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Best Value Criminal Justice and Corrections Colleges in New Mexico

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

Northern New Mexico College delivers the state's most affordable Criminal Justice education at just $5,216 net cost, while Western New Mexico University graduates earn the highest salaries at $33,993 annually. New Mexico's defense contractors at Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories create unique federal security opportunities for Criminal Justice graduates. The $34,669 gap between the cheapest and most expensive programs reflects stark differences between public institutions and private options like Brookline College at $39,885.
8
Programs
$5,216 – $39,885
Net Price Range
$30,824
Avg. Program Earnings
41.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

8 Criminal Justice and Corrections Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $6,199 $28,381 $6,863 39.8% 27.6%
2 $6,747 $29,141 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
3 $7,912 $33,993 $7,868 34.9%
4 $14,141 $31,314 $7,260 25.6%
5 $17,478 $30,912 $8,115 52.5% 96.1%
6 $39,885 $31,205 65.3%
7 $5,216 $6,400 32.6%
8 $19,969 $16,670 26.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge cost difference between Criminal Justice programs in New Mexico?

Public universities range from $5,216 to $17,478 in net costs, while private Brookline College charges $39,885. The Legislative Lottery Scholarship helps qualifying students cover tuition at public institutions, making them significantly more affordable.

How do graduation rates compare across New Mexico's Criminal Justice programs?

Brookline College leads with a 65.3% graduation rate despite its high cost, while public universities vary widely from 25.6% at New Mexico Highlands to 52.5% at University of New Mexico. Eastern New Mexico University accepts only 27.55% of applicants, making it the most selective option.

Where do Criminal Justice graduates find the best earning potential in New Mexico?

Western New Mexico University graduates earn $33,993 annually, the highest among state programs. The state's defense industry presence at Sandia and Los Alamos creates federal security career paths that often exceed typical local law enforcement salaries.

More Criminal Justice and Corrections Rankings

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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.