ADBLOCK #102
College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Value Criminal Justice & Corrections Schools in Missouri

18 Colleges in the United States
$21,507 Avg Student Debt
$46,037 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Criminal Justice & Corrections Badge [Criminal Justice & Corrections](/majors/protective-security-safety-services/criminal-justice-and-corrections/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 39 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for criminal justice & corrections students.

What’s on this page:

ADBLOCK #159
DEBUG: Raw major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/protective-security-safety-services/criminal-justice-and-corrections/offers.json", major_slug = ""
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/protective-security-safety-services/criminal-justice-and-corrections/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/protective-security-safety-services/criminal-justice-and-corrections/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/protective-security-safety-services/criminal-justice-and-corrections/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/protective-security-safety-services/criminal-justice-and-corrections/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/protective-security-safety-services/criminal-justice-and-corrections/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/protective-security-safety-services/criminal-justice-and-corrections/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: offers_data.offers found, count = 7
DEBUG: Specific major detected (cip4 = 43.01), keeping min_relevance at 0.8
DEBUG: Starting relevance filtering - min_relevance = 0.8, max_relevance = 1
DEBUG: Checking offer "Criminal Justice (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Criminal Justice (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Law Enforcement (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Grad Cert - Law Enforcement (I Have a Bachelors)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Corrections (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Corrections (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Administration (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Administration (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Criminal Justice & Law Bachelors Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.7
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Criminal Justice & Law Bachelors Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" REJECTED (relevance 0.7)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Criminology (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Criminology (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Criminology (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.6
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "Grad Cert - Criminology (I Have a Bachelors)" REJECTED (relevance 0.6)
DEBUG: relevant_offers count = 2
DEBUG: relevant_offers > 0, checking for ESYOH offers
DEBUG: ESYOH filtering - found 2 ESYOH offers with relevance >= 0.8
DEBUG: esyoh_offers count = 2
DEBUG: ESYOH offers found, rendering ESYOH widget
DEBUG: most_relevant_only = true, filtering for most relevant
DEBUG: Found 1 offers with relevance >= 1.0

2026 Best Value Criminal Justice & Corrections Schools in Missouri

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in criminal justice & corrections, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Criminal Justice & Corrections Schools

1

Leading the list is Saint Louis Community College, our #1 best value for criminal justice & corrections in Missouri. Saint Louis Community College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Bridgeton. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,660, with out-of-state students paying around $6,990. Students borrow a median of $6,625 to complete the criminal justice & corrections program here. Early-career criminal justice & corrections graduates make about $38,999. That is a strong return on a $6,625 median debt.

2
Crowder College crest
Crowder College
Neosho, MO

Crowder College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in criminal justice & corrections, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the town of Neosho, Crowder College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,104, while out-of-state students pay about $5,784. Criminal Justice & Corrections graduates carry a median of $9,887 in student loans. Criminal Justice & Corrections graduates of Crowder College earn a median of $33,869 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

3
Jefferson College crest
Jefferson College
Hillsboro, MO

Jefferson College came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value criminal justice & corrections schools. Jefferson College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Hillsboro. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,250, with out-of-state students paying around $8,850. Typical student debt for criminal justice & corrections graduates is $13,664. Early-career criminal justice & corrections graduates make about $61,641. Set against $13,664 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

4

Students looking for strong value in criminal justice & corrections will find it at Ozarks Technical Community College, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Springfield, Ozarks Technical Community College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,256, with out-of-state students paying around $7,040. Typical student debt for criminal justice & corrections graduates is $15,866. Early-career criminal justice & corrections graduates make about $36,644. That is a strong return on a $15,866 median debt.

