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. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 10 schools to find the best return on investment for corrections students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in corrections, balancing cost against outcomes.
Leading the list is Lamar State College Orange, our #1 best value for corrections in Texas. Lamar State College Orange is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Orange. In-state tuition and fees average $2,832, compared with $13,824 for out-of-state students. Corrections graduates carry a median of $18,506 in student loans. Corrections graduates of Lamar State College Orange earn a median of $45,299 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $18,506 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at San Antonio College earned it the #2 place for corrections. Set in the city of San Antonio, San Antonio College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,412, compared with $9,952 for out-of-state students. Corrections graduates carry a median of $13,003 in student loans. Soon after graduation, corrections degree recipients from San Antonio College generally make around $43,712. Set against $13,003 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #3 makes Coastal Bend College one of the best values for corrections. Located in the town of Beeville, Coastal Bend College is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,916, compared with $5,226 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for corrections graduates is $14,609. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,086. Set against $14,609 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in corrections will find it at Mclennan Community College, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Waco, Mclennan Community College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,660, compared with $5,910 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for corrections graduates is $12,606. Corrections graduates of Mclennan Community College earn a median of $34,468 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Howard College earned it the #5 place for corrections. Located in the town of Big Spring, Howard College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $2,766 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,716 for out-of-state students. Corrections graduates carry a median of $13,278 in student loans. Corrections graduates of Howard College earn a median of $41,039 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $13,278 median debt.
Austin Community College District ranked #6 on our 2027 list of the best value corrections schools. Set in the city of Austin, Austin Community College District is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,550, with out-of-state students paying around $10,590. Students borrow a median of $16,378 to complete the corrections program here. Early-career corrections graduates make about $46,175. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Hill College ranked #7 on our 2027 list of the best value corrections schools. Located in the town of Hillsboro, Hill College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $2,862 in tuition and fees. 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.
Angelina College earned the #8 position for value in corrections this year. Angelina College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Lufkin. Students from in state pay about $3,430 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,490 for out-of-state students. Corrections graduates carry a median of $7,828 in student loans. 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.
Blinn College earned the #9 position for value in corrections this year. Blinn College is a very large public school located in the town of Brenham. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,890, with out-of-state students paying around $11,370. Typical student debt for corrections graduates is $14,230. Corrections graduates of Blinn College earn a median of $45,980 early in their careers. Set against $14,230 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Texas State University San Marcos earned the #10 position for value in corrections this year. Located in the city of San Marcos, Texas State University San Marcos is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $22,930. Typical student debt for corrections graduates is $19,500. Early-career corrections graduates make about $47,456. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 10 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 10 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.