2026 Best Value Criminal Justice And Corrections Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 1846 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor reviewed 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Columbia Southern University this year in the United States. Located in Orange Beach, AL, Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,224. Columbia Southern University Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $23,641 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,534. That is a strong return on a $23,641 median debt. Read the full report on Columbia Southern University
American Public University System came in at #2 on this year's best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections ranking in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in Charles Town, WV. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,400. The median Criminal Justice And Corrections program debt is $21,243. Median earnings reach $44,409 ten years out. Set against $21,243 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full American Public University System report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Colorado State University Global Campus earned it the #3 place in the United States. Set in Denver, CO, Colorado State University Global Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,000. Students borrow a median of $38,276 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $76,813. That is a strong return on a $38,276 median debt. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Colorado State University Global Campus profile
A rank of #4 makes Wayne State College one of the best values in the United States. Set in Wayne, NE, Wayne State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,171. Typical Criminal Justice And Corrections student debt is $25,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,075. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Wayne State College report
You'll get strong value at Chadron State College, which ranked #5 this year. Located in Chadron, NE, Chadron State College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,294. Students borrow a median of $20,250 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,002. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Chadron State College report
Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Fayette, MO, Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $7,500 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies alumni report median earnings of $48,991 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies
Granite State College came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Granite State College is a public school based in Manchester, NH. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,724, with out-of-state students paying around $9,284. Graduates carry a median of $22,551 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $66,479 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,551 median debt. Read more about Granite State College
Bemidji State University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Bemidji, MN, Bemidji State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,237 in tuition and fees. Bemidji State University Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $23,181 in debt. Bemidji State University alumni report median earnings of $53,755 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,181 median debt. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Bemidji State University
University Of North Carolina At Pembroke ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools. This public school is set in Pembroke, NC. Students from in state pay about $3,648 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,648. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,407. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of North Carolina At Pembroke profile
Park University landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Parkville, MO, Park University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,116. Park University Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $18,299 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,309 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,299 median debt. See the full Park University profile
Western Carolina University placed #11 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. Western Carolina University is a public school based in Cullowhee, NC. Students from in state pay about $4,630 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,630. Graduates carry a median of $21,461 in student loans. Western Carolina University alumni report median earnings of $49,458 a decade after entry. Set against $21,461 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Carolina University has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read the full report on Western Carolina University
Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus is a private not-for-profit school based in Angola, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $7,176. Typical Criminal Justice And Corrections student debt is $26,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,165 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus has an acceptance rate of 40%. More on Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus
Herzing University Brookfield came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Herzing University Brookfield is a private not-for-profit school based in Brookfield, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,450. Herzing University Brookfield Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $23,294 in debt. Herzing University Brookfield alumni report median earnings of $36,909 a decade after entry. Set against $23,294 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Herzing University Brookfield
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools. Based in Daytona Beach, FL, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $12,097 in tuition and fees. The median Criminal Justice And Corrections program debt is $20,787. Graduates go on to earn a median of $84,131 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide admits about 58% of applicants. More on Embry Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide
Herzing University Minneapolis placed #15 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. Based in St. Louis Park, MN, Herzing University Minneapolis is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,450. The median Criminal Justice And Corrections program debt is $23,294. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,909 ten years after entry. Set against $23,294 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%. Read more about Herzing University Minneapolis
Herzing University Atlanta offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Atlanta, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $13,450. Herzing University Atlanta Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $28,399 in debt. Median earnings reach $36,909 ten years out. Set against $28,399 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%. Get the full Herzing University Atlanta report
Akron Institute Of Herzing University placed #17 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. Akron Institute Of Herzing University is a private not-for-profit school based in Akron, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,450. Akron Institute Of Herzing University Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $23,294 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,909 ten years after entry. Set against $23,294 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Akron Institute Of Herzing University has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read the full report on Akron Institute Of Herzing University
Minot State University offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Set in Minot, ND, Minot State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,702. Graduates carry a median of $26,343 in student loans. Median earnings reach $51,759 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 65%. Read the full report on Minot State University
Herzing University Kenner placed #19 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. Based in Metairie, LA, Herzing University Kenner is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,450. Graduates carry a median of $23,294 in student loans. Median earnings reach $36,909 ten years out. Set against $23,294 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%. Read the full report on Herzing University Kenner
Herzing University Birmingham offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Herzing University Birmingham is a private not-for-profit school based in Birmingham, AL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,450. Students borrow a median of $23,294 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. Herzing University Birmingham alumni report median earnings of $36,909 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. More on Herzing University Birmingham
Herzing University Kenosha placed #21 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. Herzing University Kenosha is a private not-for-profit school based in Kenosha, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,450. Graduates carry a median of $23,294 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,909. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Herzing University Kenosha admits about 92% of applicants. Read more about Herzing University Kenosha
University Of Phoenix Arizona placed #22 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. University Of Phoenix Arizona is a private for-profit school based in Phoenix, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,552. Students borrow a median of $36,117 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,752. Set against $36,117 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on University Of Phoenix Arizona
Herzing University Madison landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Herzing University Madison is a private not-for-profit school based in Madison, WI. Students from in state pay about $13,450 in tuition and fees. The median Criminal Justice And Corrections program debt is $23,294. Median earnings reach $36,909 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%. See the full Herzing University Madison profile
Metropolitan State University placed #24 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. This public school is set in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $9,840. Students borrow a median of $31,213 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. Median earnings reach $64,705 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $31,213 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%. More on Metropolitan State University