5

Metropolitan Community College Kansas City is a great value for students pursuing a degree in criminal justice & corrections, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Kansas City, Metropolitan Community College Kansas City is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $3,630, with out-of-state students paying around $9,600. Criminal Justice & Corrections graduates carry a median of $4,821 in student loans. Criminal Justice & Corrections graduates of Metropolitan Community College Kansas City earn a median of $48,137 early in their careers. Set against $4,821 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

ADBLOCK #101
6
College Of The Ozarks crest
College Of The Ozarks
Point Lookout, MO

College Of The Ozarks earned the #6 position for value in criminal justice & corrections this year. College Of The Ozarks is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Point Lookout. Students from in state pay about $22,360 in tuition and fees. Soon after graduation, criminal justice & corrections degree recipients from College Of The Ozarks generally make around $37,944. College Of The Ozarks admits about 12% of applicants.

7
Truman State University crest
Truman State University
Kirksville, MO

Truman State University landed the #7 spot for criminal justice & corrections value this year. Set in the town of Kirksville, Truman State University is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,838, with out-of-state students paying around $18,566. Typical student debt for criminal justice & corrections graduates is $21,997. Early-career criminal justice & corrections graduates make about $32,176. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%.

8
Mineral Area College crest
Mineral Area College
Park Hills, MO

Mineral Area College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value criminal justice & corrections schools. Set in the town of Park Hills, Mineral Area College is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,660, compared with $8,570 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for criminal justice & corrections graduates is $9,500. Early-career criminal justice & corrections graduates make about $45,217. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

9

Missouri Southern State University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value criminal justice & corrections schools. Missouri Southern State University is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Joplin. In-state tuition and fees average $9,600, compared with $18,300 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for criminal justice & corrections graduates is $21,972. Early-career criminal justice & corrections graduates make about $32,776. That is a strong return on a $21,972 median debt. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.

10

Missouri Western State University landed the #10 spot for criminal justice & corrections value this year. Set in the city of Saint Joseph, Missouri Western State University is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,545 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,455. Typical student debt for criminal justice & corrections graduates is $20,149. Early-career criminal justice & corrections graduates make about $39,808. That is a strong return on a $20,149 median debt.

ADBLOCK #115
11
Lincoln University Missouri crest
Lincoln University Missouri
Jefferson City, MO

Lincoln University Missouri landed the #11 spot for criminal justice & corrections value this year. Set in the city of Jefferson City, Lincoln University Missouri is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,796, with out-of-state students paying around $17,692. Criminal Justice & Corrections graduates carry a median of $37,171 in student loans. Soon after graduation, criminal justice & corrections degree recipients from Lincoln University Missouri generally make around $32,331. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

12

Southeast Missouri State University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best value criminal justice & corrections schools. Set in the city of Cape Girardeau, Southeast Missouri State University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,903. Typical student debt for criminal justice & corrections graduates is $26,625. Criminal Justice & Corrections graduates of Southeast Missouri State University earn a median of $36,537 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southeast Missouri State University admits about 74% of applicants.

13

Drury University College Of Continuing Professional Studies placed #13 among the best values for criminal justice & corrections. Drury University College Of Continuing Professional Studies is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Springfield. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,054. Criminal Justice & Corrections graduates carry a median of $21,133 in student loans. Criminal Justice & Corrections graduates of Drury University College Of Continuing Professional Studies earn a median of $39,646 early in their careers. Set against $21,133 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

14

University Of Central Missouri earned the #14 position for value in criminal justice & corrections this year. Located in the town of Warrensburg, University Of Central Missouri is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,050, with out-of-state students paying around $18,600. Typical student debt for criminal justice & corrections graduates is $23,279. Early-career criminal justice & corrections graduates make about $41,494. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted.

