2026 Best Value Criminal Justice And Corrections Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections undergraduate 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 arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor evaluated 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 Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Alexandria Technical And Community College earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Alexandria, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,236. Students borrow a median of $15,400 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. Median earnings reach $49,393 ten years out. Set against $15,400 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Alexandria Technical And Community College
You'll get strong value at Lakeshore Technical College, which ranked #2 this year. Based in Cleveland, WI, Lakeshore Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,844, while out-of-state students pay about $7,087. Graduates carry a median of $11,582 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,113. Set against $11,582 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Lakeshore Technical College profile
A rank of #3 makes Fond Du Lac Tribal And Community College one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Cloquet, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,006. The median Criminal Justice And Corrections program debt is $15,665. Median earnings reach $45,665 ten years out. Set against $15,665 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Fond Du Lac Tribal And Community College profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College earned it the #4 place in the United States. This public school is set in Fennimore, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,904, while out-of-state students pay about $7,147. Graduates carry a median of $12,750 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,470 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,750 median debt. Read more about Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
You'll get strong value at Northland Community And Technical College, which ranked #5 this year. Set in Thief River Falls, MN, Northland Community And Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,289. Graduates carry a median of $12,138 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,425 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Northland Community And Technical College
Southern Crescent Technical College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools. Southern Crescent Technical College is a public school based in Griffin, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,516, while out-of-state students pay about $6,084. Students borrow a median of $17,619 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,104. That is a strong return on a $17,619 median debt. Read the full report on Southern Crescent Technical College
El Centro College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools. Located in Dallas, TX, El Centro College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,730, with out-of-state students paying around $6,900. The median Criminal Justice And Corrections program debt is $13,727. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,714 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on El Centro College
Jefferson College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Hillsboro, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,250, with out-of-state students paying around $8,850. Students borrow a median of $13,664 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,782 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,664 median debt. Read more about Jefferson College
Moreno Valley College landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Moreno Valley, CA, Moreno Valley College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,428, with out-of-state students paying around $12,498. The median Criminal Justice And Corrections program debt is $12,643. Median earnings reach $52,133 ten years out. Set against $12,643 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Moreno Valley College report
Itawamba Community College placed #10 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. Located in Fulton, MS, Itawamba Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,420, compared with $5,820 for out-of-state students. Typical Criminal Justice And Corrections student debt is $10,942. Median earnings reach $32,912 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Itawamba Community College
Mclennan Community College landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Waco, TX, Mclennan Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,660, compared with $5,910 for out-of-state students. Mclennan Community College Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $12,606 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,163. Set against $12,606 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Mclennan Community College
Sowela Technical Community College landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Lake Charles, LA, Sowela Technical Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,305. Graduates carry a median of $7,391 in student loans. Sowela Technical Community College alumni report median earnings of $32,303 a decade after entry. Set against $7,391 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Sowela Technical Community College
Hibbing Community College A Technical And Community College placed #13 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. Located in Hibbing, MN, Hibbing Community College A Technical And Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,022. Typical Criminal Justice And Corrections student debt is $25,125. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,570 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Hibbing Community College A Technical And Community College
Ivy Tech Community College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools. Set in Indianapolis, IN, Ivy Tech Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,154 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,935. The median Criminal Justice And Corrections program debt is $14,215. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,186 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,215 median debt. See the full Ivy Tech Community College profile
Macomb Community College landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Warren, MI, Macomb Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,660, while out-of-state students pay about $8,370. Students borrow a median of $6,964 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,596. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Macomb Community College
Rio Salado College came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Tempe, AZ. 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. Median earnings reach $41,015 ten years out. Set against $11,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Rio Salado College
North Georgia Technical College placed #17 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. Set in Clarkesville, GA, North Georgia Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,330, with out-of-state students paying around $5,898. Graduates carry a median of $12,279 in student loans. Median earnings reach $32,932 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,279 median debt. Read more about North Georgia Technical College
College Of Western Idaho ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools. Based in Nampa, ID, College Of Western Idaho is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,446, while out-of-state students pay about $7,454. College Of Western Idaho Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $7,381 in debt. More on College Of Western Idaho
Georgia Northwestern Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Set in Rome, GA, Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,300, while out-of-state students pay about $5,868. Georgia Northwestern Technical College Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $8,492 in debt. Median earnings reach $35,759 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $8,492 median debt. See the full Georgia Northwestern Technical College profile
Albany Technical College ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools. Based in Albany, GA, Albany Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,364 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,932. Students borrow a median of $20,701 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. Albany Technical College alumni report median earnings of $30,541 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Albany Technical College
South Georgia Technical College landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. South Georgia Technical College is a public school based in Americus, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,992, compared with $7,202 for out-of-state students. The median Criminal Justice And Corrections program debt is $10,423. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $30,364. That is a strong return on a $10,423 median debt. Read the full report on South Georgia Technical College
College Of Southern Idaho came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Located in Twin Falls, ID, College Of Southern Idaho is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,360, while out-of-state students pay about $6,840. College Of Southern Idaho Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $11,130 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,916 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about College Of Southern Idaho
Savannah Technical College came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Set in Savannah, GA, Savannah Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,330, while out-of-state students pay about $5,898. Students borrow a median of $12,125 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,018. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Savannah Technical College
Gwinnett Technical College landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Lawrenceville, GA, Gwinnett Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,524, with out-of-state students paying around $6,092. Graduates carry a median of $18,048 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,025 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,048 median debt. More on Gwinnett Technical College
Augusta Technical College landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Augusta, GA. Students from in state pay about $4,282 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,492. Students borrow a median of $11,400 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. Augusta Technical College alumni report median earnings of $33,523 a decade after entry. Set against $11,400 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Augusta Technical College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Criminal Justice And Corrections Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins placed #26 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. Set in Warner Robins, GA, Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,448, with out-of-state students paying around $6,016. The median Criminal Justice And Corrections program debt is $11,693. Graduates go on to earn a median of $30,848 ten years after entry. Set against $11,693 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins profile
