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Cheapest Criminal Justice and Corrections Colleges in Kansas

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

Criminal justice education costs in Kansas create a dramatic price divide, with Central Christian College of Kansas charging just $12,473 net price while MidAmerica Nazarene reaches $29,520. This $17,047 gap reflects the stark difference between the state's most affordable and expensive programs. Public universities dominate the lower end, with Fort Hays State offering in-state tuition at only $5,633. Kansas corrections facilities and law enforcement agencies benefit from the state's agricultural economy and aerospace manufacturing presence, creating steady demand for graduates. Washburn University stands out with a 52.6% graduation rate and $41,565 median earnings, proving that affordable programs can deliver strong outcomes. The state's 15 criminal justice programs serve regions from agricultural communities to urban centers like Wichita, where aerospace companies require security professionals.
15
Programs
$12,473 – $29,520
Net Price Range
$38,752
Avg. Program Earnings
43.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

15 Criminal Justice and Corrections Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,473 $21,000 23.0%
2 $13,046 $9,578 52.6%
3 $13,493 $5,633 47.8% 88.0%
4 $13,776 $9,322 51.4% 94.9%
5 $15,702 $7,356 54.3% 95.7%
6 $18,289 $15,340 50.0%
7 $18,889 $8,008 57.6% 86.2%
8 $19,045 $35,500 53.8% 51.0%
9 $22,403 $32,200 29.0% 61.1%
10 $23,369 $33,470 38.5% 69.6%
11 $25,752 $32,748 61.5% 63.3%
12 $27,310 $38,480 33.5% 70.2%
13 $28,083 $35,300 28.7% 78.2%
14 $29,203 $31,946 28.7% 66.0%
15 $29,520 $36,120 46.2% 66.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes public criminal justice programs in Kansas so affordable compared to private schools?

Public universities like Fort Hays State charge just $5,633 for in-state tuition, while private schools average over $30,000. Washburn University offers a net price of $13,046 with strong graduate earnings of $41,565. The Kansas Promise Act further reduces costs by covering community college tuition for certain programs. This public funding model keeps criminal justice education accessible across the state's rural and urban communities.

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

Central Christian College, the cheapest at $12,473, has a 23% graduation rate but produces graduates earning $52,941. Washburn University achieves 52.6% graduation rates at $13,046 net cost. Friends University, costing $25,752, reaches 61.5% graduation rates. The data shows that higher costs don't guarantee better completion rates, with several affordable public options maintaining solid academic outcomes.

Where do Kansas criminal justice graduates typically find employment?

Kansas corrections facilities, local law enforcement, and federal agencies offer primary employment paths. The state's aerospace industry, including Spirit AeroSystems and Textron Aviation, requires security professionals and investigators. Agricultural communities need sheriff departments and rural law enforcement officers. Graduates from programs like Pittsburg State, with $29,685 median earnings, often serve in these regional roles throughout the state's 105 counties.

Does choosing a more expensive program lead to higher starting salaries?

Not necessarily, as the data reveals surprising earnings patterns. Central Christian College graduates earn $52,941 despite the lowest net price of $12,473. Southwestern College costs $27,310 but produces $48,432 median earnings. Conversely, Wichita State charges $13,776 but graduates earn only $30,475. Program quality, internship opportunities, and regional job markets influence earnings more than tuition costs alone.

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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.