Best Value Criminal Justice and Corrections Colleges in Mississippi

Mississippi's criminal justice programs show striking cost differences, with Rust College charging just $8,751 annually while Belhaven University reaches $22,078. Jackson State University graduates earn the highest salaries at $34,793, reflecting strong demand for corrections professionals in a state where the Mississippi Department of Corrections operates multiple facilities statewide. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with seven of the eleven programs costing under $15,000 per year. The University of Mississippi combines reasonable costs at $13,164 with solid graduation rates of 68.5%, making it a standout choice for students seeking both value and completion success in criminal justice education.

Programs

$8,751 – $22,078

Net Price Range

$27,623

Avg. Program Earnings

45.4%

Avg. Graduation Rate

11 Criminal Justice and Corrections Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg, Mississippi	$14,224	$28,960	$9,618	50.6%	98.8%
2	University of Mississippi University, Mississippi	$13,164	$26,353	$9,412	68.5%	97.4%
3	Mississippi Valley State University Itta Bena, Mississippi	$11,812	$22,192	$7,912	22.1%	64.8%
4	Jackson State University Jackson, Mississippi	$20,191	$34,793	$9,090	32.2%	88.6%
5	Mississippi College Clinton, Mississippi	$20,911	$30,771	$21,698	62.8%	40.0%
6	William Carey University Hattiesburg, Mississippi	$17,052	$22,667	$14,685	40.8%	53.6%
7	Alcorn State University Alcorn State, Mississippi	$14,040		$8,549	46.2%	29.9%
8	Belhaven University Jackson, Mississippi	$22,078		$29,195	51.1%	42.6%
9	Blue Mountain Christian University Blue Mountain, Mississippi	$18,062		$19,280	51.2%	95.7%
10	Delta State University Cleveland, Mississippi	$13,778		$8,605	46.9%	98.6%
11	Rust College Holly Springs, Mississippi	$8,751		$13,840	27.0%	78.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $12,000 cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Rust College offers the lowest net price at $8,751, while Belhaven University charges $22,078 annually. Public institutions like University of Southern Mississippi ($14,224) and University of Mississippi ($13,164) fall in the middle range, benefiting from state funding that keeps costs manageable for residents.

How do graduation rates vary among Mississippi's criminal justice programs?

The University of Mississippi leads with a 68.5% graduation rate, followed by Mississippi College at 62.8%. However, Mississippi Valley State University graduates only 22.1% of students, while Jackson State University sits at 32.2% despite offering the highest earning potential.

Is Jackson State University worth the higher cost for criminal justice students?

Jackson State charges $20,191 annually but graduates earn $34,793, the highest in the state. This represents a $4,000+ earnings advantage over University of Mississippi graduates who earn $26,353, potentially justifying the additional investment for career-focused students.

Where do Mississippi criminal justice graduates find the best job opportunities?

The Mississippi Department of Corrections operates facilities statewide, creating steady demand for corrections officers and administrators. Federal facilities like the Federal Correctional Complex in Yazoo City also hire graduates, while local law enforcement agencies across the state's 82 counties provide additional career paths.

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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.