If you are looking for the best affordable corrections administration degree programs, you have come to the right place. Correctional administration careers include positions in which an administrator oversees the operations of corrections officers within the prison. The role also requires corrections administration professionals to provide mentoring, supervision, and leadership for other prison staff members. Although some schools offer a bachelor’s degree in corrections administration, others provide undergraduate programs in criminal justice, law enforcement, or public health with a specialization or concentration in corrections administration. Below, we take a look at the top 25 best affordable corrections administration degrees to get you started in this unique and rewarding field.
Methodology
To capture the balance between quality and affordability, we identified the top colleges and universities for an undergraduate corrections administration degree. To start, we searched for corrections administration bachelor’s degrees using the National Center for Education Statistics’ (NCES) College Navigator tool. We then narrowed down the initial pool of 30 institutions before finding the top 25 programs based on the methodology. To rank the schools, we awarded points to each institution based on three key factors that many prospective students look for in a program: tuition, student-to-faculty ratios, and graduation rates.
Average Cost of Attendance
Since this ranking is centered around affordability, it went without saying that we would award points based on the average cost of attendance. However, rather than choosing the cheapest program on the list just to save money, make sure the school meets your academic needs. In other words, low tuition rates are great, but you will need to verify that the college or university offers the program you wish to pursue as well as any internships or extracurriculars you might want to join. For this article, we ranked tuition based on how much an in-state student would pay for one year of academic study using rates provided by the NCES. We also listed rates for out-of-state students for your reference as well.
Points:
Under $7,500: 5 points
$7,500 to $15,000: 3 points
$15,001 and above: 1 point
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
Next, we looked at each school’s student-to-faculty ratio to get a better understanding of its learning environment and average class size. Although this figure might not make a difference to some students, others might prefer a smaller, more intimate setting in which they can develop relationships with their peers and professors. On the other hand, students may find that they thrive better in a larger setting. It all comes down to academic backgrounds, personal priorities, and individual learning styles. However, for this article, we awarded the most points to colleges and universities with the lowest student-to-faculty ratios from NCES as outlined below.
Points:
10:1 or less: 3 points
11:1 to 15:1: 2 points
Greater than 15:1: 1 point
Graduation Rate
Last but not least, we awarded points based on each school’s graduation rate. We used this number to determine whether a school is a good fit as well as to gauge student satisfaction. Although there are always exceptions, in most cases, colleges and universities with high graduation rates are succeeding in keeping their students happy. Therefore, students are more likely to stay enrolled in their schools and earn their degrees. By the same token, those who are unhappy are more likely to leave and finish their degrees somewhere else. Low graduation rates can be attributed to several factors like unaffordable programs, nonexistent or poor academic support, a lack of internships or hands-on learning opportunities, or unhelpful or uncaring faculty members. For this ranking, we awarded the most points to colleges and universities with the highest graduation rates, according to NCES.
Points
More than 50 percent: 3 points
Between 30 percent and 50 percent: 2 points
Less than 30 percent: 1 point
Ranking Top 25 Best Affordable Corrections Administration Degrees
25. Salem University
Salem, West Virginia
Points: 3
Program Website
Established in 1888 by the Seventh Day Baptist Church, Salem University is a private institution of higher education and one of the most affordable universities for a corrections administration degree. Undergraduates can pursue a low-cost Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with a specialization in corrections. The curriculum includes classes in criminal justice as well as corrections-focused coursework in criminal justice management, legal issues in corrections, corrections systems and operations, corrections administration, and juvenile justice. Graduates are prepared for careers as case managers, correctional counselors and officers, police officers, and parole or probation officers.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, Corrections Specialization
In-State Tuition: $16,700
Out-of-State Tuition: $16,700
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 22:1
Graduation Rate: 22 percent
24. Indiana Institute of Technology
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Points: 4
Program Website
The Indiana Institute of Technology is a private institution of higher education that was established as Indiana Technical College in 1930. Today, Indiana Tech provides an affordable Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in criminal justice administration. The high-value degree program takes a multidisciplinary approach and provides a foundation in principles like effective patrol, leadership administration in criminal justice organizations, and community policing and crisis intervention for police. Coursework is designed to give students an understanding of decision-making within criminal justice organizations. Beyond the classroom, Indiana Tech also offers opportunities for internships with various municipal law enforcement agencies throughout the region.
Degree Options:
Criminal Justice – Administration, B.S.
In-State Tuition: $26,900
Out-of-State Tuition: $26,900
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 35 percent
23. Tiffin University
Tiffin, Ohio
Points: 4
Program Website
Students looking for an affordable corrections administration degree might consider Tiffin University, a private institution of higher learning that was established in 1888. Tiffin provides a low-cost Bachelor of Criminal Justice in Corrections degree that focuses on the relationship of the broad criminal justice system to the field of corrections. Students develop a background in counseling, social work, history, management, and legal issues. The affordable degree program strongly emphasizes policy, theory, offender motivation, population management strategies, and offender reentry. Outside of the classroom, professors take students into the field and allow them to gain first-hand, real-world experience in a correctional environment.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Criminal Justice in Corrections
In-State Tuition: $25,000
Out-of-State Tuition: $25,000
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 29 percent
22. Brandman University
Irvine, California
Points: 4
Program Website
Established in 1958 as Chapman University College, Brandman University is a private institution of higher education known for offering academic opportunities to working adults. Brandman offers an affordable Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice that explores local, state, and federal law enforcement, gangs and gang behavior, evidence, and corrections. Students also develop their knowledge of immigration and national security, forensics, courts, and contemporary issues in criminal justice. The low-cost degree program offers opportunities for real-life, hands-on learning and draws from the experiences of the school’s accomplished faculty members. Graduates are prepared for many different types of justice, court, and law enforcement careers, including corrections administration.
