Cheapest Criminal Justice and Corrections Colleges in Georgia

Georgia's most affordable criminal justice programs show a dramatic cost spread, with Dalton State College charging just $4,694 annually while private options reach $16,531. The state's public colleges benefit significantly from the HOPE Scholarship, which covers full tuition for students maintaining a 3.0 GPA, making programs like Atlanta Metropolitan State College accessible at $3,105 in-state tuition. Georgia's growing film industry and major logistics operations create steady demand for security professionals and loss prevention specialists. Post-graduation earnings vary considerably across institutions, from $27,995 at Fort Valley State University to $39,909 at Georgia Gwinnett College. The University of Georgia stands out with an 87.20% graduation rate despite moderate costs of $13,816 annually. Several programs maintain strong job placement rates, particularly those near Atlanta's corporate corridor where major employers regularly hire criminal justice graduates for corporate security, compliance, and investigative roles.

Programs

$4,694 – $35,115

Net Price Range

$34,776

Avg. Program Earnings

36.6%

Avg. Graduation Rate

37 Criminal Justice and Corrections Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Dalton State College Dalton, Georgia	$4,694	$3,283	29.6%
2	Atlanta Metropolitan State College Atlanta, Georgia	$5,090	$3,105	14.3%
3	Georgia Highlands College Rome, Georgia	$6,588	$2,944	20.8%
4	Savannah State University Savannah, Georgia	$8,683	$5,498	25.2%
5	Clayton State University Morrow, Georgia	$10,145	$5,068	35.4%	56.3%
6	University of North Georgia Dahlonega, Georgia	$10,785	$5,009	36.8%	69.6%
7	Valdosta State University Valdosta, Georgia	$11,298	$6,007	41.7%	89.5%
8	Fort Valley State University Fort Valley, Georgia	$11,609	$5,392	45.2%	43.1%
9	Georgia Gwinnett College Lawrenceville, Georgia	$11,696	$4,458	19.8%	93.6%
10	Columbus State University Columbus, Georgia	$11,889	$5,751	41.7%	87.8%
11	Georgia Southwestern State University Americus, Georgia	$12,052	$4,980	31.9%	73.2%
12	College of Coastal Georgia Brunswick, Georgia	$12,905	$3,483	25.6%	98.3%
13	Augusta University Augusta, Georgia	$13,347	$8,122	48.6%	85.5%
14	University of Georgia Athens, Georgia	$13,816	$11,180	87.2%	42.6%
15	Middle Georgia State University Macon, Georgia	$13,922	$4,432	25.6%	99.7%
16	Albany State University Albany, Georgia	$14,251	$5,934	22.8%
17	American InterContinental University-Atlanta Atlanta, Georgia	$15,774	$13,416	21.1%
18	Georgia State University Atlanta, Georgia	$15,931	$8,478	53.7%	66.8%
19	Shorter University Rome, Georgia	$16,286	$24,044	37.1%	97.5%
20	Georgia Southern University Statesboro, Georgia	$16,531	$5,905	52.1%	88.9%
21	Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, Georgia	$16,972	$5,786	48.1%	67.9%
22	Strayer University-Georgia Chamblee, Georgia	$18,224	$13,920	23.1%
23	Georgia College & State University Milledgeville, Georgia	$18,809	$8,998	61.6%	80.0%
24	Emmanuel University Franklin Springs, Georgia	$19,297	$23,664	34.6%	62.7%
25	Thomas University Thomasville, Georgia	$19,313	$11,640	27.8%	46.1%
26	Toccoa Falls College Toccoa Falls, Georgia	$20,133	$23,250	46.0%	68.0%
27	Point University West Point, Georgia	$20,752	$22,300	40.4%	24.2%
28	Piedmont University Demorest, Georgia	$20,893	$30,680	41.5%	64.4%
29	Herzing University-Atlanta Atlanta, Georgia	$21,757	$13,420	29.2%	93.4%
30	Brewton-Parker College Mount Vernon, Georgia	$21,983	$21,696	23.5%	94.8%
31	Truett McConnell University Cleveland, Georgia	$22,328	$25,568	41.1%	80.8%
32	Mercer University Macon, Georgia	$22,350	$40,890	73.4%	74.7%
33	South University-Savannah Savannah, Georgia	$24,116	$18,238	22.7%
34	South University-Savannah Online Savannah, Georgia	$26,308	$16,546	5.1%
35	Reinhardt University Waleska, Georgia	$27,769	$28,420	35.6%	62.3%
36	DeVry University-Georgia Decatur, Georgia	$30,243	$17,488	36.4%	50.0%
37	Clark Atlanta University Atlanta, Georgia	$35,115	$26,446	47.8%	56.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Dalton State College the most affordable option at $4,694?

Dalton State College combines low tuition costs with the HOPE Scholarship benefits that many Georgia residents qualify for. Students pay just $3,283 in-state tuition before financial aid, and graduates earn a solid $35,416 annually. The college maintains a 29.60% graduation rate while keeping total costs nearly $1,000 below the next cheapest option.

How do graduation rates compare across Georgia's affordable criminal justice programs?

The University of Georgia leads with an strong 87.20% graduation rate despite costing $13,816 annually. Fort Valley State University achieves 45.20% graduation rates at $11,609, while Augusta University reaches 48.60% at $13,347. Several community colleges show lower rates, with Atlanta Metropolitan State College at 14.30% but offering the second-lowest costs in the state.

Is the earnings difference between schools worth considering?

Graduate earnings span nearly $12,000 annually, from $27,995 at Fort Valley State to $39,909 at Georgia Gwinnett College. The University of Georgia produces graduates earning $35,416 with significantly lower debt loads of $15,250. Students should weigh these earning differences against program costs and debt levels when making decisions.

Does the HOPE Scholarship significantly impact criminal justice program costs?

The HOPE Scholarship covers full tuition at Georgia public colleges for students with 3.0+ GPAs, dramatically reducing costs. Atlanta Metropolitan State College charges $3,105 in-state tuition, while Middle Georgia State University costs $4,432. This makes most Georgia programs accessible to qualified residents, with net costs often under $15,000 annually including room and board.

Where do Georgia criminal justice graduates typically find employment?

Atlanta's corporate sector employs many graduates in security and compliance roles, while the state's growing film industry needs security specialists. Georgia's major logistics operations around Savannah and Atlanta create demand for loss prevention professionals. State and local law enforcement agencies across Georgia's 159 counties provide additional career paths, particularly in growing metropolitan areas.

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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.