Cheapest Criminal Justice and Corrections Colleges in New Jersey

New Jersey's most affordable Criminal Justice program costs just $11,732 annually at New Jersey City University, while the most expensive reaches $41,315 at Saint Peter's University. This $30,000 gap reflects the stark difference between public and private options across the state's 19 programs. Public universities dominate the bottom tier, with five of the six cheapest schools being state institutions. The state's proximity to major metropolitan areas creates strong employment pipelines into federal agencies, state corrections systems, and municipal police departments. Rutgers University-New Brunswick stands out with an 85% graduation rate, significantly higher than the state average, despite charging $23,519 annually. Private schools like Caldwell University show earning potential of $37,568, among the highest in the state, though at nearly double the cost of public alternatives.

Programs

$11,732 – $41,315

Net Price Range

$33,140

Avg. Program Earnings

59.9%

Avg. Graduation Rate

19 Criminal Justice and Corrections Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	New Jersey City University Jersey City, New Jersey	$11,732	$13,971	38.7%	90.1%
2	Kean University Union, New Jersey	$12,168	$13,426	43.4%	82.6%
3	Saint Peter's University Jersey City, New Jersey	$12,973	$41,054	63.1%	88.8%
4	Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus Teaneck, New Jersey	$15,266	$35,822	61.7%	84.1%
5	William Paterson University of New Jersey Wayne, New Jersey	$17,764	$15,150	47.7%	91.5%
6	Saint Elizabeth University Morristown, New Jersey	$17,949	$35,942	40.2%	71.9%
7	Rutgers University-Camden Camden, New Jersey	$18,803	$17,079	66.4%	76.5%
8	Centenary University Hackettstown, New Jersey	$19,037	$37,732	56.6%	96.5%
9	Rutgers University-Newark Newark, New Jersey	$19,407	$16,586	67.6%	73.9%
10	Georgian Court University Lakewood, New Jersey	$20,218	$37,110	55.1%	75.8%
11	Berkeley College-Woodland Park Woodland Park, New Jersey	$20,549	$28,600	44.8%
12	Caldwell University Caldwell, New Jersey	$21,188	$39,450	58.7%	66.4%
13	Rowan University Glassboro, New Jersey	$22,185	$15,700	68.3%	76.9%
14	Rutgers University-New Brunswick New Brunswick, New Jersey	$23,519	$17,239	85.0%	66.3%
15	Rider University Lawrenceville, New Jersey	$25,287	$38,900	63.3%	84.1%
16	The College of New Jersey Ewing, New Jersey	$25,458	$18,685	85.2%	64.4%
17	Seton Hall University South Orange, New Jersey	$28,921	$51,370	71.5%	75.1%
18	Monmouth University West Long Branch, New Jersey	$31,650	$44,850	70.3%	90.9%
19	Felician University Lodi, New Jersey	$41,315	$37,830	49.7%	89.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes New Jersey City University the cheapest option for Criminal Justice students?

New Jersey City University charges just $11,732 in net costs annually, making it the most affordable Criminal Justice program in the state. The school maintains a 90.14% acceptance rate and produces graduates earning $32,213 annually. With relatively low student debt of $18,500, students can enter the workforce without overwhelming financial burdens. The Jersey City location provides direct access to federal agencies and metropolitan law enforcement opportunities.

How do public versus private Criminal Justice programs compare in New Jersey?

Public universities average around $15,000-20,000 in net costs compared to private schools ranging from $35,000-41,000. Rutgers campuses charge between $16,586-17,239 in tuition with graduation rates of 66-85%. Private institutions like Saint Peter's University cost $41,054 but maintain a 63.1% graduation rate. Public school graduates typically carry $19,000-24,000 in debt versus $23,000-30,000 at private institutions.

Does attending a more expensive program lead to higher earnings in Criminal Justice?

Earnings vary significantly regardless of cost, ranging from $26,353 to $38,829 across New Jersey programs. Caldwell University graduates earn $37,568 annually at a net cost of $21,188, while Rider University graduates earn just $26,353 despite charging $25,287. Centenary University produces the highest earners at $36,848 with moderate costs of $19,037. Cost and earnings show no clear correlation in this field.

Where do Criminal Justice graduates find the best job opportunities in New Jersey?

New Jersey's location between New York City and Philadelphia creates strong federal employment opportunities with agencies like the FBI, DEA, and US Marshals Service. The state corrections system employs over 8,000 officers across 13 facilities. Municipal police departments in cities like Newark, Jersey City, and Paterson actively recruit graduates. The pharmaceutical industry center also generates corporate security and compliance positions at companies like Johnson & Johnson and Merck.

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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.