Cheapest Criminal Justice and Corrections Colleges in Oklahoma

Oklahoma's cheapest Criminal Justice programs reveal a striking 273% cost difference between public and private options, with Southeastern Oklahoma State University charging just $6,352 compared to Oklahoma Christian University at $21,423. Public universities dominate the affordability market, offering seven programs under $12,000 annually. The earnings gap tells an equally compelling story, spanning from $28,598 to $48,823 based on institutional choice. Oklahoma's energy sector and major aerospace presence at Tinker Air Force Base create steady demand for security professionals and federal law enforcement officers. The state's low cost of living amplifies the value proposition, while Oklahoma's Promise scholarship program eliminates tuition barriers for qualifying students. Graduation rates vary dramatically across institutions, from Bacone College's concerning 2.4% to Oklahoma Christian University's solid 55.2%, suggesting that program selection requires careful consideration beyond price alone.

Programs

$6,352 – $23,678

Net Price Range

$34,839

Avg. Program Earnings

38.5%

Avg. Graduation Rate

17 Criminal Justice and Corrections Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Southeastern Oklahoma State University Durant, Oklahoma	$6,352	$7,200	33.3%	74.2%
2	Oklahoma Panhandle State University Goodwell, Oklahoma	$7,557	$7,922	26.1%
3	East Central University Ada, Oklahoma	$9,287	$8,032	32.7%	70.1%
4	Cameron University Lawton, Oklahoma	$10,705	$6,900	21.5%
5	Langston University Langston, Oklahoma	$11,359	$6,728	17.5%
6	Northwestern Oklahoma State University Alva, Oklahoma	$11,366	$5,970	35.4%	56.4%
7	Northeastern State University Tahlequah, Oklahoma	$11,800	$7,513	37.2%	99.5%
8	Bacone College Muskogee, Oklahoma	$12,197	$15,060	2.4%
9	Rogers State University Claremore, Oklahoma	$13,953	$7,392	25.4%
10	Southwestern Oklahoma State University Weatherford, Oklahoma	$14,542	$8,295	34.7%	76.8%
11	Mid-America Christian University Oklahoma City, Oklahoma	$17,123	$19,896	33.3%
12	University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Norman, Oklahoma	$17,413	$9,595	75.3%	72.9%
13	Southern Nazarene University Bethany, Oklahoma	$17,838	$29,600	48.8%
14	University of Central Oklahoma Edmond, Oklahoma	$18,990	$8,522	37.5%	69.9%
15	Oklahoma Christian University Edmond, Oklahoma	$21,423	$25,900	55.2%	96.0%
16	Oklahoma City University Oklahoma City, Oklahoma	$21,556	$33,586	64.2%	70.4%
17	University of Tulsa Tulsa, Oklahoma	$23,678	$48,602	73.3%	69.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Southeastern Oklahoma State University the most affordable option?

Southeastern Oklahoma State University offers the lowest net cost at $6,352 annually, making it nearly half the price of the next cheapest option. The university combines affordable in-state tuition of $7,200 with substantial financial aid packages. However, graduates earn $28,598 on average, the lowest among programs with available data. The 33.3% graduation rate suggests students should carefully evaluate their commitment before enrolling.

How do public universities compare to private colleges for Criminal Justice costs?

Public universities dominate Oklahoma's affordable Criminal Justice market, with all seven cheapest programs coming from state institutions. The most expensive public option, University of Central Oklahoma at $18,990, still costs less than the cheapest private college, Mid-America Christian University at $17,123. Private colleges charge between $17,123 and $21,423 annually. Only three private institutions offer Criminal Justice programs in the state.

Does higher cost correlate with better earnings potential?

University of Oklahoma graduates earn $48,823 annually despite the program costing $17,413, representing the highest return on investment. Mid-America Christian University graduates earn $39,369 with a net cost of $17,123, showing strong private college performance. Southeastern Oklahoma State University graduates earn just $28,598 despite the lowest costs at $6,352. The earnings range of nearly $20,000 suggests institutional choice significantly impacts career prospects.

What graduation rates should students expect from these programs?

Graduation rates span from an alarming 2.4% at Bacone College to 75.3% at University of Oklahoma, indicating vast quality differences. Oklahoma Christian University achieves a 55.2% graduation rate, the highest among affordable private options. Most public universities maintain graduation rates between 25% and 37%, with Northwestern Oklahoma State University reaching 35.4%. Students should prioritize programs with graduation rates above 30% to ensure reasonable completion odds.

More Criminal Justice and Corrections Rankings

Best Value Criminal Justice and Corrections in Oklahoma Criminal Justice and Corrections Under $20,000 in Oklahoma

All Criminal Justice and Corrections Programs Best Colleges in Oklahoma Best Criminal Justice and Corrections in Oklahoma

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.