kansas public universities cluster tightly in the $13,000-$16,000 net cost range, with Washburn University offering the best public value at $13,046 annually. The state's agricultural economy and aerospace manufacturing sector create steady demand for security professionals and corrections officers, while the Kansas Promise Act provides community college pathways into four-year criminal justice programs. Private colleges command significantly higher costs, with several exceeding $25,000 in net expenses, though graduation rates vary widely from 23% to over 60% across institutions.
15
Programs
$12,473 – $29,520
Net Price Range
$38,752
Avg. Program Earnings
43.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

15 Criminal Justice and Corrections Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,473 $52,941 $21,000 23.0%
2 $13,046 $41,565 $9,578 52.6%
3 $13,493 $38,289 $5,633 47.8% 88.0%
4 $13,776 $30,475 $9,322 51.4% 94.9%
5 $15,702 $33,565 $7,356 54.3% 95.7%
6 $18,289 $35,060 $15,340 50.0%
7 $27,310 $48,432 $38,480 33.5% 70.2%
8 $18,889 $29,685 $8,008 57.6% 86.2%
9 $29,203 $31,946 28.7% 66.0%
10 $25,752 $32,748 61.5% 63.3%
11 $19,045 $35,500 53.8% 51.0%
12 $23,369 $33,470 38.5% 69.6%
13 $29,520 $36,120 46.2% 66.8%
14 $28,083 $35,300 28.7% 78.2%
15 $22,403 $32,200 29.0% 61.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains Central Christian College's high earnings despite its small size?

Central Christian College graduates earn $52,941 annually, significantly above the state average of $38,000 for criminal justice programs. The college's focused curriculum and strong alumni networks in law enforcement likely contribute to these outcomes. However, the 23% graduation rate suggests the program maintains selective academic standards that may limit completion but benefit those who finish.

How do Kansas public universities compare for criminal justice value?

Public universities offer net costs between $13,046 and $18,889, with Washburn University leading at $13,046 annually. Fort Hays State provides the lowest in-state tuition at $5,633, though its net cost reaches $13,493 after factoring in living expenses. Graduation rates across public institutions range from 47.8% to 57.6%, with Pittsburg State achieving the highest completion rate at 57.6%.

Does Kansas offer affordable pathways into criminal justice careers?

The Kansas Promise Act covers community college tuition for eligible students, creating a cost-effective entry point into criminal justice education. Public universities maintain relatively low in-state costs, with most charging under $10,000 annually before aid. Washburn University in Topeka offers particular value with $9,578 in-state tuition and strong connections to state government employment opportunities.

Where do Kansas criminal justice graduates find employment opportunities?

Kansas aerospace companies like Spirit AeroSystems and Textron Aviation employ security professionals, while the state's agricultural sector requires regulatory enforcement specialists. Topeka's concentration of state agencies provides corrections and law enforcement opportunities for Washburn graduates. The state's low cost of living helps stretch starting salaries that range from $29,685 to over $50,000 depending on the program and employer type.

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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.