2026 Best Value Criminal Justice And Corrections Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections certificate degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1846 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor reviewed schools to produce 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 Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Our analysis found Camden County College to be the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections school in the United States. Based in Blackwood, NJ, Camden County College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,320, compared with $4,416 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,322 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. Camden County College alumni report median earnings of $41,212 a decade after entry. Set against $13,322 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Camden County College
A rank of #2 makes Northcentral Technical College one of the best values in the United States. Based in Wausau, WI, Northcentral Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,889, with out-of-state students paying around $7,132. Typical Criminal Justice And Corrections student debt is $14,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,925. Set against $14,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Northcentral Technical College
You'll get strong value at Alexandria Technical And Community College, which ranked #3 this year. Based in Alexandria, MN, Alexandria Technical And Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,236 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $15,400 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,393. That is a strong return on a $15,400 median debt. More on Alexandria Technical And Community College
You'll get strong value at Lake Region State College, which ranked #4 this year. Based in Devils Lake, ND, Lake Region State College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,520. Typical Criminal Justice And Corrections student debt is $10,131. Lake Region State College alumni report median earnings of $49,502 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,131 median debt. Get the full Lake Region State College report
Out of the 1846 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College landed the #5 spot. Located in Fennimore, WI, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,904, while out-of-state students pay about $7,147. Students borrow a median of $12,750 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,470. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
Mid State Technical College landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Mid State Technical College is a public school based in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,002, compared with $7,171 for out-of-state students. Mid State Technical College Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $13,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $42,253 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Mid State Technical College
South Plains College landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. South Plains College is a public school based in Levelland, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,733, compared with $5,157 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $9,291 in student loans. South Plains College alumni report median earnings of $41,276 a decade after entry. Set against $9,291 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full South Plains College report
Hennepin Technical College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools. This public school is set in Brooklyn Park, MN. Students from in state pay about $5,940 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $19,854 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. Median earnings reach $49,460 ten years out. Set against $19,854 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Hennepin Technical College report
Oakland Community College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Based in Auburn Hills, MI, Oakland Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,120, with out-of-state students paying around $5,560. Students borrow a median of $13,506 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,395. That is a strong return on a $13,506 median debt. See the full Oakland Community College profile
College Of The Mainland came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Based in Texas City, TX, College Of The Mainland is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,310, while out-of-state students pay about $4,140. Graduates carry a median of $10,928 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,639. Set against $10,928 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on College Of The Mainland
Gateway Technical College landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Gateway Technical College is a public school based in Kenosha, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,956, compared with $7,199 for out-of-state students. Typical Criminal Justice And Corrections student debt is $16,084. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,264. That is a strong return on a $16,084 median debt. Read more about Gateway Technical College
Wharton County Junior College landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Wharton, TX, Wharton County Junior College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,192 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,904 for out-of-state students. Wharton County Junior College Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $8,753 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,960. That is a strong return on a $8,753 median debt. Get the full Wharton County Junior College report
Inver Hills Community College came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Inver Grove Heights, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,146. Graduates carry a median of $23,690 in student loans. Median earnings reach $49,898 ten years out. Set against $23,690 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Inver Hills Community College report
El Centro College landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Dallas, TX, El Centro College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,730, compared with $6,900 for out-of-state students. The median Criminal Justice And Corrections program debt is $13,727. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,714. That is a strong return on a $13,727 median debt. See the full El Centro College profile
Western Technical College La Cross came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Based in La Crosse, WI, Western Technical College La Cross is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,820, with out-of-state students paying around $7,078. Typical Criminal Justice And Corrections student debt is $15,494. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,303. That is a strong return on a $15,494 median debt. See the full Western Technical College La Cross profile
Madison Area Technical College came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Based in Madison, WI, Madison Area Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,977, while out-of-state students pay about $7,141. Madison Area Technical College Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $13,750 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,413 ten years after entry. Set against $13,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Madison Area Technical College
Normandale Community College came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Based in Bloomington, MN, Normandale Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,329. Typical Criminal Justice And Corrections student debt is $12,891. Normandale Community College alumni report median earnings of $50,207 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,891 median debt. More on Normandale Community College
Tyler Junior College came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Tyler, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,424 in tuition and fees, 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. Median earnings reach $38,140 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt. Get the full Tyler Junior College report
Chippewa Valley Technical College placed #19 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. Set 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. Students borrow a median of $13,537 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,297. That is a strong return on a $13,537 median debt. Read the full report on Chippewa Valley Technical College
Southern Crescent Technical College ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools. Based in Griffin, GA, Southern Crescent Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,516, 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,104. Set against $17,619 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Southern Crescent Technical College
Waukesha County Technical College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools. Located in Pewaukee, WI, Waukesha County Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,803, compared with $7,046 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,813 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,894. That is a strong return on a $16,813 median debt. Read the full report on Waukesha County Technical College
Fox Valley Technical College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools. Fox Valley Technical College is a public school based in Appleton, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,040, with out-of-state students paying around $7,283. Typical Criminal Justice And Corrections student debt is $17,125. Fox Valley Technical College alumni report median earnings of $45,684 a decade after entry. Set against $17,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Fox Valley Technical College
Augusta Technical College came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Augusta Technical College is a public school based in Augusta, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,282, compared with $7,492 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,400 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. Median earnings reach $33,523 ten years out. Set against $11,400 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Augusta Technical College profile
Johnson County Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Located in Overland Park, KS, Johnson County Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,424, compared with $5,688 for out-of-state students. Typical Criminal Justice And Corrections student debt is $20,106. Median earnings reach $45,387 ten years out. Set against $20,106 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Johnson County Community College
