Best Value Criminal Justice and Corrections Colleges in South Carolina

South Carolina's Criminal Justice programs show a remarkable $14,095 earnings gap between top and bottom performers, with Strayer University graduates earning $40,448 compared to South Carolina State's $26,353. The state's LIFE Scholarship reduces costs by up to $5,000 for qualifying students, making public options particularly attractive. University of South Carolina-Lancaster offers the lowest net cost at $9,735, while Anderson University tops out at $28,183. The Citadel stands out with a 72.8% graduation rate and $39,416 earnings despite its military structure. South Carolina's growing automotive sector, including BMW and Volvo manufacturing facilities, creates demand for corporate security professionals and compliance specialists. Private institutions generally show higher graduation rates, with Bob Jones University achieving 69.6% completion compared to public averages in the 30-40% range.

Programs

$9,735 – $28,183

Net Price Range

$34,582

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	University of South Carolina-Upstate Spartanburg, South Carolina	$13,725	$32,439	$11,583	42.4%	78.6%
2	Bob Jones University Greenville, South Carolina	$17,529	$35,594	$23,400	69.6%
3	Benedict College Columbia, South Carolina	$17,781	$35,416	$18,000	21.1%	67.8%
4	Citadel Military College of South Carolina Charleston, South Carolina	$21,002	$39,416	$12,570	72.8%	98.6%
5	Strayer University-South Carolina Greenville, South Carolina	$22,134	$40,448	$13,920
6	Charleston Southern University Charleston, South Carolina	$21,955	$37,568	$31,030	48.6%	86.8%
7	Limestone University Gaffney, South Carolina	$20,415	$33,993	$27,500	27.6%	89.5%
8	South University-Columbia Columbia, South Carolina	$22,886	$34,420	$18,238
9	South Carolina State University Orangeburg, South Carolina	$18,268	$26,353	$11,060	29.4%	83.9%
10	Claflin University Orangeburg, South Carolina	$21,232	$29,685	$17,046	49.1%	78.0%
11	University of South Carolina-Columbia Columbia, South Carolina	$24,532	$33,373	$12,688	77.7%	64.1%
12	Anderson University Anderson, South Carolina	$28,183	$36,275	$33,580	71.0%	45.4%
13	North Greenville University Tigerville, South Carolina	$20,612		$24,650	54.9%	76.1%
14	Newberry College Newberry, South Carolina	$20,351		$30,050	44.4%	75.3%
15	University of South Carolina-Lancaster Lancaster, South Carolina	$9,735		$7,558	29.5%	76.2%
16	Morris College Sumter, South Carolina	$20,375		$16,224	20.4%
17	Lander University Greenwood, South Carolina	$14,501		$11,700	48.8%	67.4%
18	Voorhees University Denmark, South Carolina	$15,411		$12,630	37.8%
19	Columbia College Columbia, South Carolina	$23,650		$21,450	53.5%	98.1%
20	Allen University Columbia, South Carolina	$11,081		$14,304	13.2%	43.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide earnings gap between Criminal Justice programs in South Carolina?

Graduates from different programs see earnings ranging from $26,353 to $40,448, a difference of over $14,000 annually. Strayer University leads with the highest graduate earnings at $40,448, while South Carolina State graduates earn the least at $26,353. The Citadel produces well-compensated graduates at $39,416, likely due to military connections and leadership training. Program focus areas, alumni networks, and regional employer relationships all influence these outcomes.

How do graduation rates vary among South Carolina Criminal Justice programs?

Graduation rates span from 21.1% at Benedict College to 77.7% at USC Columbia, showing dramatic differences in student success. Military-focused Citadel achieves 72.8% completion, while Anderson University reaches 71.0%. Most public institutions hover around 30-50% graduation rates. Private institutions generally outperform public ones in completion rates despite higher costs.

Is the LIFE Scholarship worth considering for Criminal Justice students?

The LIFE Scholarship covers up to $5,000 annually for qualified South Carolina residents, significantly reducing costs at public institutions. USC Lancaster's net cost drops to just $9,735 with aid, making it extremely affordable. Even USC Columbia becomes manageable at $12,688 in-state tuition before the LIFE benefit. The scholarship makes public options particularly competitive against private alternatives.

Does The Citadel offer good value despite its military requirements?

The Citadel combines a reasonable $21,002 net cost with strong outcomes including 72.8% graduation rates and $39,416 average earnings. Its graduates earn nearly $7,000 more than USC Columbia alumni while maintaining lower debt at $24,189. The military structure appeals to students seeking law enforcement careers. The 98.58% acceptance rate makes admission accessible for qualified candidates.

Where can students find the most affordable Criminal Justice education in South Carolina?

USC Lancaster offers the lowest net cost at $9,735, though earnings data isn't available for comparison. South Carolina State provides a complete picture with $18,268 net cost but lower graduate earnings at $26,353. USC Upstate balances affordability at $13,725 net cost with reasonable $32,439 graduate earnings. Public institutions generally offer the best value proposition for cost-conscious students.

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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.