Best Value Criminal Justice and Corrections Colleges in Tennessee

Tennessee criminal justice programs show dramatic cost differences that don't always align with career outcomes. Tennessee State University delivers the lowest net cost at $10,026 while producing graduates earning $32,213, creating strong value for future law enforcement and corrections professionals. Meanwhile, Bethel University charges $21,803 but generates the highest graduate earnings at $50,022. The state's lack of income tax benefits all criminal justice graduates, while Tennessee's healthcare sector through HCA Healthcare creates substantial demand for compliance officers and security professionals. Public universities dominate the affordable options with eight programs under $16,000, though graduation rates vary significantly from Lane College's 17% to Freed-Hardeman's 68.4%. The Tennessee Promise program further reduces costs by covering community college prerequisites, allowing students to complete general education requirements before transferring to four-year criminal justice programs.

Programs

$8,992 – $25,610

Net Price Range

$32,665

Avg. Program Earnings

45.9%

Avg. Graduation Rate

25 Criminal Justice and Corrections Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Tennessee State University Nashville, Tennessee	$10,026	$32,213	$8,568	33.0%
2	The University of Tennessee-Martin Martin, Tennessee	$10,299	$28,500	$10,208	54.8%	88.4%
3	Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, Tennessee	$12,599	$34,761	$9,506	54.0%	72.5%
4	The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Chattanooga, Tennessee	$12,817	$32,843	$10,144	53.1%	82.7%
5	University of Memphis Memphis, Tennessee	$13,253	$32,569	$10,344	49.4%	94.6%
6	Austin Peay State University Clarksville, Tennessee	$14,846	$35,861	$8,675	44.5%	93.8%
7	Bethel University McKenzie, Tennessee	$21,803	$50,022	$18,168	34.9%	88.8%
8	Strayer University-Tennessee Memphis, Tennessee	$18,466	$40,448	$13,920
9	East Tennessee State University Johnson City, Tennessee	$15,794	$30,019	$9,950	49.9%	85.3%
10	Lincoln Memorial University Harrogate, Tennessee	$17,999	$33,459	$26,150	53.9%	78.5%
11	Cumberland University Lebanon, Tennessee	$18,292	$31,314	$27,840	47.0%	66.2%
12	South College Knoxville, Tennessee	$17,182	$29,141	$17,935	36.7%
13	Freed-Hardeman University Henderson, Tennessee	$20,082	$33,993	$25,000	68.4%	91.2%
14	Lane College Jackson, Tennessee	$14,494	$19,455	$11,790	17.0%
15	Remington College-Memphis Campus Memphis, Tennessee	$25,499	$25,372	$20,047	33.0%
16	Bryan College-Dayton Dayton, Tennessee	$16,494		$18,900	55.9%
17	King University Bristol, Tennessee	$23,508		$34,800	46.4%	60.8%
18	Miller-Motte College-Chattanooga Chattanooga, Tennessee	$25,266			55.9%
19	Tusculum University Greeneville, Tennessee	$22,874		$28,500	30.5%	81.1%
20	Trevecca Nazarene University Nashville, Tennessee	$14,459		$29,790	54.8%	70.9%
21	Christian Brothers University Memphis, Tennessee	$10,896		$37,300	56.0%	87.5%
22	Lipscomb University Nashville, Tennessee	$25,610		$38,824	68.7%	71.1%
23	Tennessee Wesleyan University Athens, Tennessee	$14,879		$29,264	43.6%	60.7%
24	The University of Tennessee Southern Pulaski, Tennessee	$15,133		$10,506	35.7%	80.3%
25	Le Moyne-Owen College Memphis, Tennessee	$8,992		$12,076	24.7%	99.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What Tennessee criminal justice program offers the best earnings potential?

Bethel University graduates earn $50,022 annually, significantly higher than the state average of $33,000 for criminal justice graduates. This private program costs $21,803 net but produces nearly 35% higher earnings than Tennessee State University. The earnings advantage helps offset the higher tuition over a graduate's career. Bethel maintains a 34.9% graduation rate with 88.79% acceptance rate.

How much do Tennessee's cheapest criminal justice programs cost?

Tennessee State University offers the lowest net cost at $10,026, followed closely by UT-Martin at $10,299. These public universities provide in-state tuition under $11,000 for residents. Middle Tennessee State rounds out the top three affordable options at $12,599 net cost. All three programs produce graduates earning between $28,500 and $34,761 annually.

Is there a big difference in graduation rates between Tennessee programs?

Graduation rates span from Lane College's concerning 17% to Freed-Hardeman University's strong 68.4%. Most public universities maintain rates between 44% and 55%, with UT-Martin leading public schools at 54.8%. The wide variation suggests program quality and student support differ significantly across institutions. Private schools show mixed results, with some matching public performance while others struggle.

Does student debt vary significantly among Tennessee criminal justice programs?

Student debt ranges from UT-Chattanooga's manageable $18,214 to Remington College's concerning $45,000. Most public universities keep debt under $25,000, with Austin Peay at just $21,090 despite strong $35,861 graduate earnings. Private schools show higher debt levels, with Bethel University graduates carrying $28,908 despite earning $50,022. Strayer University students face $41,562 in debt for $40,448 earnings.

Where do Tennessee criminal justice graduates typically find employment?

Tennessee's major employers include HCA Healthcare for compliance and security roles, plus state corrections facilities and local law enforcement agencies. The state's automotive manufacturing sector in Nashville and Memphis creates industrial security positions. Federal agencies maintain significant presence through Arnold Air Force Base and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Tourism industry growth in Nashville and Memphis generates additional private security opportunities.

More Criminal Justice and Corrections Rankings

Cheapest Criminal Justice and Corrections in Tennessee Criminal Justice and Corrections Under $20,000 in Tennessee

All Criminal Justice and Corrections Programs Best Colleges in Tennessee Best Criminal Justice and Corrections in Tennessee

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.