by our College Data Analytics Team
[Criminal Justice Studies](/majors/protective-security-safety-services/criminal-justice-and-corrections/criminal-justice-studies/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 5 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value criminal justice studies schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in criminal justice studies, balancing cost against outcomes.
Leading the list is Snow College, our #1 best value for criminal justice studies in Utah. Snow College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Ephraim. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,338, while out-of-state students pay about $14,288. Criminal Justice Studies graduates carry a median of $10,440 in student loans. Early-career criminal justice studies graduates make about $42,776. Set against $10,440 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Salt Lake Community College earned it the #2 place for criminal justice studies. Set in the suburb of Salt Lake City, Salt Lake Community College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,426, with out-of-state students paying around $14,244. Criminal Justice Studies graduates carry a median of $6,334 in student loans. Soon after graduation, criminal justice studies degree recipients from Salt Lake Community College generally make around $44,042. Set against $6,334 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Weber State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in criminal justice studies, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Ogden, Weber State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,557, while out-of-state students pay about $17,545. Criminal Justice Studies graduates carry a median of $19,828 in student loans. Soon after graduation, criminal justice studies degree recipients from Weber State University generally make around $43,281. Set against $19,828 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #4 makes Southern Utah University one of the best values for criminal justice studies. Southern Utah University is a very large public school located in the town of Cedar City. Students from in state pay about $6,962 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,192. Students borrow a median of $17,500 to complete the criminal justice studies program here. Criminal Justice Studies graduates of Southern Utah University earn a median of $39,744 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Utah University admits about 82% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in criminal justice studies will find it at Dixie State College Of Utah, which ranked #5. Located in the city of Saint George, Dixie State College Of Utah is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,306, compared with $18,246 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,399 to complete the criminal justice studies program here. Criminal Justice Studies graduates of Dixie State College Of Utah earn a median of $31,558 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $17,399 median debt.
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 5 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.