by our College Data Analytics Team
[Criminal Justice](/majors/protective-security-safety-services/criminal-justice-and-corrections/criminal-justice/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 7 schools to find the best return on investment for criminal justice students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in criminal justice, balancing cost against outcomes.
Our analysis ranked Arizona Western College the best value for a degree in criminal justice in Arizona. Located in the city of Yuma, Arizona Western College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,060, compared with $9,870 for out-of-state students. Early-career criminal justice graduates make about $44,895.
A rank of #2 makes University Of Phoenix Arizona one of the best values for criminal justice. Located in the city of Phoenix, University Of Phoenix Arizona is a very large private for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $9,552 in tuition and fees. Criminal Justice graduates carry a median of $36,117 in student loans. Criminal Justice graduates of University Of Phoenix Arizona earn a median of $46,337 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $36,117 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Northern Arizona University earned it the #3 place for criminal justice. Northern Arizona University is a very large public school located in the city of Flagstaff. Students from in state pay about $12,619 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,044. Criminal Justice graduates carry a median of $21,645 in student loans. Criminal Justice graduates of Northern Arizona University earn a median of $47,056 early in their careers. Set against $21,645 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northern Arizona University admits about 90% of applicants.
Arizona State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in criminal justice, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Tempe, Arizona State University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,223, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Criminal Justice graduates carry a median of $22,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, criminal justice degree recipients from Arizona State University generally make around $53,732. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
American Intercontinental University Online is a great value for students pursuing a degree in criminal justice, landing the #5 spot this year. American Intercontinental University Online is a very large private for-profit school located in the city of Chandler. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,397. Students borrow a median of $37,625 to complete the criminal justice program here. Early-career criminal justice graduates make about $32,231. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Grand Canyon University came in at #6 for value in criminal justice this year. Set in the city of Phoenix, Grand Canyon University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $18,508 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,048 to complete the criminal justice program here. Soon after graduation, criminal justice degree recipients from Grand Canyon University generally make around $45,737. That is a strong return on a $27,048 median debt. Grand Canyon University admits about 79% of applicants.
Ashford University placed #7 among the best values for criminal justice. Set in the city of Chandler, Ashford University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,960 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $37,625 to complete the criminal justice program here. Soon after graduation, criminal justice degree recipients from Ashford University generally make around $47,257. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
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 · 7 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 7 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.