2026 Best Value Criminal Justice And Corrections Associate’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections associate’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1846 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor analyzed schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Criminal Justice And Corrections Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Southeast Community College Area this year in the United States. Southeast Community College Area is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,444, while out-of-state students pay about $4,032. The median Criminal Justice And Corrections program debt is $14,552. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,405. Set against $14,552 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Southeast Community College Area
Out of the 1846 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Columbia Southern University landed the #2 spot. Set in Orange Beach, AL, Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $6,224 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,641 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,534. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Columbia Southern University report
Out of the 1846 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Amarillo College landed the #3 spot. Located in Amarillo, TX, Amarillo College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,136, compared with $4,704 for out-of-state students. The median Criminal Justice And Corrections program debt is $16,624. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,302 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,624 median debt. Read more about Amarillo College
A rank of #4 makes Alexandria Technical And Community College one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Alexandria, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $6,236. Graduates carry a median of $15,400 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,393. That is a strong return on a $15,400 median debt. Get the full Alexandria Technical And Community College report
Out of the 1846 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Camden County College landed the #5 spot. Located in Blackwood, NJ, Camden County College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,320, with out-of-state students paying around $4,416. The median Criminal Justice And Corrections program debt is $13,322. Median earnings reach $41,212 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Camden County College report
Northeast Community College landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Norfolk, NE, Northeast Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,840, while out-of-state students pay about $5,130. Graduates carry a median of $9,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,634. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Northeast Community College
North Hennepin Community College landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Brooklyn Park, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,061. Students borrow a median of $30,250 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. North Hennepin Community College alumni report median earnings of $51,142 a decade after entry. Set against $30,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full North Hennepin Community College report
Fond Du Lac Tribal And Community College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Fond Du Lac Tribal And Community College is a public school based in Cloquet, MN. Students from in state pay about $6,006 in tuition and fees. Typical Criminal Justice And Corrections student debt is $15,665. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,665. That is a strong return on a $15,665 median debt. Read more about Fond Du Lac Tribal And Community College
South Plains College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Located in Levelland, TX, South Plains College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,733, with out-of-state students paying around $5,157. Typical Criminal Justice And Corrections student debt is $9,291. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,276. Set against $9,291 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on South Plains College
Normandale Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. This public school is set in Bloomington, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,329. Typical Criminal Justice And Corrections student debt is $12,891. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,207 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Normandale Community College profile
Tyler Junior College came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Tyler, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,424, with out-of-state students paying around $4,536. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,140. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Tyler Junior College
New Mexico State University Grants landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Grants, NM, New Mexico State University Grants is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,136, while out-of-state students pay about $4,272. Typical Criminal Justice And Corrections student debt is $7,425. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,067 ten years after entry. Set against $7,425 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full New Mexico State University Grants report
El Centro College offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. This public school is set in Dallas, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,730 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,900. The median Criminal Justice And Corrections program debt is $13,727. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,714. That is a strong return on a $13,727 median debt. Get the full El Centro College report
The University Of Texas At Brownsville came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Brownsville, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $3,148, compared with $4,948 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $8,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,900. Set against $8,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full The University Of Texas At Brownsville profile
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Fennimore, WI, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,904, with out-of-state students paying around $7,147. Students borrow a median of $12,750 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. Median earnings reach $43,470 ten years out. Set against $12,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
Lakeshore Technical College placed #16 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. Based in Cleveland, WI, Lakeshore Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,844, with out-of-state students paying around $7,087. Graduates carry a median of $11,582 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,113. Set against $11,582 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Lakeshore Technical College
Mid State Technical College came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,002, compared with $7,171 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,500 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,253. That is a strong return on a $13,500 median debt. Read more about Mid State Technical College
Metropolitan Community College Area came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Metropolitan Community College Area is a public school based in Omaha, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,375, compared with $4,950 for out-of-state students. Metropolitan Community College Area Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $13,462 in debt. Median earnings reach $38,773 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,462 median debt. More on Metropolitan Community College Area
Eastern Gateway Community College ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools. Eastern Gateway Community College is a public school based in Steubenville, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,225, with out-of-state students paying around $6,071. The median Criminal Justice And Corrections program debt is $10,642. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,127 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Eastern Gateway Community College
Madison Area Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Set in Madison, WI, Madison Area Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,977, with out-of-state students paying around $7,141. Typical Criminal Justice And Corrections student debt is $13,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,413 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,750 median debt. Read more about Madison Area Technical College
Northcentral Technical College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools. This public school is set in Wausau, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $4,889, with out-of-state students paying around $7,132. Northcentral Technical College Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $14,250 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,925. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Northcentral Technical College
Inver Hills Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. This public school is set in Inver Grove Heights, MN. Students from in state pay about $6,146 in tuition and fees. Typical Criminal Justice And Corrections student debt is $23,690. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,898. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Inver Hills Community College
Century College landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in White Bear Lake, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $6,214. Graduates carry a median of $19,366 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,424. Set against $19,366 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Century College
Western Technical College La Cross offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Based in La Crosse, WI, Western Technical College La Cross is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,820, with out-of-state students paying around $7,078. Graduates carry a median of $15,494 in student loans. Median earnings reach $45,303 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $15,494 median debt. Get the full Western Technical College La Cross report
Waukesha County Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Based in Pewaukee, WI, Waukesha County Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,803, while out-of-state students pay about $7,046. Students borrow a median of $16,813 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. Median earnings reach $46,894 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,813 median debt. Read more about Waukesha County Technical College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Criminal Justice And Corrections Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Northland Community And Technical College came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Set in Thief River Falls, MN, Northland Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,289. The median Criminal Justice And Corrections program debt is $12,138. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,425. That is a strong return on a $12,138 median debt. See the full Northland Community And Technical College profile
