Best Value Criminal Justice and Corrections Colleges in Washington

Washington's criminal justice programs show dramatic cost differences, with University of Washington-Tacoma offering a $10,017 net price while Gonzaga reaches $36,371. Central Washington University graduates earn the highest salaries at $39,239, outpacing even more expensive private options. The state's focus on police reform and justice system changes creates steady demand for trained professionals, particularly around Seattle where tech companies increasingly hire security specialists and compliance officers. Public universities dominate the value equation, with Washington State University combining reasonable costs with strong $38,583 earning potential.

Programs

$10,017 – $36,371

Net Price Range

$35,732

Avg. Program Earnings

57.3%

Avg. Graduation Rate

12 Criminal Justice and Corrections Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Washington-Tacoma Campus Tacoma, Washington	$10,017	$33,798	$12,817	62.3%	88.4%
2	Heritage University Toppenish, Washington	$11,893	$38,289	$19,920	39.8%
3	Washington State University Pullman, Washington	$14,401	$38,583	$12,997	61.6%	83.1%
4	Central Washington University Ellensburg, Washington	$14,715	$39,239	$9,192	49.9%	93.5%
5	University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, Washington	$13,485	$33,798	$12,643	83.7%	47.5%
6	Saint Martin's University Lacey, Washington	$22,618	$31,305	$44,210	57.1%	95.0%
7	Seattle University Seattle, Washington	$34,802	$36,848	$54,285	73.3%	85.2%
8	Gonzaga University Spokane, Washington	$36,371	$33,993	$53,500	86.9%	69.7%
9	City University of Seattle Seattle, Washington	$35,049		$14,589	16.7%
10	Northwest University Kirkland, Washington	$25,161		$36,035	63.5%	94.3%
11	Seattle Pacific University Seattle, Washington	$24,820		$38,814	62.1%	90.7%
12	Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education Kirkland, Washington	$26,734		$14,652	30.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Washington-Tacoma the top value choice?

UW-Tacoma combines the lowest net price at $10,017 with solid graduate earnings of $33,798 and a strong 62.3% graduation rate. Students also carry minimal debt at $11,628, making it financially accessible for most Washington residents.

How do public and private school costs compare for criminal justice?

Public schools average around $13,000 in net costs while private institutions range from $22,618 to $36,371. Despite higher prices, private schools don't necessarily deliver better earning outcomes, with Central Washington University graduates earning $39,239 compared to Gonzaga's $33,993.

Does the Washington College Grant help with criminal justice programs?

The grant covers full tuition at public colleges for eligible students, making schools like Central Washington University essentially free beyond room and board. This program particularly benefits criminal justice students since most top-value options are public institutions.

Where do criminal justice graduates find the best job opportunities in Washington?

Seattle's tech sector increasingly hires security and compliance specialists, while the state's ongoing justice reform efforts create openings in corrections and law enforcement. King County and Seattle Police Department offer competitive salaries that align well with the $33,000-$39,000 graduate earning range.

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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.