2026 Best Value Criminal Justice And Corrections Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections master’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 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
For return on investment, no school beat Columbia Southern University this year in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in Orange Beach, AL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,224. Students borrow a median of $23,641 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,534 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,641 median debt. See the full Columbia Southern University profile
A rank of #2 makes Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Barranquitas one of the best values in the United States. Based in Barranquitas, PR, Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Barranquitas is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,742. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Barranquitas Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $4,217 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $23,204. Set against $4,217 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Barranquitas profile
A rank of #3 makes Simpson College one of the best values in the United States. Located in Indianola, IA, Simpson College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $47,656. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,274. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Simpson College admits about 86% of applicants. Read more about Simpson College
Charleston Southern University came in at #4 on this year's best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections ranking in the United States. Set in Charleston, SC, Charleston Southern University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $32,520. Charleston Southern University Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,898. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Charleston Southern University
You'll get strong value at University Of The Cumberlands, which ranked #5 this year. Set in Williamsburg, KY, University Of The Cumberlands is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $9,875 in tuition and fees. University Of The Cumberlands Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,036 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of The Cumberlands
Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Mercedita, PR, Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,780. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $8,250 in debt. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce alumni report median earnings of $26,721 a decade after entry. Set against $8,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce admits about 34% of applicants. Get the full Inter American University Of Puerto Rico Ponce report
American Public University System ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools. American Public University System is a private for-profit school based in Charles Town, WV. In-state tuition and fees average $8,400. Students borrow a median of $21,243 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. Median earnings reach $44,409 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on American Public University System
Westfield State University placed #8 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. Based in Westfield, MA, Westfield State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,179 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,259. The median Criminal Justice And Corrections program debt is $24,422. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,346 ten years after entry. Set against $24,422 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 81%. Get the full Westfield State University report
Minnesota State University Mankato offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. This public school is set in Mankato, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,922. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on Minnesota State University Mankato
Concordia University Saint Paul offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,600. The median Criminal Justice And Corrections program debt is $28,076. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,871 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Concordia University Saint Paul
Ferris State University landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Big Rapids, MI. Students from in state pay about $14,778 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $21,880 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,735. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ferris State University has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read the full report on Ferris State University
Colorado State University Global Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Located in Denver, CO, Colorado State University Global Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,000 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $38,276 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. Median earnings reach $76,813 ten years out. Set against $38,276 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. More on Colorado State University Global Campus
Universidad Del Este ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools. Universidad Del Este is a private not-for-profit school based in Carolina, PR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,750. Universidad Del Este Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $12,620 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $24,328. That is a strong return on a $12,620 median debt. Read more about Universidad Del Este
Fitchburg State University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. This public school is set in Fitchburg, MA. Students from in state pay about $11,346 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,426 for out-of-state students. Fitchburg State University Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,874 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Fitchburg State University admits about 87% of applicants. Read more about Fitchburg State University
Youngstown State University offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Set in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Typical Criminal Justice And Corrections student debt is $24,465. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,544. That is a strong return on a $24,465 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%. Read more about Youngstown State University
West Texas A And M University landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. West Texas A And M University is a public school based in Canyon, TX. Students from in state pay about $9,101 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,996 for out-of-state students. The median Criminal Justice And Corrections program debt is $24,365. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,741. Set against $24,365 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on West Texas A And M University
Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Angola, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $7,176. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,165. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 40%. Read more about Trine University Fort Wayne Regional Campus
North Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Based in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,910, with out-of-state students paying around $15,564. Students borrow a median of $23,125 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,203. That is a strong return on a $23,125 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on North Dakota State University Main Campus
Missouri Southern State University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Set in Joplin, MO, Missouri Southern State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,600, with out-of-state students paying around $18,300. Typical Criminal Justice And Corrections student debt is $21,972. Median earnings reach $42,620 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,972 median debt. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Missouri Southern State University
Liberty University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lynchburg, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,173. Graduates carry a median of $29,323 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,813. Set against $29,323 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. More on Liberty University
Guilford College landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Greensboro, NC, Guilford College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,362. Guilford College Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $27,290 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,590. That is a strong return on a $27,290 median debt. Guilford College admits about 80% of applicants. Read more about Guilford College
Southwestern College came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Winfield, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,822. Graduates carry a median of $26,874 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,646. Set against $26,874 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southwestern College admits about 76% of applicants. Read more about Southwestern College
Columbia College South Carolina landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Columbia, SC, Columbia College South Carolina is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,054. Students borrow a median of $26,773 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,338. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. More on Columbia College South Carolina
Wilmington University placed #24 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. Located in New Castle, DE, Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,630. Students borrow a median of $24,000 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,844 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,000 median debt. More on Wilmington University
Arizona State University Skysong offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Arizona State University Skysong is a public school based in Scottsdale, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Set against $22,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University Skysong admits about 67% of applicants. Read the full report on Arizona State University Skysong