Fox Valley Technical College landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Appleton, WI, Fox Valley Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,040, with out-of-state students paying around $7,283. Students borrow a median of $17,125 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,684 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,125 median debt. Read the full report on Fox Valley Technical College
Oakland Community College came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Set in Auburn Hills, MI, Oakland Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,120, with out-of-state students paying around $5,560. Oakland Community College Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $13,506 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,395. Set against $13,506 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Oakland Community College
Lake Region State College came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Located in Devils Lake, ND, Lake Region State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,520. Lake Region State College Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $10,131 in debt. Lake Region State College alumni report median earnings of $49,502 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Lake Region State College
College Of Southern Idaho landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Twin Falls, ID, College Of Southern Idaho is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,360 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,840. Graduates carry a median of $11,130 in student loans. College Of Southern Idaho alumni report median earnings of $40,916 a decade after entry. Set against $11,130 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about College Of Southern Idaho
El Paso Community College landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in El Paso, TX, El Paso Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,274, while out-of-state students pay about $5,314. Students borrow a median of $6,084 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,212. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about El Paso Community College
Lake Area Technical Institute landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Watertown, SD, Lake Area Technical Institute is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,718. Typical Criminal Justice And Corrections student debt is $12,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,473 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. More on Lake Area Technical Institute
Prince Georges Community College ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools. Set in Largo, MD, Prince Georges Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,034, with out-of-state students paying around $8,762. The median Criminal Justice And Corrections program debt is $13,949. Prince Georges Community College alumni report median earnings of $47,548 a decade after entry. Set against $13,949 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Prince Georges Community College
Chippewa Valley Technical College ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools. Based in Eau Claire, WI, Chippewa Valley Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,844, with out-of-state students paying around $7,087. Graduates carry a median of $13,537 in student loans. Chippewa Valley Technical College alumni report median earnings of $46,297 a decade after entry. Set against $13,537 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Chippewa Valley Technical College report
Lone Star College System ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools. Lone Star College System is a public school based in The Woodlands, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,664, while out-of-state students pay about $7,512. Lone Star College System Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $10,542 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,466 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,542 median debt. Get the full Lone Star College System report
American Public University System placed #36 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in Charles Town, WV. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,400. American Public University System Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $21,243 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,409. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on American Public University System
Mclennan Community College came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Waco, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,660, with out-of-state students paying around $5,910. Mclennan Community College Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $12,606 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,163. Set against $12,606 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Mclennan Community College report
Schoolcraft College came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Livonia, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,799, while out-of-state students pay about $6,501. Schoolcraft College Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $11,868 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,722. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Schoolcraft College
Gateway Technical College ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools. Located in Kenosha, WI, Gateway Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,956, while out-of-state students pay about $7,199. The median Criminal Justice And Corrections program debt is $16,084. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,264. That is a strong return on a $16,084 median debt. Get the full Gateway Technical College report
College Of The Mainland offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Located in Texas City, TX, College Of The Mainland is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,310, with out-of-state students paying around $4,140. The median Criminal Justice And Corrections program debt is $10,928. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,639 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,928 median debt. Read more about College Of The Mainland
Delgado Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Set in New Orleans, LA, Delgado Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,279. Delgado Community College Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $30,687 in debt. Median earnings reach $33,305 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Delgado Community College
College Of Western Idaho came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Based in Nampa, ID, College Of Western Idaho is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,446, while out-of-state students pay about $7,454. Graduates carry a median of $7,381 in student loans. Read the full report on College Of Western Idaho
Itawamba Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Located in Fulton, MS, Itawamba Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,420, compared with $5,820 for out-of-state students. Itawamba Community College Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $10,942 in debt. Itawamba Community College alumni report median earnings of $32,912 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Itawamba Community College profile
New Mexico State University Dona Ana placed #44 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. New Mexico State University Dona Ana is a public school based in Las Cruces, NM. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,322, with out-of-state students paying around $6,360. New Mexico State University Dona Ana Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $7,425 in debt. New Mexico State University Dona Ana alumni report median earnings of $39,067 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about New Mexico State University Dona Ana
New Mexico State University Carlsbad came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Carlsbad, NM. In-state tuition and fees average $1,176, with out-of-state students paying around $4,008. New Mexico State University Carlsbad Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $7,425 in debt. Read more about New Mexico State University Carlsbad
Macomb Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Based in Warren, MI, Macomb Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,660 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,370. The median Criminal Justice And Corrections program debt is $6,964. Macomb Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,596 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Macomb Community College
Hibbing Community College A Technical And Community College came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Located in Hibbing, MN, Hibbing Community College A Technical And Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,022 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,125 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,570 ten years after entry. Set against $25,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Hibbing Community College A Technical And Community College
Southern Crescent Technical College landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Griffin, GA. Students from in state pay about $3,516 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,084. Southern Crescent Technical College Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $17,619 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,104. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Southern Crescent Technical College profile
Georgia Military College Milledgeville placed #49 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. Based in Milledgeville, GA, Georgia Military College Milledgeville is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,605 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $12,401 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,257. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Georgia Military College Milledgeville
Napa Valley College came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Based in Napa, CA, Napa Valley College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,156, with out-of-state students paying around $11,908. Median earnings reach $49,517 ten years out. Read more about Napa Valley College
Related Criminal Justice And Corrections Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Criminal Justice And Corrections Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Criminal Justice And Corrections Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Criminal Justice And Corrections Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Criminal Justice And Corrections Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Criminal Justice And Corrections Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Criminal Justice And Corrections Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Criminal Justice And Corrections Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 1846 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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