Cheapest Criminal Justice and Corrections Colleges in Virginia

University of Virginia's College at Wise delivers the state's most affordable Criminal Justice and Corrections program at just $11,180 net cost, making quality education accessible in Virginia's Appalachian region. The $21,000 gap between the cheapest and most expensive options reflects Virginia's mix of rural public universities and urban private colleges. Graduates from these programs enter a strong regional job market driven by federal agencies, defense contractors like Northrop Grumman and Booz Allen, and the extensive Virginia court system. Earnings potential varies significantly across programs, with Marymount University graduates averaging $49,019 annually compared to $28,816 at Virginia State University. The state's 20 Criminal Justice programs serve different student populations, from UVA-Wise's 76% acceptance rate to Regent University's selective 32% admission standard.

Programs

$11,180 – $33,417

Net Price Range

$35,635

Avg. Program Earnings

53.3%

Avg. Graduation Rate

21 Criminal Justice and Corrections Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Virginia's College at Wise Wise, Virginia	$11,180	$11,656	49.8%	75.6%
2	Virginia State University Petersburg, Virginia	$14,553	$9,755	40.7%	89.7%
3	Radford University Radford, Virginia	$16,640	$12,286	49.6%	93.3%
4	George Mason University Fairfax, Virginia	$18,287	$13,815	69.3%	90.0%
5	Regent University Virginia Beach, Virginia	$18,749	$20,686	54.1%	32.3%
6	Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Virginia	$19,452	$16,458	65.4%	91.0%
7	ECPI University Virginia Beach, Virginia	$20,473	$18,484	44.7%	82.7%
8	Virginia Wesleyan University Virginia Beach, Virginia	$20,583	$36,960	49.1%	81.4%
9	Longwood University Farmville, Virginia	$20,814	$15,200	61.6%	87.8%
10	Ferrum College Ferrum, Virginia	$22,085	$38,320	28.9%	84.3%
11	Bluefield University Bluefield, Virginia	$22,198	$29,696	27.1%	63.0%
12	DeVry University-Virginia Arlington, Virginia	$22,341	$17,488	100.0%	33.3%
13	Averett University Danville, Virginia	$23,262	$38,550	43.6%	76.0%
14	South University-Virginia Beach Virginia Beach, Virginia	$24,372	$18,238	13.6%
15	Marymount University Arlington, Virginia	$25,153	$39,050	57.9%	81.4%
16	South University-Richmond Glen Allen, Virginia	$26,205	$18,238	20.7%
17	Roanoke College Salem, Virginia	$27,786	$36,774	65.9%	79.8%
18	Liberty University Lynchburg, Virginia	$29,552	$21,222	63.5%	99.3%
19	Shenandoah University Winchester, Virginia	$30,055	$36,028	70.5%	80.4%
20	Hampton University Hampton, Virginia	$32,145	$29,162	55.7%	74.5%
21	University of Richmond University of Richmond, Virginia	$33,417	$62,600	87.8%	24.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes UVA-Wise the most affordable Criminal Justice program in Virginia?

UVA-Wise offers the lowest net cost at $11,180 for Criminal Justice students, with in-state tuition of just $11,656. The university serves the economically disadvantaged Appalachian region of Virginia with intentionally affordable education. Graduates earn a median of $34,171 annually with manageable debt of $19,313. The 76% acceptance rate makes admission accessible for students seeking quality education without financial burden.

How do public and private Criminal Justice programs compare in cost?

Public universities dominate the affordable options, with six of the seven cheapest programs being state schools. Virginia State University charges just $9,755 in-state tuition while private colleges like Virginia Wesleyan cost $36,960. However, private schools often provide substantial aid, with Regent University's net cost of $18,749 despite a $20,686 sticker price. The VTAG grant helps Virginia residents attend private colleges, reducing the cost gap.

Where do Criminal Justice graduates earn the highest salaries in Virginia?

Marymount University graduates lead with median earnings of $49,019, benefiting from the school's Arlington location near federal agencies and defense contractors. George Mason University follows at $43,143, leveraging Northern Virginia's strong job market. The $20,000 earnings gap between top and bottom programs reflects geographic differences and program focus. Schools near Washington DC consistently produce higher-earning graduates due to federal employment opportunities.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Virginia Criminal Justice programs?

Higher-cost programs generally show better graduation rates, with George Mason University leading at 69% and a net cost of $18,287. In contrast, Ferrum College has a 29% graduation rate despite charging $22,085. Virginia State University presents an exception with a 41% rate at just $14,553 net cost. The relationship suggests that institutional resources and student support services often justify higher costs.

What debt levels should students expect from Virginia Criminal Justice programs?

Student debt varies dramatically, from $17,750 at George Mason University to $46,957 at DeVry University-Virginia. Most public universities keep debt below $25,000, with UVA-Wise at $19,313 and Radford at $22,250. Private schools typically generate higher debt loads, averaging around $26,000. The debt-to-earnings ratio remains manageable at most schools, with graduates earning sufficient income to service educational loans.

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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.