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2026 Best Value Criminal Justice And Corrections Graduate Certificate Degree Schools

2026 Best Value Criminal Justice And Corrections Graduate Certificate Degree Schools

Looking for the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 1846 schools 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.

To help you make your decision, 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States

Explore the best-value schools below:

For return on investment, no school beat American Public University System this year in the United States. Located in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,400. Typical Criminal Justice And Corrections student debt is $21,243. Median earnings reach $44,409 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,243 median debt. Read more about American Public University System

#2

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA

A rank of #2 makes Liberty University one of the best values in the United States. Set in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,173. Liberty University Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $29,323 in debt. Median earnings reach $44,813 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Liberty University has an acceptance rate of 99%. More on Liberty University

#3

Southwestern College

Winfield, KS

You'll get strong value at Southwestern College, which ranked #3 this year. Southwestern College is a private not-for-profit school based in Winfield, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $39,822. Students borrow a median of $26,874 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,646. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southwestern College admits about 76% of applicants. See the full Southwestern College profile

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Arizona State University Skysong earned it the #4 place in the United States. This public school is set in Scottsdale, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Typical Criminal Justice And Corrections student debt is $22,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. That is a strong return on a $22,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 67%. Read the full report on Arizona State University Skysong

#5

Salve Regina University

Newport, RI

Out of the 1846 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Salve Regina University landed the #5 spot. Set in Newport, RI, Salve Regina University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $50,100. Salve Regina University Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,975 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Salve Regina University has an acceptance rate of 68%. See the full Salve Regina University profile

Western Illinois University placed #6 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. Western Illinois University is a public school based in Macomb, IL. Students from in state pay about $14,572 in tuition and fees. Typical Criminal Justice And Corrections student debt is $26,000. Western Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $54,163 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Western Illinois University

#7

Walden University

Minneapolis, MN

Walden University offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. This private for-profit school is set in Minneapolis, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,067. Graduates carry a median of $48,133 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,810. Set against $48,133 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Walden University

#8

Webster University

Saint Louis, MO

Webster University offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Located in Saint Louis, MO, Webster University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,750. Students borrow a median of $25,939 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. Webster University alumni report median earnings of $50,876 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read the full report on Webster University

University Of Houston Downtown came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Based in Houston, TX, University Of Houston Downtown is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,582, while out-of-state students pay about $17,434. Graduates carry a median of $22,757 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,551 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,757 median debt. University Of Houston Downtown admits about 90% of applicants. More on University Of Houston Downtown

#10

Sam Houston State University

Huntsville, TX

Sam Houston State University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Based in Huntsville, TX, Sam Houston State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,228, while out-of-state students pay about $19,068. Students borrow a median of $23,218 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. Median earnings reach $54,211 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Sam Houston State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. See the full Sam Houston State University profile

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,797, compared with $27,377 for out-of-state students. Typical Criminal Justice And Corrections student debt is $27,156. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,126. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus

#12

Universidad Del Turabo

Gurabo, PR

Universidad Del Turabo came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Gurabo, PR. In-state tuition and fees average $7,750. Graduates carry a median of $10,454 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $26,223. Set against $10,454 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Universidad Del Turabo report

#13

Excelsior College

Albany, NY

Excelsior College placed #13 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. Excelsior College is a private not-for-profit school based in Albany, NY. Graduates carry a median of $14,875 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,493. That is a strong return on a $14,875 median debt. More on Excelsior College

#14

Franklin University

Columbus, OH

Franklin University landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Columbus, OH, Franklin University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,577. Students borrow a median of $28,750 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. Median earnings reach $51,892 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,750 median debt. Read more about Franklin University

#16

Desales University

Center Valley, PA

Desales University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Based in Center Valley, PA, Desales University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $46,800. Desales University Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,295 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Desales University has an acceptance rate of 77%. See the full Desales University profile

#17

Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville, NC

Fayetteville State University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Fayetteville State University is a public school based in Fayetteville, NC. Students from in state pay about $4,353 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,353. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,144 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read more about Fayetteville State University

Texas State University San Marcos came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Texas State University San Marcos is a public school based in San Marcos, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,450, compared with $22,930 for out-of-state students. Typical Criminal Justice And Corrections student debt is $19,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,906 ten years after entry. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas State University San Marcos admits about 89% of applicants. Read the full report on Texas State University San Marcos

#19

San Diego State University

San Diego, CA

San Diego State University landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,728, while out-of-state students pay about $21,328. Students borrow a median of $12,998 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. San Diego State University alumni report median earnings of $64,909 a decade after entry. Set against $12,998 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 36% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about San Diego State University