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Criminal Justice And Corrections Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Illinois State University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Illinois State University Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $22,531 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,117 ten years out. Set against $22,531 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on Illinois State University
Wayland Baptist University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools. Located in Plainview, TX, Wayland Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,782. Typical Criminal Justice And Corrections student debt is $25,000. Wayland Baptist University alumni report median earnings of $51,838 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. See the full Wayland Baptist University profile
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville placed #28 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. Based in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,092. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,346. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has an acceptance rate of 98%. See the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville profile
Delaware Valley College landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Doylestown, PA, Delaware Valley College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $44,850 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,455 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,838. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Delaware Valley College report
Marywood University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Marywood University is a private not-for-profit school based in Scranton, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,420. Graduates carry a median of $27,744 in student loans. Marywood University alumni report median earnings of $55,817 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,744 median debt. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Marywood University report
Salve Regina University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools. Salve Regina University is a private not-for-profit school based in Newport, RI. In-state tuition and fees run about $50,100. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,975. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Salve Regina University admits about 68% of applicants. Get the full Salve Regina University report
Bellevue University placed #32 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. Located in Bellevue, NE, Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,873. Typical Criminal Justice And Corrections student debt is $27,852. Bellevue University alumni report median earnings of $61,289 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Bellevue University
Midwestern State University came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Midwestern State University is a public school based in Wichita Falls, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,950, compared with $11,770 for out-of-state students. Midwestern State University Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $25,668 in debt. Median earnings reach $55,747 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Midwestern State University admits about 94% of applicants. See the full Midwestern State University profile
Columbia College Missouri placed #34 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. Columbia College Missouri is a private not-for-profit school based in Columbia, MO. Students from in state pay about $12,276 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,344 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,378. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Columbia College Missouri
Xavier University landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cincinnati, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $49,425. Students borrow a median of $26,396 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. Median earnings reach $64,873 ten years out. Set against $26,396 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Xavier University admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on Xavier University
Walden University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,067. Walden University Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $48,133 in debt. 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
Mount Mercy University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cedar Rapids, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,878. Students borrow a median of $25,500 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,787. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Mount Mercy University profile
Mississippi College landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Clinton, MS. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,500. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,485. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 29%. Read more about Mississippi College
Missouri Baptist University landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Missouri Baptist University is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Louis, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $33,122. Students borrow a median of $23,187 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. Median earnings reach $46,660 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Missouri Baptist University admits about 69% of applicants. More on Missouri Baptist University
Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools. 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. Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $29,738 in debt. Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global alumni report median earnings of $59,986 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global
Western Illinois University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Western Illinois University is a public school based in Macomb, IL. Students from in state pay about $14,572 in tuition and fees. 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. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Western Illinois University admits about 71% of applicants. Get the full Western Illinois University report
Averett University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Located in Danville, VA, Averett University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,550. Graduates carry a median of $29,703 in student loans. Averett University alumni report median earnings of $51,516 a decade after entry. Set against $29,703 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 57%. More on Averett University
Anderson University Sc landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Anderson, SC, Anderson University Sc is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,970. Students borrow a median of $28,500 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,101. Set against $28,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Anderson University Sc has an acceptance rate of 55%. Get the full Anderson University Sc report
Columbus State University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Columbus State University is a public school based in Columbus, GA. Students from in state pay about $5,898 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,610. The median Criminal Justice And Corrections program debt is $21,917. Median earnings reach $44,544 ten years out. Set against $21,917 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Columbus State University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read more about Columbus State University
Universidad Del Turabo placed #45 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Gurabo, PR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,750. Universidad Del Turabo Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $10,454 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $26,223. Set against $10,454 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Universidad Del Turabo
Holy Family University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Holy Family University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,330. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,235 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Holy Family University has an acceptance rate of 71%. Read the full report on Holy Family University
Seattle University landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Seattle, WA. Students from in state pay about $56,721 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $21,247 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,272 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%. Get the full Seattle University report
Texas A And M University Central Texas ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools. Set in Killeen, TX, Texas A And M University Central Texas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,363, compared with $17,155 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,750 in student loans. The acceptance rate is 100%. More on Texas A And M University Central Texas
Bethel University Tennessee came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Bethel University Tennessee is a private not-for-profit school based in McKenzie, TN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,712. The median Criminal Justice And Corrections program debt is $24,444. Bethel University Tennessee alumni report median earnings of $47,482 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,444 median debt. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. See the full Bethel University Tennessee profile
Saint Cloud State University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools. Based in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,245. Saint Cloud State University Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. Saint Cloud State University alumni report median earnings of $55,813 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 95%. More on Saint Cloud State University
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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Criminal Justice And Corrections Graduate Certificate 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. 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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