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Cheapest Criminal Justice and Corrections Colleges in Florida

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

Criminal justice programs in Florida span a $14,556 cost range, from Indian River State College's $5,202 net price to Saint Leo University's $18,467. This gap reflects the state's mix of affordable community colleges and private institutions serving students bound for law enforcement careers in a state where tourism security, port operations, and federal agencies create steady demand for criminal justice graduates. Florida's public universities dominate the middle tier, with schools like Florida Atlantic University and University of West Florida offering net prices around $8,000. The earnings picture varies significantly, with graduates from Bethune-Cookman University starting at $25,967 while Saint Leo University graduates earn $41,601. Florida's lack of state income tax means these starting salaries translate to higher take-home pay than comparable positions in other states. The state's Bright Futures scholarship program can further reduce costs for high-achieving students, making even mid-priced programs accessible to qualified applicants.
35
Programs
$5,202 – $40,289
Net Price Range
$34,598
Avg. Program Earnings
46.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

35 Criminal Justice and Corrections Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $5,202 $2,764 42.5%
2 $5,455 $14,180
3 $8,001 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
4 $8,155 $6,360 61.8% 48.0%
5 $9,027 $3,366 34.0%
6 $9,133 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
7 $10,319 $6,118 56.0% 74.4%
8 $10,353 $6,389 68.2% 70.5%
9 $10,650 $6,368 75.1% 41.0%
10 $10,997 $5,656 83.0% 25.0%
11 $13,580 $14,878 28.0% 83.5%
12 $14,892 $14,794 27.8% 85.0%
13 $15,847 $5,785 51.9% 32.9%
14 $17,518 $13,920
15 $18,467 $28,360 48.8% 80.1%
16 $18,675 $19,110 30.2% 69.9%
17 $19,113 $15,117 51.0%
18 $19,273 $14,300 44.2% 49.6%
19 $19,733 $11,665 21.6% 57.7%
20 $19,758 $13,420 45.5% 94.3%
21 $20,494 $18,238 21.4%
22 $21,007 $28,160 34.9% 55.1%
23 $22,602 $15,580 22.4%
24 $23,629 $16,088 28.1%
25 $24,275 $34,770 43.4% 65.2%
26 $24,280 $18,238 4.5%
27 $25,374 $12,240 92.0%
28 $29,932 $32,150 26.0% 49.0%
29 $30,209 $31,732 43.3% 60.9%
30 $31,303 $37,080 64.3% 75.8%
31 $34,439 $24,136 44.2% 96.5%
32 $35,300 $44,360 65.5% 64.4%
33 $36,302 $13,128 60.0% 88.9%
34 $38,222 $42,950 52.7% 80.1%
35 $40,289 $42,304 67.4% 64.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What accounts for the massive cost difference between Florida's cheapest and most expensive criminal justice programs?

Indian River State College charges $5,202 net while Saint Leo University costs $18,467, creating a $13,265 gap primarily driven by institution type. Public community colleges and state universities benefit from taxpayer funding, keeping costs low for in-state students. Private institutions like Saint Leo rely on tuition revenue and typically offer smaller class sizes and specialized facilities that justify higher prices.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in Florida criminal justice schools?

Florida State University leads with an 83% graduation rate at $10,997 net cost, while some lower-cost options struggle with completion. Polk State College costs just $9,027 but graduates only 34% of students. The pattern suggests that mid-tier public universities around $10,000-$11,000 often provide the best balance of affordability and student success rates.

Is earning potential worth the extra cost at Florida's pricier criminal justice programs?

Saint Leo University graduates earn $41,601 despite the $18,467 program cost, representing strong return on investment. However, University of North Florida offers similar earning potential at $36,704 for just $10,353 net cost. Strayer University graduates earn $40,448 but carry $41,562 in debt, making cost-benefit analysis important for prospective students.

Does Florida's job market justify the investment in criminal justice education?

Florida's tourism industry, major ports, and federal installations create steady demand for security professionals and law enforcement officers. The state's population growth continues driving need for corrections officers and court personnel. With no state income tax, graduates keep more of their earnings compared to other states, making even modest starting salaries more competitive.

Where can students find the best value in Florida criminal justice programs?

Florida Atlantic University offers strong value at $8,001 net cost with $33,335 median earnings and 64.3% graduation rate. University of North Florida provides $36,704 earnings potential for $10,353, while University of West Florida delivers solid outcomes at $8,155. These mid-tier public universities typically balance affordability with career preparation better than ultra-cheap or expensive alternatives.

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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.