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Cheapest Criminal Justice and Corrections Colleges in North Carolina

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

Elizabeth City State University offers the most affordable Criminal Justice and Corrections program in North Carolina at just $7,237 net cost, while graduates from East Carolina University earn the highest starting salaries at $36,308 annually. This nearly $30,000 difference in earnings potential reflects the varied career paths available across the state's law enforcement market. North Carolina's banking sector in Charlotte and Research Triangle tech companies create unique opportunities for corporate security and white-collar crime investigation roles beyond traditional policing. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with 10 of the 15 lowest-cost programs charging under $17,000 annually. However, graduation rates vary significantly, from Shaw University's 20.2% to Appalachian State's 73.1%, suggesting that cost alone shouldn't drive program selection. The state's need-based scholarship programs help bridge funding gaps for qualifying students.
35
Programs
$7,237 – $40,721
Net Price Range
$31,121
Avg. Program Earnings
46.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

35 Criminal Justice and Corrections Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $7,237 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%
2 $7,360 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
3 $9,918 $3,571 44.5% 89.7%
4 $10,980 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
5 $12,579 $4,532 59.1% 84.8%
6 $13,393 $6,735 48.6% 73.4%
7 $14,083 $17,176 20.2% 61.0%
8 $14,745 $7,214 67.7% 79.6%
9 $15,028 $6,542 46.0% 84.4%
10 $15,662 $18,296 27.1% 63.8%
11 $16,189 $27,110 28.5% 86.7%
12 $16,487 $7,541 73.1% 83.1%
13 $16,514 $7,361 62.1% 92.3%
14 $17,740 $16,896 33.2% 58.9%
15 $17,893 $25,950 47.5% 74.6%
16 $18,165 $35,536 40.4% 68.4%
17 $18,210 $33,400 52.1% 67.1%
18 $18,835 $32,236 56.3% 87.5%
19 $18,866 $16,000 29.2% 52.0%
20 $19,314 $20,400 40.8% 84.3%
21 $20,313 $37,270 41.9% 74.2%
22 $21,200 $41,140 47.7% 83.5%
23 $21,371 $40,196 46.8% 86.2%
24 $21,376 $31,250 39.0% 39.9%
25 $21,953 $33,930 42.6% 69.1%
26 $22,772 18.8%
27 $23,393 $30,900 51.0% 82.9%
28 $23,613 $19,500 46.4% 97.2%
29 $23,665 $35,600 51.5% 94.6%
30 $23,991 $40,410 55.9% 88.6%
31 $24,137 $33,450 61.7% 75.0%
32 $24,978 $39,664 40.1% 75.7%
33 $25,765 $31,140 44.2% 61.3%
34 $26,328 $33,860 40.6% 68.1%
35 $40,721 $44,208 70.0% 78.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $29,000 earnings gap between the highest and lowest-paying programs?

East Carolina University graduates earn $36,308 compared to Shaw University's $21,703, reflecting differences in program focus and regional job markets. East Carolina's location in Greenville provides access to state government internships and larger law enforcement agencies. The school's 62.1% graduation rate also suggests stronger student support systems that translate to better career outcomes.

How do public versus private school costs compare for Criminal Justice programs?

Public universities average around $12,000-$16,000 in net costs, while private schools like Shaw University and Chowan University charge $14,000-$17,000. However, private institutions show significantly lower graduation rates, with Shaw at 20.2% and Chowan at 28.5%. The debt burden also differs dramatically, with private school graduates owing $33,000-$37,000 compared to $18,000-$27,000 at public universities.

Is Appalachian State worth the higher cost for Criminal Justice students?

Appalachian State's $16,487 net cost ranks among the higher-priced public options, but delivers a 73.1% graduation rate and $34,603 in graduate earnings. The school's graduates also carry just $18,066 in debt, the lowest among major universities. Its mountain location provides unique training opportunities for park service and rural law enforcement careers.

Does acceptance rate correlate with program quality in North Carolina Criminal Justice schools?

North Carolina A&T State University has the most selective Criminal Justice program at 56.4% acceptance, and graduates earn $31,495 with a solid 55.3% graduation rate. Meanwhile, East Carolina accepts 92.3% of applicants but produces the highest earners at $36,308. This suggests that selectivity doesn't necessarily predict earning potential in this field.

Where do Criminal Justice graduates find the best job opportunities in North Carolina?

Charlotte's banking sector creates demand for financial crime investigators and corporate security specialists, while the Research Triangle offers cybersecurity and digital forensics positions. Traditional law enforcement roles remain strong in cities like Durham, Greensboro, and Fayetteville. The state's varied economy means Criminal Justice graduates can pursue federal positions, private security, or specialized roles in healthcare and education sectors.

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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.