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Cheapest Criminal Justice and Corrections Colleges in Illinois

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

Criminal justice education in Illinois shows a remarkable affordability gap, with net costs ranging from Millikin University's $8,837 to programs reaching nearly $19,000. While Chicago's financial sector and manufacturing base create demand for security professionals and compliance roles, the state's criminal justice programs produce graduates with widely varying earning potential, from $29,443 at Chicago State University to $39,663 at Governors State University. The MAP Grant program helps reduce costs for low-income students across Illinois institutions. Public universities dominate the most affordable options, with University of Illinois Springfield offering strong value at $8,916 net cost and $37,748 in graduate earnings. However, graduation rates tell a complex story, ranging from Chicago State's 16.90% to Trinity Christian College's 63.90%, suggesting that program completion varies significantly across price points.
33
Programs
$8,837 – $35,196
Net Price Range
$35,411
Avg. Program Earnings
51.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

33 Criminal Justice and Corrections Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $8,837 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
2 $8,916 $12,252 61.4% 82.0%
3 $9,477 $11,320 19.6% 57.5%
4 $10,133 $12,754 16.9% 48.5%
5 $11,592 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
6 $12,093 $36,840 59.0% 84.1%
7 $12,313 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
8 $13,550 $12,383 16.8% 62.7%
9 $13,696 $12,922 55.0% 97.5%
10 $14,093 $13,403 45.2% 68.0%
11 $16,177 $13,244 56.3% 91.5%
12 $16,284 $37,000 64.6% 58.4%
13 $16,381 $20,325 63.9% 70.7%
14 $16,774 $36,258 47.4% 93.0%
15 $17,324 $35,740 42.7% 61.7%
16 $17,945 $37,470 61.1% 77.2%
17 $18,191 $35,325 56.0% 68.0%
18 $18,370 $37,882 62.6% 74.1%
19 $18,470 $13,546 40.0%
20 $18,992 $28,220 58.3% 81.9%
21 $18,996 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
22 $20,152 $20,280 41.0% 88.3%
23 $21,063 $41,628 65.2% 76.0%
24 $21,270 $30,598 51.4% 94.1%
25 $21,386 $12,320 45.7% 91.3%
26 $21,539 $37,940 60.3% 57.8%
27 $21,814 $26,758 52.4% 64.4%
28 $22,048 $28,400 40.6% 86.7%
29 $23,529 $34,290 51.0% 93.1%
30 $23,572 $39,680 72.1% 75.1%
31 $25,027 $30,910 53.3% 58.2%
32 $30,878 $17,488 36.9% 43.0%
33 $35,196 $51,716 76.9% 79.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $10,000 cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Private institutions like Saint Xavier University charge $36,840 in tuition but offer substantial aid, bringing net costs to $12,093. Public schools like University of Illinois Springfield keep sticker prices lower at $12,252, resulting in net costs under $9,000. The MAP Grant specifically helps Illinois residents at both public and private institutions. Private colleges often have larger endowments enabling more generous financial aid packages.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in Illinois?

The data reveals no clear correlation between price and completion rates. Chicago State University costs $10,133 but graduates only 16.90% of students, while similarly priced Governors State at $9,477 has an even lower 19.60% rate. However, mid-priced programs like University of Illinois Chicago at $12,313 achieve 60.30% graduation rates. The highest completion rates appear at private institutions regardless of net cost.

Is Chicago State University worth considering despite its low graduation rate?

Chicago State's 16.90% graduation rate raises concerns, but its $10,133 net cost and Chicago location offer advantages. The university serves many working adults and transfer students, which can affect traditional graduation metrics. However, graduates who do complete the program earn $29,443 annually with $28,250 in debt. Students should carefully weigh the completion risk against the urban setting and relatively low cost.

Does University of Illinois Springfield offer the best value for criminal justice?

UIS provides strong value at $8,916 net cost with graduates earning $37,748 annually and carrying only $18,750 in debt. The 61.40% graduation rate exceeds many comparable programs, and the Springfield location offers proximity to state government and law enforcement agencies. With 82.03% acceptance rate, admission remains accessible. The combination of low cost, decent earnings, and reasonable debt makes it highly competitive.

Where do Illinois criminal justice graduates find the highest-paying opportunities?

Governors State University graduates earn the highest at $39,663 annually, despite the program's low graduation rate of 19.60%. University of Illinois Springfield and Western Illinois University graduates both earn over $37,000. Chicago's financial sector, state government positions in Springfield, and corporate security roles throughout Illinois create varied career paths. Federal agencies with Chicago offices also recruit criminal justice graduates for investigative and compliance positions.

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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.