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2026 Best Value Criminal Justice Studies Schools in Kentucky
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the criminal justice studies degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Criminal Justice Studies Schools
Northern Kentucky University earned the #1 spot for value among criminal justice studies schools in Kentucky. Northern Kentucky University is a large public school located in the suburb of Highland Heights. In-state tuition and fees average $11,088, with out-of-state students paying around $21,912. Criminal Justice Studies graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Criminal Justice Studies graduates of Northern Kentucky University earn a median of $35,724 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 68%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Murray State University earned it the #2 place for criminal justice studies. Located in the town of Murray, Murray State University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,900, while out-of-state students pay about $19,836. Typical student debt for criminal justice studies graduates is $22,875. Soon after graduation, criminal justice studies degree recipients from Murray State University generally make around $32,041. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%.
A rank of #3 makes Kentucky State University one of the best values for criminal justice studies. Located in the town of Frankfort, Kentucky State University is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,387, with out-of-state students paying around $13,578. Typical student debt for criminal justice studies graduates is $28,162. Soon after graduation, criminal justice studies degree recipients from Kentucky State University generally make around $33,099. Set against $28,162 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Eastern Kentucky University earned it the #4 place for criminal justice studies. Located in the town of Richmond, Eastern Kentucky University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,320, with out-of-state students paying around $21,230. Criminal Justice Studies graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, criminal justice studies degree recipients from Eastern Kentucky University generally make around $36,021. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #5 makes University Of The Cumberlands one of the best values for criminal justice studies. Set in the town of Williamsburg, University Of The Cumberlands is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,875. Typical student debt for criminal justice studies graduates is $25,000. Criminal Justice Studies graduates of University Of The Cumberlands earn a median of $43,972 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 99%.
ADBLOCK #101
Pikeville College earned the #6 position for value in criminal justice studies this year. Pikeville College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Pikeville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $24,850. Students borrow a median of $22,330 to complete the criminal justice studies program here. Soon after graduation, criminal justice studies degree recipients from Pikeville College generally make around $27,025. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Lindsey Wilson College landed the #7 spot for criminal justice studies value this year. Lindsey Wilson College is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Columbia. Students from in state pay about $27,808 in tuition and fees. Criminal Justice Studies graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Early-career criminal justice studies graduates make about $29,512. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Alice Lloyd College earned the #8 position for value in criminal justice studies this year. Alice Lloyd College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Pippa Passes. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,960. Median earnings reach $40,573 ten years out. Alice Lloyd College admits about 75% of applicants.
Campbellsville University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value criminal justice studies schools. Set in the town of Campbellsville, Campbellsville University is a large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $27,998. Students borrow a median of $21,550 to complete the criminal justice studies program here. Soon after graduation, criminal justice studies degree recipients from Campbellsville University generally make around $36,849. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%.
Thomas More College came in at #10 for value in criminal justice studies this year. Set in the suburb of Crestview Hills, Thomas More College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $39,025 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $31,608 to complete the criminal justice studies program here. Early-career criminal justice studies graduates make about $35,115. That is a strong return on a $31,608 median debt. Thomas More College admits about 90% of applicants.
[Criminal Justice Studies](/majors/protective-security-safety-services/criminal-justice-and-corrections/criminal-justice-studies/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