Amarillo College placed #25 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. Amarillo College is a public school based in Amarillo, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,136, compared with $4,704 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,624 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,302. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Amarillo College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Criminal Justice And Corrections Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Southwestern Illinois College ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools. This public school is set in Belleville, IL. Students from in state pay about $4,230 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,720. The median Criminal Justice And Corrections program debt is $11,000. Southwestern Illinois College alumni report median earnings of $36,884 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt. See the full Southwestern Illinois College profile
American Public University System placed #27 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. Set in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Set against $21,243 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full American Public University System profile
The University Of Texas At Brownsville placed #28 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. This public school is set in Brownsville, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,148, while out-of-state students pay about $4,948. Graduates carry a median of $8,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,900 ten years after entry. Set against $8,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about The University Of Texas At Brownsville
Rio Salado College offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Set in Tempe, AZ, Rio Salado College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,358, compared with $8,958 for out-of-state students. Typical Criminal Justice And Corrections student debt is $11,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,015 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Rio Salado College
Century College landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in White Bear Lake, MN, Century College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,214. Century College Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $19,366 in debt. Century College alumni report median earnings of $46,424 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Century College report
Southern Arkansas University Tech landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Camden, AR, Southern Arkansas University Tech is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,040 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,480. The median Criminal Justice And Corrections program debt is $8,488. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,376. Set against $8,488 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Southern Arkansas University Tech
Santa Rosa Junior College came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Santa Rosa, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,318, compared with $11,308 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,125 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,224 ten years after entry. Set against $14,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Santa Rosa Junior College
Napa Valley College placed #33 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. Based in Napa, CA, Napa Valley College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $1,156 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,908. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,517. Read the full report on Napa Valley College
Moreno Valley College placed #34 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. Moreno Valley College is a public school based in Moreno Valley, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,428, while out-of-state students pay about $12,498. The median Criminal Justice And Corrections program debt is $12,643. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,133. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Moreno Valley College
The Community College Of Baltimore County placed #35 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. The Community College Of Baltimore County is a public school based in Baltimore, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,110, while out-of-state students pay about $10,182. Students borrow a median of $14,611 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. The Community College Of Baltimore County alumni report median earnings of $43,729 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on The Community College Of Baltimore County
Blackhawk Technical College ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools. Based in Janesville, WI, Blackhawk Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,747, while out-of-state students pay about $6,803. The median Criminal Justice And Corrections program debt is $14,937. Median earnings reach $41,620 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,937 median debt. Get the full Blackhawk Technical College report
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Located in Valdosta, GA, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,480, while out-of-state students pay about $6,048. Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $10,864 in debt. Wiregrass Georgia Technical College alumni report median earnings of $30,864 a decade after entry. Set against $10,864 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
Savannah Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Located in Savannah, GA, Savannah Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,330 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,898 for out-of-state students. The median Criminal Justice And Corrections program debt is $12,125. Savannah Technical College alumni report median earnings of $33,018 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,125 median debt. Read the full report on Savannah Technical College
North Georgia Technical College ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools. This public school is set in Clarkesville, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $3,330, compared with $5,898 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,279 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $32,932 ten years after entry. Set against $12,279 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full North Georgia Technical College profile
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools. Located in Green Bay, WI, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,960 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,203. Graduates carry a median of $14,997 in student loans. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College alumni report median earnings of $44,553 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,997 median debt. More on Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Mclennan Community College landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Waco, TX, Mclennan 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 $5,910. Graduates carry a median of $12,606 in student loans. Median earnings reach $39,163 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Mclennan Community College
Laredo Community College placed #42 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. Located in Laredo, TX, Laredo Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,300, compared with $5,748 for out-of-state students. Typical Criminal Justice And Corrections student debt is $6,000. Median earnings reach $33,934 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Laredo Community College report
Wor Wic Community College came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Wor Wic Community College is a public school based in Salisbury, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $3,840, with out-of-state students paying around $8,400. Graduates carry a median of $14,000 in student loans. Wor Wic Community College alumni report median earnings of $36,748 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,000 median debt. Read the full report on Wor Wic Community College
Santa Ana College landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Santa Ana College is a public school based in Santa Ana, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,180, while out-of-state students pay about $10,756. The median Criminal Justice And Corrections program debt is $11,196. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,552. That is a strong return on a $11,196 median debt. Read the full report on Santa Ana College
Golden West College placed #45 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. Located in Huntington Beach, CA, Golden West College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,380, while out-of-state students pay about $11,628. Golden West College Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,145. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Golden West College
South Georgia Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Located in Americus, GA, South Georgia Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,992 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,202. Students borrow a median of $10,423 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. South Georgia Technical College alumni report median earnings of $30,364 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,423 median debt. More on South Georgia Technical College
Houston Community College came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,040, while out-of-state students pay about $5,460. Graduates carry a median of $13,925 in student loans. Houston Community College alumni report median earnings of $39,254 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,925 median debt. Get the full Houston Community College report
Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Warner Robins, GA, Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,448, compared with $6,016 for out-of-state students. Typical Criminal Justice And Corrections student debt is $11,693. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $30,848. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins
Southwest Texas Junior College landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Uvalde, TX, Southwest Texas Junior College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,646 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,294. Typical Criminal Justice And Corrections student debt is $5,125. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,563. Set against $5,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Southwest Texas Junior College
Sowela Technical Community College ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools. Set in Lake Charles, LA, Sowela Technical Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,305. Typical Criminal Justice And Corrections student debt is $7,391. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $32,303. That is a strong return on a $7,391 median debt. See the full Sowela Technical Community College profile
Related Criminal Justice And Corrections Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Criminal Justice And Corrections Schools (All Levels)
- 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 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
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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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