#20

Iona College

New Rochelle, NY

Iona College offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Based in New Rochelle, NY, Iona College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $47,260 in tuition and fees. Typical Criminal Justice And Corrections student debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,595. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%. See the full Iona College profile

Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice is a public school based in New York, NY. Students from in state pay about $7,470 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,420. Graduates carry a median of $10,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,195 ten years after entry. Set against $10,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice report

#22

University Of Louisville

Louisville, KY

University Of Louisville offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Set in Louisville, KY, University Of Louisville is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,136, with out-of-state students paying around $29,482. University Of Louisville Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $18,258 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,899. That is a strong return on a $18,258 median debt. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Louisville report

Long Island University C W Post Campus ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools. Located in Brookville, NY, Long Island University C W Post Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $42,432. Graduates carry a median of $27,531 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,950 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,531 median debt. Long Island University C W Post Campus admits about 86% of applicants. More on Long Island University C W Post Campus

#24

University Of Baltimore

Baltimore, MD

University Of Baltimore placed #24 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. Based in Baltimore, MD, University Of Baltimore is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,992, compared with $23,984 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,335. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Baltimore

#25

Texas Christian University

Fort Worth, TX

Texas Christian University landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Texas Christian University is a private not-for-profit school based in Fort Worth, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $61,740. The median Criminal Justice And Corrections program debt is $20,429. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,424. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 44%. More on Texas Christian University

University Of Massachusetts Lowell ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools. Located in Lowell, MA, University Of Massachusetts Lowell is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,966 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $36,264. University Of Massachusetts Lowell Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $24,822 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,874 ten years after entry. Set against $24,822 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Massachusetts Lowell has an acceptance rate of 83%. Get the full University Of Massachusetts Lowell report

Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Criminal Justice And Corrections Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States

These schools also delivered strong value this year:

#27

University Of New Haven

West Haven, CT

University Of New Haven came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Located in West Haven, CT, University Of New Haven is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $47,332. The median Criminal Justice And Corrections program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,126 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of New Haven

#28

Portland State University

Portland, OR

Portland State University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Located in Portland, OR, Portland State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,118, with out-of-state students paying around $29,136. Typical Criminal Justice And Corrections student debt is $26,641. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,906. Set against $26,641 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Portland State University admits about 91% of applicants. More on Portland State University

University Of Central Florida placed #29 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. Based in Orlando, FL, University Of Central Florida is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,368, while out-of-state students pay about $22,467. Graduates carry a median of $21,731 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,308 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,731 median debt. University Of Central Florida admits about 40% of applicants. More on University Of Central Florida

University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs placed #30 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. Set in Colorado Springs, CO, University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,906, while out-of-state students pay about $25,039. University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $18,625 in debt. Median earnings reach $54,659 ten years out. Set against $18,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs admits about 97% of applicants. See the full University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs profile

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Cincinnati, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,363, while out-of-state students pay about $28,697. Graduates carry a median of $21,253 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,810. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Cincinnati Main Campus

Virginia Commonwealth University placed #32 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. Set in Richmond, VA, Virginia Commonwealth University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,720, compared with $39,884 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,250 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,128 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%. See the full Virginia Commonwealth University profile

Berks Career And Technology Center placed #32 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. Read the full report on Berks Career And Technology Center

Cecil College placed #33 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. See the full Cecil College profile

Farmingdale State College ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools. Get the full Farmingdale State College report

Jarvis Christian College came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. See the full Jarvis Christian College profile

Lane College landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. More on Lane College

North Arkansas College ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools. Read more about North Arkansas College

Ohio University Southern Campus placed #38 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. Read the full report on Ohio University Southern Campus

Wayne County Community College District came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Wayne County Community College District

Wisconsin Lutheran College placed #40 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. Read the full report on Wisconsin Lutheran College

Withlacoochee Technical College ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools. More on Withlacoochee Technical College

Bismarck State College placed #42 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. See the full Bismarck State College profile

Bryant And Stratton College Online placed #43 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. More on Bryant And Stratton College Online

Colorado Technical University Colorado Springs offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Get the full Colorado Technical University Colorado Springs report

Emmanuel College Georgia landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full Emmanuel College Georgia report

Florida Keys Community College placed #46 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. Read the full report on Florida Keys Community College

Greenville Technical College came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. See the full Greenville Technical College profile

Holy Family University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools. More on Holy Family University

Indiana University East offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. More on Indiana University East

Mid State Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Get the full Mid State Technical College report

See value rankings for other degree levels:

Ranking Methodology & Notes

The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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

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