15
Park University crest
Park University
Parkville, MO

Park University placed #15 among the best values for criminal justice & corrections. Located in the suburb of Parkville, Park University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $12,116 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $18,299 to complete the criminal justice & corrections program here. Criminal Justice & Corrections graduates of Park University earn a median of $49,305 early in their careers. Set against $18,299 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

ADBLOCK #145
16

Missouri State University Springfield landed the #16 spot for criminal justice & corrections value this year. Set in the city of Springfield, Missouri State University Springfield is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,502, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. Students borrow a median of $24,408 to complete the criminal justice & corrections program here. Soon after graduation, criminal justice & corrections degree recipients from Missouri State University Springfield generally make around $46,503. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

17

Harris Stowe State University placed #17 among the best values for criminal justice & corrections. Located in the city of Saint Louis, Harris Stowe State University is a small public university. Students from in state pay about $7,008 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,640. Typical student debt for criminal justice & corrections graduates is $32,000. Early-career criminal justice & corrections graduates make about $34,108. Set against $32,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

18

Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies placed #18 among the best values for criminal justice & corrections. Set in the rural area of Fayette, Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,500. Typical student debt for criminal justice & corrections graduates is $26,000. Criminal Justice & Corrections graduates of Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies earn a median of $36,223 early in their careers. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Central Methodist University College Of Graduate And Extended Studies admits about 88% of applicants.

19
Lindenwood University crest
Lindenwood University
Saint Charles, MO

Lindenwood University came in at #19 for value in criminal justice & corrections this year. Located in the city of Saint Charles, Lindenwood University is a large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $21,600 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for criminal justice & corrections graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, criminal justice & corrections degree recipients from Lindenwood University generally make around $36,253. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Lindenwood University admits about 57% of applicants.

20

Culver Stockton College came in at #20 for value in criminal justice & corrections this year. Culver Stockton College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the rural area of Canton. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $30,875. Typical student debt for criminal justice & corrections graduates is $27,000. Criminal Justice & Corrections graduates of Culver Stockton College earn a median of $33,394 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%.

ADBLOCK #150
21
Rockhurst University crest
Rockhurst University
Kansas City, MO

Rockhurst University came in at #21 for value in criminal justice & corrections this year. Located in the city of Kansas City, Rockhurst University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,966. Students borrow a median of $24,111 to complete the criminal justice & corrections program here. Soon after graduation, criminal justice & corrections degree recipients from Rockhurst University generally make around $70,849. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Rockhurst University admits about 70% of applicants.

22

Columbia College Missouri earned the #22 position for value in criminal justice & corrections this year. Set in the city of Columbia, Columbia College Missouri is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,276. Typical student debt for criminal justice & corrections graduates is $27,344. Soon after graduation, criminal justice & corrections degree recipients from Columbia College Missouri generally make around $46,741. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

23

Central Methodist University College Of Liberal Arts And Sciences ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best value criminal justice & corrections schools. Located in the rural area of Fayette, Central Methodist University College Of Liberal Arts And Sciences is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $28,620. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the criminal justice & corrections program here. Early-career criminal justice & corrections graduates make about $36,223. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted.

24

Missouri Baptist University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best value criminal justice & corrections schools. Set in the suburb of Saint Louis, Missouri Baptist University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $33,122. Criminal Justice & Corrections graduates carry a median of $23,187 in student loans. Soon after graduation, criminal justice & corrections degree recipients from Missouri Baptist University generally make around $42,555. Set against $23,187 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Missouri Baptist University admits about 69% of applicants.

25
Webster University crest
Webster University
Saint Louis, MO

Webster University placed #25 among the best values for criminal justice & corrections. Set in the suburb of Saint Louis, Webster University is a large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $31,750 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,939 to complete the criminal justice & corrections program here. Soon after graduation, criminal justice & corrections degree recipients from Webster University generally make around $57,152. That is a strong return on a $25,939 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

Rest of the Top 26 Best Value Criminal Justice & Corrections Schools

Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in criminal justice & corrections:

26

ADBLOCK #173
View All Criminal Justice & Corrections Rankings >

ADBLOCK #115

Notes and References

This ranking is produced 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 · 39 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 18 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

ADBLOCK #116

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs
ADBLOCK #613

Compare Your School Options