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Cheapest Criminal Justice and Corrections Colleges in Missouri

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

College of the Ozarks stands apart from Missouri's criminal justice programs with a net cost of just $7,669, nearly $4,000 below the next cheapest option. This private nonprofit in Point Lookout achieves this through its work-study program where students contribute labor in exchange for reduced tuition costs. The price gap widens dramatically across Missouri's 20 programs, with some private institutions reaching $22,270 in net costs. Earnings potential varies considerably too, from $26,121 to $36,668 annually, reflecting the varied career paths within criminal justice and corrections. Missouri's criminal justice graduates enter a job market strengthened by major healthcare systems like BJC HealthCare and defense contractors, both sectors requiring security professionals and compliance specialists. The state's central location and multiple metropolitan areas create opportunities in federal law enforcement, with Kansas City and St. Louis serving as regional hubs for various agencies.
26
Programs
$7,669 – $27,075
Net Price Range
$32,624
Avg. Program Earnings
49.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

26 Criminal Justice and Corrections Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
2 $11,653 $8,400 38.3% 99.5%
3 $12,030 $9,470 68.4% 45.1%
4 $12,484 $9,290 22.1%
5 $12,638 $9,800 39.8%
6 $12,837 $11,988 55.9% 69.5%
7 $13,375 $8,044 32.1%
8 $13,459 $6,442 27.4%
9 $14,532 $9,496 55.7% 86.3%
10 $14,774 $6,960 100.0%
11 $15,336 $9,739 49.4% 71.3%
12 $15,529 $16,400 30.0%
13 $17,945 $23,000 24.5% 61.2%
14 $18,516 $21,100 50.3% 74.0%
15 $18,705 $27,192 64.8% 67.9%
16 $21,082 $28,320 51.2% 99.6%
17 $21,123 $26,880 44.3% 67.1%
18 $21,523 $35,235 66.0% 63.4%
19 $22,080 $29,915 50.2% 97.0%
20 $22,270 $28,860 57.0% 61.5%
21 $23,165 $43,420 75.6% 66.5%
22 $24,051 $24,326 45.7%
23 $25,477 $27,140 52.5% 97.9%
24 $25,807 $33,122 48.2% 70.9%
25 $26,111 $34,188 57.5% 75.3%
26 $27,075 $53,244 79.8% 84.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes College of the Ozarks criminal justice program so affordable compared to other Missouri schools?

College of the Ozarks requires all students to work 15 hours per week on campus in exchange for free tuition, resulting in a net cost of $7,669. Students work in various campus departments from food service to maintenance, covering their educational expenses through labor. The program maintains a 61.30% graduation rate while keeping costs significantly below Missouri's average. This work-study model has operated for decades, making private education accessible to students regardless of family income.

How do public university costs compare to private options for criminal justice students in Missouri?

Missouri's public universities typically charge between $8,400 and $11,988 in tuition, with net costs ranging from $11,653 to $15,336 after financial aid. Private institutions show much wider variation, from College of the Ozarks at $7,669 to some programs exceeding $20,000 annually. Missouri Southern State University offers the lowest public option at $8,400 in-state tuition with a 99.48% acceptance rate. The cost difference becomes more pronounced when comparing net prices, as private schools often provide more substantial financial aid packages.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Missouri criminal justice programs?

Graduation rates vary dramatically regardless of cost, from Lincoln University's 22.10% to Truman State's 68.40%. College of the Ozarks maintains a solid 61.30% graduation rate despite being the most affordable option. Some expensive programs like Missouri Valley College show only 24.50% graduation rates, while Evangel University reaches 64.80%. The data suggests that institutional support and student engagement matter more than price for degree completion in criminal justice programs.

What earning potential can graduates expect from Missouri's criminal justice programs?

Early career earnings span from $26,121 to $36,668 annually across Missouri's criminal justice programs. Truman State University graduates earn the highest at $36,668, while Lincoln University graduates start at $26,121. Park University and University of Central Missouri graduates also command above-average salaries at $35,274 and $34,364 respectively. These figures reflect entry-level positions in law enforcement, corrections, and security roles within Missouri's varied job market.

Where do Missouri criminal justice graduates find employment opportunities?

Missouri's criminal justice graduates work across multiple sectors including healthcare security at BJC HealthCare, corporate security for companies like Cerner, and federal law enforcement positions. The state hosts numerous federal agencies requiring security clearances and criminal justice expertise. Local and state law enforcement agencies throughout Missouri's 114 counties provide traditional career paths. Private security firms serving the agriculture and defense industries also recruit graduates, particularly in the Kansas City and St. Louis 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.