Cheapest Criminal Justice and Corrections Colleges in Tennessee

Tennessee's Criminal Justice and Corrections programs span a remarkable cost spectrum, from Le Moyne-Owen College's $8,992 net price to premium options exceeding $17,000 annually. Public universities dominate the affordable end, with Tennessee State University offering in-state students access for just $8,568 before aid. The state's lack of income tax helps stretch student budgets further, while Tennessee's growing corrections infrastructure creates steady demand for qualified professionals. Graduation rates vary dramatically across price points, with Christian Brothers University achieving 56% compared to Lane College's concerning 17% rate despite similar net costs around $11,000-14,000. The University of Tennessee system provides multiple entry points, from Martin's strong 54.8% graduation rate at $10,299 net cost to Chattanooga's solid outcomes with manageable $18,214 average debt loads. Tennessee's automotive manufacturing boom and healthcare expansion through companies like HCA have created crossover opportunities for criminal justice graduates in corporate security and compliance roles. Middle Tennessee State University represents the sweet spot for many students, combining reasonable $12,599 costs with above-average $34,761 earnings and acceptable debt levels.

Programs

$8,992 – $25,610

Net Price Range

$32,665

Avg. Program Earnings

45.9%

Avg. Graduation Rate

25 Criminal Justice and Corrections Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Le Moyne-Owen College Memphis, Tennessee	$8,992	$12,076	24.7%	99.6%
2	Tennessee State University Nashville, Tennessee	$10,026	$8,568	33.0%
3	The University of Tennessee-Martin Martin, Tennessee	$10,299	$10,208	54.8%	88.4%
4	Christian Brothers University Memphis, Tennessee	$10,896	$37,300	56.0%	87.5%
5	Middle Tennessee State University Murfreesboro, Tennessee	$12,599	$9,506	54.0%	72.5%
6	The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga Chattanooga, Tennessee	$12,817	$10,144	53.1%	82.7%
7	University of Memphis Memphis, Tennessee	$13,253	$10,344	49.4%	94.6%
8	Trevecca Nazarene University Nashville, Tennessee	$14,459	$29,790	54.8%	70.9%
9	Lane College Jackson, Tennessee	$14,494	$11,790	17.0%
10	Austin Peay State University Clarksville, Tennessee	$14,846	$8,675	44.5%	93.8%
11	Tennessee Wesleyan University Athens, Tennessee	$14,879	$29,264	43.6%	60.7%
12	The University of Tennessee Southern Pulaski, Tennessee	$15,133	$10,506	35.7%	80.3%
13	East Tennessee State University Johnson City, Tennessee	$15,794	$9,950	49.9%	85.3%
14	Bryan College-Dayton Dayton, Tennessee	$16,494	$18,900	55.9%
15	South College Knoxville, Tennessee	$17,182	$17,935	36.7%
16	Lincoln Memorial University Harrogate, Tennessee	$17,999	$26,150	53.9%	78.5%
17	Cumberland University Lebanon, Tennessee	$18,292	$27,840	47.0%	66.2%
18	Strayer University-Tennessee Memphis, Tennessee	$18,466	$13,920
19	Freed-Hardeman University Henderson, Tennessee	$20,082	$25,000	68.4%	91.2%
20	Bethel University McKenzie, Tennessee	$21,803	$18,168	34.9%	88.8%
21	Tusculum University Greeneville, Tennessee	$22,874	$28,500	30.5%	81.1%
22	King University Bristol, Tennessee	$23,508	$34,800	46.4%	60.8%
23	Miller-Motte College-Chattanooga Chattanooga, Tennessee	$25,266		55.9%
24	Remington College-Memphis Campus Memphis, Tennessee	$25,499	$20,047	33.0%
25	Lipscomb University Nashville, Tennessee	$25,610	$38,824	68.7%	71.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Tennessee State University such a bargain for criminal justice students?

Tennessee State University charges just $8,568 for in-state tuition, the lowest published rate among Tennessee's criminal justice programs. After financial aid, students pay an average net price of $10,026 while earning $32,213 annually after graduation. The 33% graduation rate reflects the challenges many students face, but those who complete the program leave with manageable $27,000 in debt. The Nashville location provides internship access with state agencies and private security firms.

How do private college costs compare to public options in Tennessee?

Le Moyne-Owen College breaks the typical private school cost pattern, offering the state's lowest net price at $8,992 despite being a private institution. Most other private colleges like Christian Brothers University list tuition at $37,300, though financial aid brings net costs to around $10,896. Public universities consistently charge $8,000-10,000 for in-state tuition. The 99.56% acceptance rate at Le Moyne-Owen suggests less selective admissions compared to other private options.

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

The data reveals mixed patterns between cost and completion rates across Tennessee's criminal justice programs. Christian Brothers University achieves a 56% graduation rate at $10,896 net cost, while Lane College manages only 17% despite a similar $14,494 price point. The University of Tennessee-Martin delivers strong value with 54.8% graduation rates at $10,299 net cost. Higher-priced programs don't guarantee better outcomes, suggesting factors beyond cost influence student success.

What starting salaries can Tennessee criminal justice graduates expect?

Tennessee criminal justice graduates earn between $19,455 and $35,861 annually in their early careers, with significant variation by institution. Austin Peay State University graduates average $35,861 despite the program's $14,846 net cost, representing strong return on investment. Lane College graduates start at just $19,455, well below the state average for this field. Middle Tennessee State graduates earn $34,761 annually while carrying reasonable $22,000 debt loads, creating favorable debt-to-income ratios.

Where do Tennessee criminal justice programs offer the best value?

The University of Tennessee-Martin provides strong value with $10,299 net costs, 54.8% graduation rates, and $28,500 starting salaries. Austin Peay State University offers strong earnings potential at $35,861 despite moderate $14,846 costs and manageable $21,090 debt levels. Tennessee State University serves budget-conscious students with $8,568 in-state tuition and $32,213 graduate earnings. These programs balance affordability with reasonable career outcomes for criminal justice students.

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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.