2026 Best Value Criminal Justice Schools in Oklahoma

1

Northern Oklahoma College
Tonkawa, OK

Northern Oklahoma College earned the #1 spot for value among criminal justice schools in Oklahoma. Set in the rural area of Tonkawa, Northern Oklahoma College is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,083 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,848. Criminal Justice graduates carry a median of $13,093 in student loans. Soon after graduation, criminal justice degree recipients from Northern Oklahoma College generally make around $40,565. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

2

East Central University
Ada, OK

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at East Central University earned it the #2 place for criminal justice. Located in the town of Ada, East Central University is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $8,032 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,842. Criminal Justice graduates carry a median of $21,553 in student loans. Soon after graduation, criminal justice degree recipients from East Central University generally make around $41,437. Set against $21,553 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 58%.

3

Northeastern State University
Tahlequah, OK

Northeastern State University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value criminal justice schools. Located in the town of Tahlequah, Northeastern State University is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $7,810 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,290 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for criminal justice graduates is $23,050. Early-career criminal justice graduates make about $37,763. That is a strong return on a $23,050 median debt. The acceptance rate is 100%.

4

Eastern Oklahoma State College
Wilburton, OK

Students looking for strong value in criminal justice will find it at Eastern Oklahoma State College, which ranked #4. Set in the rural area of Wilburton, Eastern Oklahoma State College is a small public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,767, compared with $8,383 for out-of-state students. Criminal Justice graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,658. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt.

5

Rogers State University
Claremore, OK

Students looking for strong value in criminal justice will find it at Rogers State University, which ranked #5. Set in the town of Claremore, Rogers State University is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,750, compared with $16,410 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for criminal justice graduates is $17,880. Soon after graduation, criminal justice degree recipients from Rogers State University generally make around $38,064. That is a strong return on a $17,880 median debt.

6

Mid America Christian University
Oklahoma City, OK

Mid America Christian University earned the #6 position for value in criminal justice this year. Located in the city of Oklahoma City, Mid America Christian University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,294. Typical student debt for criminal justice graduates is $37,852. Early-career criminal justice graduates make about $43,010. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 92%.

7

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Norman, OK

University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus came in at #7 for value in criminal justice this year. Located in the suburb of Norman, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,797, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. Typical student debt for criminal justice graduates is $27,156. Soon after graduation, criminal justice degree recipients from University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus generally make around $53,003. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus admits about 77% of applicants.

8

University Of Central Oklahoma
Edmond, OK

University Of Central Oklahoma ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value criminal justice schools. Set in the suburb of Edmond, University Of Central Oklahoma is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,818, compared with $19,704 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,875 to complete the criminal justice program here. Criminal Justice graduates of University Of Central Oklahoma earn a median of $39,609 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,875 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.