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2027 Best Value Criminal Justice Schools in Alabama

8 Colleges in the United States
$28,686 Avg Student Debt
$43,666 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2027 Best Value Criminal Justice Badge [Criminal Justice](/majors/protective-security-safety-services/criminal-justice-and-corrections/criminal-justice/) 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 8 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value criminal justice schools.

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2027 Best Value Criminal Justice Schools in Alabama

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

Best Value Criminal Justice Schools

1

Our analysis ranked University Of North Alabama the best value for a degree in criminal justice in Alabama. University Of North Alabama is a large public school located in the city of Florence. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,120, with out-of-state students paying around $22,320. Typical student debt for criminal justice graduates is $24,125. Soon after graduation, criminal justice degree recipients from University Of North Alabama generally make around $31,595. Set against $24,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Alabama admits about 87% of applicants.

2

Columbia Southern University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in criminal justice, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the town of Orange Beach, Columbia Southern University is a very large private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $6,224 in tuition and fees. Criminal Justice graduates carry a median of $23,641 in student loans. Soon after graduation, criminal justice degree recipients from Columbia Southern University generally make around $60,232. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

3
Miles College crest
Miles College
Fairfield, AL

A rank of #3 makes Miles College one of the best values for criminal justice. Located in the suburb of Fairfield, Miles College is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $13,314. Criminal Justice graduates carry a median of $35,881 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $32,627 ten years after entry. Set against $35,881 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

4

Troy University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in criminal justice, landing the #4 spot this year. Troy University is a large public school located in the town of Troy. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,176, with out-of-state students paying around $20,352. Typical student debt for criminal justice graduates is $25,000. Soon after graduation, criminal justice degree recipients from Troy University generally make around $43,451. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Troy University admits about 96% of applicants.

5
Talladega College crest
Talladega College
Talladega, AL

Talladega College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in criminal justice, landing the #5 spot this year. Talladega College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Talladega. In-state tuition and fees average $15,650. Criminal Justice graduates carry a median of $31,062 in student loans. Soon after graduation, criminal justice degree recipients from Talladega College generally make around $27,568. That is a strong return on a $31,062 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%.

6

Alabama A And M University landed the #6 spot for criminal justice value this year. Located in the city of Normal, Alabama A And M University is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,024, while out-of-state students pay about $18,634. Criminal Justice graduates carry a median of $32,500 in student loans. Criminal Justice graduates of Alabama A And M University earn a median of $31,682 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $32,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 58%.

7

University Of South Alabama ranked #7 on our 2027 list of the best value criminal justice schools. University Of South Alabama is a large public school located in the city of Mobile. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,116, with out-of-state students paying around $19,092. Typical student debt for criminal justice graduates is $29,026. Soon after graduation, criminal justice degree recipients from University Of South Alabama generally make around $36,216. Set against $29,026 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%.

8
Faulkner University crest
Faulkner University
Montgomery, AL

Faulkner University came in at #8 for value in criminal justice this year. Located in the city of Montgomery, Faulkner University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,920. Students borrow a median of $28,250 to complete the criminal justice program here. Early-career criminal justice graduates make about $60,669. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted.

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Notes and References

This list is compiled 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 · 8 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 8 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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