Hutchinson Community College ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools. This public school is set in Hutchinson, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,540, while out-of-state students pay about $4,770. Students borrow a median of $18,148 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. Hutchinson Community College alumni report median earnings of $43,470 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,148 median debt. Read more about Hutchinson Community College
Saint Louis Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. This public school is set in Bridgeton, MO. Students from in state pay about $3,660 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,990. Graduates carry a median of $6,625 in student loans. Median earnings reach $35,325 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $6,625 median debt. Read more about Saint Louis Community College
Southern Arkansas University Tech landed the #29 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. Graduates carry a median of $8,488 in student loans. Median earnings reach $36,376 ten years out. Set against $8,488 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Southern Arkansas University Tech
Marion Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Set in Marion, OH, Marion Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,595, while out-of-state students pay about $11,225. The median Criminal Justice And Corrections program debt is $11,828. Median earnings reach $41,495 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Marion Technical College
Grand Rapids Community College placed #31 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. Grand Rapids Community College is a public school based in Grand Rapids, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,179, while out-of-state students pay about $12,219. Typical Criminal Justice And Corrections student debt is $11,851. Median earnings reach $38,377 ten years out. Set against $11,851 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Grand Rapids Community College
Bossier Parish Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Set in Bossier City, LA, Bossier Parish Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,268. Bossier Parish Community College Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $34,502 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Bossier Parish Community College profile
Erie Community College ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools. Erie Community College is a public school based in Buffalo, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $6,100, compared with $11,300 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,938 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,228 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Erie Community College
National University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,284. The median Criminal Justice And Corrections program debt is $28,014. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,548. That is a strong return on a $28,014 median debt. Read the full report on National University
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College placed #35 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. This public school is set in Valdosta, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,480, while out-of-state students pay about $6,048. The median Criminal Justice And Corrections program debt is $10,864. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $30,864. Set against $10,864 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Wiregrass Georgia Technical College profile
Owens Community College landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Perrysburg, OH, Owens Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,870 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,502. The median Criminal Justice And Corrections program debt is $15,663. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,275 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Owens Community College profile
Wor Wic Community College came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Salisbury, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,840, compared with $8,400 for out-of-state students. Typical Criminal Justice And Corrections student debt is $14,000. 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. See the full Wor Wic Community College profile
Mineral Area College came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Located in Park Hills, MO, Mineral Area College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,660, compared with $8,570 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,500 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,352. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Mineral Area College report
Trinidad State Junior College offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Located in Trinidad, CO, Trinidad State Junior College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,608, while out-of-state students pay about $7,318. Students borrow a median of $10,502 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,475 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,502 median debt. See the full Trinidad State Junior College profile
Red Rocks Community College landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Lakewood, CO, Red Rocks Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,859, compared with $17,459 for out-of-state students. The median Criminal Justice And Corrections program debt is $17,667. Red Rocks Community College alumni report median earnings of $46,288 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Red Rocks Community College profile
Aims Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. This public school is set in Greeley, CO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,258, compared with $11,786 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $9,062 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,887. That is a strong return on a $9,062 median debt. Get the full Aims Community College report
Blinn College placed #42 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. Blinn College is a public school based in Brenham, TX. Students from in state pay about $4,890 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,370 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,230 in student loans. Blinn College alumni report median earnings of $46,318 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,230 median debt. More on Blinn College
Metropolitan Community College Kansas City landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Kansas City, MO, Metropolitan Community College Kansas City is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,630, compared with $9,600 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $4,821 in student loans. Median earnings reach $40,796 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Metropolitan Community College Kansas City
Finger Lakes Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Set in Canandaigua, NY, Finger Lakes Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,258, with out-of-state students paying around $8,442. Students borrow a median of $16,736 to complete their Criminal Justice And Corrections program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,054. Set against $16,736 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Finger Lakes Community College
Sinclair Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. This public school is set in Dayton, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,675, while out-of-state students pay about $8,556. Sinclair Community College Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $11,054 in debt. Median earnings reach $37,558 ten years out. Set against $11,054 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Sinclair Community College
Lewis And Clark Community College placed #46 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. Located in Godfrey, IL, Lewis And Clark Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,340 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,840 for out-of-state students. Lewis And Clark Community College Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $9,120 in debt. Lewis And Clark Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,724 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Lewis And Clark Community College
Pima Community College came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Set in Tucson, AZ, Pima Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,442, while out-of-state students pay about $7,758. Typical Criminal Justice And Corrections student debt is $7,562. Median earnings reach $39,810 ten years out. Set against $7,562 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Pima Community College profile
Central Maine Community College landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Central Maine Community College is a public school based in Auburn, ME. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,140, compared with $7,020 for out-of-state students. Central Maine Community College Criminal Justice And Corrections students take on a median of $11,000 in debt. Central Maine Community College alumni report median earnings of $42,448 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Central Maine Community College report
Stark State College ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools. Stark State College is a public school based in North Canton, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $4,790, while out-of-state students pay about $7,886. Graduates carry a median of $16,350 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $34,661. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Stark State College
Ventura College placed #50 among the best-value Criminal Justice And Corrections schools in the United States. Ventura College is a public school based in Ventura, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,426, with out-of-state students paying around $9,615. The median Criminal Justice And Corrections program debt is $20,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,430. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Ventura College
Related Criminal Justice And Corrections Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Criminal Justice And Corrections Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Criminal Justice And Corrections Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Criminal Justice And Corrections 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
These rankings are produced 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
- 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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