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Cheapest Criminal Justice and Corrections Colleges in Minnesota

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

University of Minnesota-Crookston stands out among Minnesota's 18 Criminal Justice programs with a remarkably low net cost of $10,874, making quality education accessible in a state where corrections and law enforcement agencies face ongoing staffing challenges. The cost difference between public and private options reaches dramatic proportions, with some private institutions charging over $21,000 while public universities like Saint Cloud State offer in-state tuition below $11,000. Herzing University-Minneapolis graduates earn the highest median salaries at $58,943, nearly double what some other program graduates make. Minnesota's corrections system employs over 4,000 people statewide, creating steady demand for qualified professionals as the state works to modernize its approach to criminal justice reform and rehabilitation programs.
18
Programs
$10,874 – $27,324
Net Price Range
$42,796
Avg. Program Earnings
54.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

18 Criminal Justice and Corrections Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,874 $13,120 49.7% 57.2%
2 $14,485 $10,117 46.9% 95.3%
3 $14,760 $10,304 44.1% 91.6%
4 $15,205 $13,420 73.5% 94.3%
5 $17,050 $10,164 53.4% 77.5%
6 $17,566 $25,000 58.8% 69.1%
7 $17,816 $10,336 54.6% 56.6%
8 $18,148 $10,498 60.9% 73.8%
9 $18,305 $14,436 33.3%
10 $18,609 $9,490 54.1% 70.7%
11 $19,071 $10,899 53.2%
12 $19,181 $9,780 38.4% 81.7%
13 $21,034 $43,160 67.7% 96.8%
14 $21,385 $48,311 57.7% 80.6%
15 $21,563 $49,758 65.1% 92.5%
16 $24,674 $18,910 30.8%
17 $25,140 $36,830 68.4% 92.5%
18 $27,324 $30,200 64.3% 66.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Minnesota-Crookston the most affordable Criminal Justice program in Minnesota?

UMN-Crookston offers the lowest net cost at $10,874 with in-state tuition of just $13,120. The university maintains a 57% acceptance rate while providing quality education in a smaller campus setting. Students benefit from lower living costs in rural Crookston compared to Twin Cities programs that can cost twice as much.

How much do Criminal Justice graduates earn compared to their student debt in Minnesota?

Earnings vary significantly, with Herzing University graduates earning $58,943 annually while Rasmussen graduates start at $35,060. Most graduates carry debt between $16,000-$29,000, making public options like Metropolitan State particularly attractive with only $16,146 average debt. Saint Cloud State graduates earn $43,426 with manageable debt of $18,250.

Is there a significant difference between public and private Criminal Justice programs in Minnesota?

Public programs offer substantially lower costs, with in-state tuition ranging from $9,490 to $13,120 compared to private schools charging $25,000-$49,000. However, some private programs like Herzing show higher graduation rates at 73.5% versus public averages around 50%. Private programs often provide more flexible scheduling for working professionals.

Where do Criminal Justice graduates find employment opportunities in Minnesota?

Minnesota employs corrections officers across 11 state facilities plus county jails and federal institutions. The Minnesota Department of Corrections, Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, and Minneapolis Police Department represent major employers. Private security firms serving Target, Best Buy, and healthcare systems like Mayo Clinic also hire Criminal Justice graduates regularly.

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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.