by our College Data Analytics Team
[Corrections](/majors/protective-security-safety-services/criminal-justice-and-corrections/corrections/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 21 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value corrections schools.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the corrections degrees they offer, see the list below.
Lansing Community College tops our 2026 list of the best value corrections schools in Michigan. Located in the city of Lansing, Lansing Community College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,100, compared with $11,300 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,700 to complete the corrections program here. Early-career corrections graduates make about $46,103. Set against $16,700 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Henry Ford Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in corrections, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of Dearborn, Henry Ford Community College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,568, with out-of-state students paying around $7,816. Students borrow a median of $15,200 to complete the corrections program here. Soon after graduation, corrections degree recipients from Henry Ford Community College generally make around $36,247. Set against $15,200 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #3 makes Oakland Community College one of the best values for corrections. Located in the suburb of Auburn Hills, Oakland Community College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,120, compared with $5,560 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,506 to complete the corrections program here. Corrections graduates of Oakland Community College earn a median of $51,827 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Delta College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in corrections, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the rural area of University Center, Delta College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $4,820 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,880. Corrections graduates carry a median of $9,784 in student loans. Corrections graduates of Delta College earn a median of $44,637 early in their careers. Set against $9,784 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Kellogg Community College earned it the #5 place for corrections. Set in the city of Battle Creek, Kellogg Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,118 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,282. Typical student debt for corrections graduates is $20,432. Early-career corrections graduates make about $32,616. That is a strong return on a $20,432 median debt.
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Mott Community College landed the #6 spot for corrections value this year. Set in the city of Flint, Mott Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,845 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,460. Typical student debt for corrections graduates is $16,781. Soon after graduation, corrections degree recipients from Mott Community College generally make around $37,989. Set against $16,781 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Jackson Community College earned the #7 position for value in corrections this year. Jackson Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Jackson. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,350, while out-of-state students pay about $10,200. Typical student debt for corrections graduates is $16,960. Corrections graduates of Jackson Community College earn a median of $39,162 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,960 median debt.
Bay De Noc Community College landed the #8 spot for corrections value this year. Located in the town of Escanaba, Bay De Noc Community College is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,214, with out-of-state students paying around $11,453. Typical student debt for corrections graduates is $17,625. Corrections graduates of Bay De Noc Community College earn a median of $39,075 early in their careers. Set against $17,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Grand Rapids Community College landed the #9 spot for corrections value this year. Set in the city of Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Community College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,179, with out-of-state students paying around $12,219. Typical student debt for corrections graduates is $11,851. Corrections graduates of Grand Rapids Community College earn a median of $53,664 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $11,851 median debt.
Lake Superior State University earned the #10 position for value in corrections this year. Set in the town of Sault Ste Marie, Lake Superior State University is a small public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,890. Students borrow a median of $18,614 to complete the corrections program here. Early-career corrections graduates make about $44,286. That is a strong return on a $18,614 median debt.
Baker College Of Flint came in at #11 for value in corrections this year. Located in the town of Owosso, Baker College Of Flint is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $13,000. Typical student debt for corrections graduates is $32,899. Early-career corrections graduates make about $43,348. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Baker College Of Flint admits about 82% of applicants.
Siena Heights University came in at #12 for value in corrections this year. Set in the town of Adrian, Siena Heights University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $30,778 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for corrections graduates is $22,250. Soon after graduation, corrections degree recipients from Siena Heights University generally make around $52,293. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted.
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 21 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.