by our College Data Analytics Team
[Corrections](/majors/protective-security-safety-services/criminal-justice-and-corrections/corrections/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 11 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for corrections students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in corrections, balancing cost against outcomes.
For return on investment in corrections, no school beat Lamar State College Orange this year. Set in the town of Orange, Lamar State College Orange is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,832, with out-of-state students paying around $13,824. Students borrow a median of $18,506 to complete the corrections program here. Early-career corrections graduates make about $45,299. Set against $18,506 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #2 makes Trinity Valley Community College one of the best values for corrections. Located in the town of Athens, Trinity Valley Community College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,640, while out-of-state students pay about $5,970. Typical student debt for corrections graduates is $14,750. Corrections graduates of Trinity Valley Community College earn a median of $32,623 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $14,750 median debt.
A rank of #3 makes San Antonio College one of the best values for corrections. Located in the city of San Antonio, San Antonio College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $3,412 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,952. Students borrow a median of $13,003 to complete the corrections program here. Corrections graduates of San Antonio College earn a median of $43,712 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $13,003 median debt.
A rank of #4 makes Mclennan Community College one of the best values for corrections. Mclennan Community College is a large public school located in the city of Waco. In-state tuition and fees average $3,660, with out-of-state students paying around $5,910. Students borrow a median of $12,606 to complete the corrections program here. Early-career corrections graduates make about $34,468. Set against $12,606 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in corrections will find it at Austin Community College District, which ranked #5. Located in the city of Austin, Austin Community College District is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,550, with out-of-state students paying around $10,590. Students borrow a median of $16,378 to complete the corrections program here. Corrections graduates of Austin Community College District earn a median of $46,175 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
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Hill College came in at #6 for value in corrections this year. Hill College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Hillsboro. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,862. Students borrow a median of $12,302 to complete the corrections program here. Early-career corrections graduates make about $39,212. Set against $12,302 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Howard College landed the #7 spot for corrections value this year. Located in the town of Big Spring, Howard College is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $2,766 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,716. Corrections graduates carry a median of $13,278 in student loans. Corrections graduates of Howard College earn a median of $33,724 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $13,278 median debt.
Angelina College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value corrections schools. Set in the town of Lufkin, Angelina College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,430 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,490. Typical student debt for corrections graduates is $7,828. Corrections graduates of Angelina College earn a median of $50,767 early in their careers. Set against $7,828 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Texas State University San Marcos placed #9 among the best values for corrections. Set in the city of San Marcos, Texas State University San Marcos is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $22,930. Corrections graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Early-career corrections graduates make about $47,456. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.
Blinn College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value corrections schools. Set in the town of Brenham, Blinn College is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,890, while out-of-state students pay about $11,370. Corrections graduates carry a median of $14,230 in student loans. Early-career corrections graduates make about $43,408. Set against $14,230 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 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 · 11 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.