Cheapest Criminal Justice and Corrections Colleges in Louisiana

Louisiana's Criminal Justice and Corrections programs show dramatic cost differences, with Louisiana State University-Shreveport offering the lowest net price at $8,130 while Remington College-Shreveport reaches $30,248. The state's extensive port system along the Mississippi River and Gulf Coast creates steady demand for security professionals and corrections officers. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with eight of the ten cheapest programs coming from state institutions. Graduates earn between $25,372 and $58,943, reflecting the wide range of career paths from entry-level corrections work to specialized law enforcement roles. Louisiana's TOPS scholarship program covers full tuition at public universities for qualifying students, making programs like LSU-Alexandria even more accessible at just $7,050 in-state tuition. The oil and gas industry's security needs, combined with busy shipping channels through New Orleans and Baton Rouge, provide job opportunities beyond traditional policing and corrections work.

Programs

$8,130 – $30,248

Net Price Range

$32,446

Avg. Program Earnings

39.1%

Avg. Graduation Rate

15 Criminal Justice and Corrections Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Louisiana State University-Shreveport Shreveport, Louisiana	$8,130	$7,327	33.2%	88.9%
2	Louisiana State University-Alexandria Alexandria, Louisiana	$8,365	$7,050	35.5%	57.7%
3	McNeese State University Lake Charles, Louisiana	$11,257	$8,460	52.0%	71.2%
4	University of Louisiana at Monroe Monroe, Louisiana	$11,633	$9,190	50.6%	70.1%
5	Nicholls State University Thibodaux, Louisiana	$12,091	$8,173	54.3%	98.4%
6	Southeastern Louisiana University Hammond, Louisiana	$12,174	$8,373	44.8%	99.0%
7	Northwestern State University of Louisiana Natchitoches, Louisiana	$13,809	$8,864	44.6%	97.9%
8	University of Louisiana at Lafayette Lafayette, Louisiana	$14,118	$10,418	52.0%	74.6%
9	Southern University at New Orleans New Orleans, Louisiana	$15,260	$7,490	17.9%	93.5%
10	Louisiana Christian University Pineville, Louisiana	$16,874	$19,740	41.3%	74.6%
11	Dillard University New Orleans, Louisiana	$18,553	$22,194	45.1%	79.9%
12	Grambling State University Grambling, Louisiana	$19,125	$7,683	32.3%	42.4%
13	Southern University and A & M College Baton Rouge, Louisiana	$19,740	$9,940	28.5%	53.9%
14	Herzing University-New Orleans Metairie, Louisiana	$21,090	$13,420	28.6%	95.0%
15	Remington College-Shreveport Campus Shreveport, Louisiana	$30,248	$23,560	25.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Louisiana State University-Shreveport the most affordable option?

LSU-Shreveport offers the lowest net price at $8,130 with an 88.91% acceptance rate, making it accessible for most applicants. The program maintains reasonable costs while graduates earn $35,276 annually, which exceeds the median for Louisiana criminal justice programs. Students benefit from the university's public funding and the state's commitment to affordable higher education through programs like TOPS scholarships.

How do earnings compare between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Herzing University-New Orleans commands the highest net price at $21,090 but produces graduates earning $58,943, nearly double the state median. In contrast, LSU-Shreveport costs $8,130 with graduates earning $35,276, delivering strong value for the investment. Remington College-Shreveport presents the worst value proposition, charging $30,248 while graduates earn just $25,372, the lowest in the state.

Is the TOPS scholarship available for Criminal Justice students?

Yes, Louisiana's TOPS scholarship covers full tuition at public universities for students meeting academic requirements, significantly reducing costs. This makes programs like LSU-Alexandria particularly attractive at just $7,050 in-state tuition before TOPS benefits. Eight of the ten most affordable programs are at public institutions where TOPS applies, creating substantial savings for qualifying Louisiana residents.

Where do Louisiana Criminal Justice graduates typically find employment?

Louisiana's extensive port system, oil refineries, and petrochemical facilities create security and law enforcement opportunities beyond traditional police and corrections work. The state's busy shipping channels through New Orleans and Baton Rouge require specialized security personnel, while offshore drilling operations need maritime law enforcement expertise. State and parish corrections facilities, along with federal prisons, provide steady employment for graduates across all program levels.

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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.