University Of Maryland University College landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Maryland University College is a public school based in Adelphi, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,136, while out-of-state students pay about $12,336. Typical Criminal Justice And Corrections student debt is $25,062. University Of Maryland University College alumni report median earnings of $65,287 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full University Of Maryland University College report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Criminal Justice And Corrections Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Grantham University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in LIttle Rock, AR, Grantham University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,520. Typical Criminal Justice And Corrections student debt is $32,697. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,496. That is a strong return on a $32,697 median debt. More on Grantham University
Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Barranquitas offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Barranquitas, PR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,742. Graduates carry a median of $4,217 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $23,204 ten years after entry. Set against $4,217 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Barranquitas has an acceptance rate of 86%. Get the full Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Barranquitas report
Elizabeth City State University placed #27 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. Based in Elizabeth City, NC, Elizabeth City State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,536, compared with $10,536 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,903 in student loans. Median earnings reach $40,026 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,903 median debt. Elizabeth City State University admits about 64% of applicants. More on Elizabeth City State University
Ashford University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools. This private for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,960. Ashford University Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $37,625 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,404. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Ashford University report
Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Mercedita, PR. Students from in state pay about $5,780 in tuition and fees. The median Criminal Justice And Corrections program debt is $8,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $26,721. That is a strong return on a $8,250 median debt. About 34% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce
National University placed #31 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,284. National University Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $28,014 in debt. Median earnings reach $67,548 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on National University
Herzing University Winter Park landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Winter Park, FL, Herzing University Winter Park is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,450. Typical Criminal Justice And Corrections student debt is $23,294. Median earnings reach $36,909 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,294 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. See the full Herzing University Winter Park profile
Peru State College ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools. Peru State College is a public school based in Peru, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,433. Peru State College Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $27,367 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,071. That is a strong return on a $27,367 median debt. Read more about Peru State College
Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Set in Arecibo, PR, Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,780. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $10,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $24,539 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo admits about 38% of applicants. Read the full report on Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Arecibo
Western Illinois University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Set in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,572. Western Illinois University Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,163. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Illinois University admits about 71% of applicants. More on Western Illinois University
University Of Phoenix California came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. This private for-profit school is set in Ontario, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,552. Graduates carry a median of $46,989 in student loans. Median earnings reach $37,752 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $46,989 median debt. Read the full report on University Of Phoenix California
Wilmington University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools. Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit school based in New Castle, DE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,630. Wilmington University Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $24,000 in debt. Wilmington University alumni report median earnings of $53,844 a decade after entry. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Wilmington University
Franklin University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools. Franklin University is a private not-for-profit school based in Columbus, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,577. Graduates carry a median of $28,750 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,892. That is a strong return on a $28,750 median debt. More on Franklin University
University Of Phoenix Hawaii Campus ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools. Located in Kapolei, HI, University Of Phoenix Hawaii Campus is a private for-profit institution. Students borrow a median of $46,989 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,752. Set against $46,989 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on University Of Phoenix Hawaii Campus
Bethel University Tennessee ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools. Based in McKenzie, TN, Bethel University Tennessee is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $18,712 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,444 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. Median earnings reach $47,482 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,444 median debt. The acceptance rate is 60%. Read the full report on Bethel University Tennessee
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools. This public school is set in Edwardsville, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,092. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumni report median earnings of $56,346 a decade after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville admits about 98% of applicants. More on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Set in Portales, NM, Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,074 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,054. The median Criminal Justice And Corrections program debt is $17,912. Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $38,550 a decade after entry. Set against $17,912 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%. Read more about Eastern New Mexico University Main Campus
University Of South Dakota placed #45 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. Located in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,432, with out-of-state students paying around $12,942. The median Criminal Justice And Corrections program debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $51,926 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. University Of South Dakota admits about 99% of applicants. Read more about University Of South Dakota
Excelsior College offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Based in Albany, NY, Excelsior College is a private not-for-profit institution. The median Criminal Justice And Corrections program debt is $14,875. Median earnings reach $78,493 ten years out. Set against $14,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Excelsior College report
Southern Illinois University Carbondale came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public school based in Carbondale, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $13,334. The median Criminal Justice And Corrections program debt is $23,730. Southern Illinois University Carbondale alumni report median earnings of $53,390 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,730 median debt. Southern Illinois University Carbondale admits about 87% of applicants. More on Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Arizona State University Skysong landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Arizona State University Skysong is a public school based in Scottsdale, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Arizona State University Skysong Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $22,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. That is a strong return on a $22,000 median debt. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Arizona State University Skysong
Walden University placed #50 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,067. The median Criminal Justice And Corrections program debt is $48,133. Walden University alumni report median earnings of $42,810 a decade after entry. Set against $48,133 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Walden University
Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global landed the #51 spot for value in the United States this year. Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global is a private not-for-profit school based in Marion, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,648. Graduates carry a median of $29,738 in student loans. Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global alumni report median earnings of $59,986 a decade after entry. Set against $29,738 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global report
Rasmussen College Florida ranked #53 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools. Set in Ocala, FL, Rasmussen College Florida is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,256. Typical Criminal Justice And Corrections student debt is $33,223. Rasmussen College Florida alumni report median earnings of $39,080 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Rasmussen College Florida profile
North Dakota State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #54 position. Based in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. The median Criminal Justice And Corrections program debt is $23,125. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,203. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 95%. See the full North Dakota State University Main Campus profile
Related Criminal Justice And Corrections Value Rankings
See value rankings for 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 Associate’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
The ranking above is published 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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