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Cheapest Criminal Justice and Corrections Colleges in Alabama

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

University of North Alabama offers the most affordable Criminal Justice and Corrections program in Alabama at just $11,024 net cost, while Herzing University graduates earn the highest starting salaries at $58,943 annually. The state's 15 programs show dramatic cost variation, from UNA's bargain price to private institutions reaching over $21,000. Alabama's growing aerospace and automotive sectors create demand for security professionals and corporate investigators, with companies like Hyundai and NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center requiring specialized law enforcement expertise. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with seven of the ten cheapest programs offered by state institutions. Graduation rates vary significantly, from Alabama A&M's 28.7% to Talladega College's 65%, suggesting students should weigh completion likelihood against cost savings.
20
Programs
$11,024 – $30,795
Net Price Range
$35,586
Avg. Program Earnings
45.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Criminal Justice and Corrections Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,024 $11,990 54.0% 95.7%
2 $12,272 $11,392 41.0% 64.5%
3 $13,461 $15,650 65.0%
4 $13,869 $9,792 46.8% 94.8%
5 $13,889 $11,248 30.2% 96.6%
6 $14,514 $12,714 25.7%
7 $14,559 $10,024 28.7% 68.4%
8 $14,596 $9,436 35.7% 92.2%
9 $14,850 $12,426 51.1% 78.5%
10 $14,975 $5,808 37.2%
11 $15,142 $9,676 52.6% 65.4%
12 $17,727 $8,832 62.4% 86.7%
13 $20,957 $13,420 25.0% 94.1%
14 $21,165 $23,920 37.7% 82.4%
15 $21,401 $28,650 46.9% 66.0%
16 $22,150 $11,900 73.7% 80.1%
17 $22,923 $13,920
18 $25,157 $18,238 15.4%
19 $25,655 $20,476 47.5%
20 $30,795 $38,144 79.9% 83.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What accounts for the $47,000 salary difference between highest and lowest earning programs?

Miles College graduates earn $24,679 while Herzing University graduates start at $58,943, reflecting different program focuses and regional job markets. Herzing's specialized training and Birmingham location provide access to higher-paying corporate security and federal positions. The $34,264 gap also reflects whether graduates pursue entry-level corrections work versus investigative or management roles. Private institutions often maintain stronger industry connections that lead to better-paying positions.

How do graduation rates compare between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

University of North Alabama, the cheapest at $11,024, maintains a solid 54% graduation rate, while expensive Herzing University graduates only 25% of students. Mid-range Auburn University at Montgomery achieves 35.7% despite reasonable $14,596 costs. The data shows no clear correlation between price and completion rates. Talladega College leads with 65% graduation despite moderate $13,461 costs.

Is student debt manageable for Alabama Criminal Justice graduates?

Average debt ranges from $19,310 at Herzing University to $32,041 at Miles College, with most programs keeping debt below $26,000. University of North Alabama combines the lowest net cost with reasonable $20,375 debt levels. Alabama State University shows concerning debt patterns with $31,000 average debt but only $28,236 starting salaries. Columbia Southern University offers unique value with just $5,808 in-state tuition despite $20,209 debt levels.

Does Alabama's job market support Criminal Justice graduates?

Alabama's aerospace and automotive growth creates demand for corporate security, background investigators, and compliance specialists at major employers like Hyundai and NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. The state's expanding manufacturing base requires plant security and loss prevention professionals. Traditional law enforcement and corrections remain stable career paths. Starting salaries averaging $24,679 to $58,943 reflect varied career opportunities from rural corrections to urban federal positions.

Where should students focus their applications for the best value?

University of North Alabama delivers strong value with $11,024 costs, 54% graduation rate, and $31,133 starting earnings. Troy University offers strong value at $13,869 with 46.8% graduation and $33,651 earnings. Auburn University at Montgomery provides the highest earnings potential among affordable options at $43,426 despite moderate graduation rates. Students should avoid programs with concerning debt-to-earnings ratios like Alabama State University.

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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.