Degree Options:
BA in Criminal Justice
In-State Tuition: $12,380
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,380
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: N/A
21. Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, New Hampshire
Points: 5
Program Website
Recognized as one of the fastest-growing universities in the nation, Southern New Hampshire University is a private institution of higher education that was established in 1932. SNHU offers a low-cost corrections administration degree in the form of a Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies with a concentration in crime and criminology. The affordable degree program provides an overview of legal and social science research, corrections systems, criminal law, and the justice system. Students complete coursework in law and legal processes, crime and criminology, and policing and law enforcement. Internship opportunities combine local agency experience with traditional research. The best-value degree program can be completed in three or four years. A high-value four-plus-one degree program in which students earn both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science within five years is also available.
Degree Options:
BS in Justice Studies With a Crime & Criminology Concentration
In-State Tuition: $31,136
Out-of-State Tuition: $31,136
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 24:1
Graduation Rate: 54 percent
20. Regent University
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Points: 5
Program Website
Established in 1977, Regent University is a private Christian university that offers distance education as well as traditional on-campus programs. Regent’s affordable Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in corrections focuses on criminal justice systems, criminal procedure, criminal law, and issues of juvenile justice. The curriculum is taught from a Christian worldview and emphasizes ethics and critical thinking. Students must complete 120 credit hours to earn their degrees. Graduates are prepared for careers in international, federal, state, and local law enforcement as police and probation officers, bailiffs, detectives, and game wardens.
Degree Options:
B.S. in Criminal Justice – Corrections
In-State Tuition: $18,380
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,380
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 47:1
Graduation Rate: 59 percent
19. Lee University
Cleveland, Tennessee
Points: 5
Program Website
Lee University is a private Christian institution of higher education and one of the most affordable universities for a corrections administration degree. Established in 1918 as the Church of God Bible Training School, Lee University offers a cost-effective corrections administration degree in the form of a top-value Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with an emphasis on corrections. Students complete a religion core and a general education core as well as courses in the criminal justice specialty area. The corrections emphasis consists of classes in probation and parole, juvenile delinquency, corrections, and community trauma management. Other areas of study include the law and society, abnormal psychology, drugs and behavior, and physiological psychology. Students must complete 120 total hours to graduate from the program.
Degree Options:
Criminal Justice, Corrections Emphasis (Distance) (CJCRT.BS)
In-State Tuition: $17,690
Out-of-State Tuition: $17,690
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 57 percent
18. University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Lowell, Massachusetts
Points: 5
Program Website
The University of Massachusetts-Lowell is a public research university and a member-school of the University of Massachusetts System. UMass-Lowell offers an economical corrections administration degree in the form of a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology. Within this program, students can choose from one of five concentrations: corrections, police, crime and mental health, violence, and homeland security. Specifically, the corrections option includes two required courses in community-based corrections and institutional corrections. Students may also further focus their degree through corrections-focused electives in crime and mental illness, criminal mind and behavior, substance abuse and crime, technology, forensic pathology, and violence. A minimum of 120 credits is required for graduation.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology
In-State Tuition: $15,180
Out-of-State Tuition: $32,827
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 63 percent
17. Roger Williams University
Bristol, Rhode Island
Points: 6
Program Website
Established in 1956, Roger Williams University is a private liberal arts institution of higher education and an affordable university for a corrections administration degree. RWU’s economical interdisciplinary degree program combines courses in procedure, corrections, and policing with studies in the social sciences, including sociology, psychology, and political science. Students are introduced to the practice and theory of criminal law as well as the moral complexity of the U.S. criminal justice system. Thanks to the guidance of experienced faculty members, a justice studies capstone project, and valuable, real-world internships, undergraduates are prepared for careers in probation, counseling, and law enforcement. A high-value four-plus-one program in which students complete both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice in five years is also available.
Degree Options:
Criminal Justice, B.S.
In-State Tuition: $34,522
Out-of-State Tuition: $34,522
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 70 percent
16. Muskingum University
New Concord, Ohio
Points: 6
Program Website
Chartered as Muskingum College in 1837, Muskingum University is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. Students looking for a high-value corrections administration degree can pursue an undergraduate criminal justice major at Muskingum. The interdisciplinary curriculum focuses on the study of three central components of criminal justice: corrections, the courts, and law enforcement. Electives are offered in sociology, psychology, political science, and criminal justice. Beyond the classroom, undergraduates may participate in internships and observe the criminal justice system firsthand through trips to correctional facilities and court observations. Students may also choose to work with faculty members on research projects for presentation at national, regional, or local conferences.
Degree Options:
Criminal Justice
In-State Tuition: $28,266
Out-of-State Tuition: $28,266
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Graduation Rate: 51 percent
15. Eureka College
Eureka, Illinois
Points: 6
Program Website
Established in 1855, Eureka College is a private liberal arts institution and one of the most affordable colleges for a corrections administration degree. Eureka offers an inexpensive major in criminal justice and sociology that combines practical exercises and classroom learning. Students develop their knowledge of criminal justice administration, juvenile delinquency prevention, victim advocacy, and corrections. Other topics of study include parole and probation, law enforcement, and criminal law. Beyond the classroom, undergraduates benefit from an expansive criminal justice internship program. The school is also the only institution of higher education in the Midwest to offer a three-week course in which criminal justice majors attend the University of Tennessee’s National Forensics Academy.
Degree Options:
Criminal Justice/Sociology
In-State Tuition: $25,390
Out-of-State Tuition: $25,390
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 54 percent
14. Bethune-Cookman University
Daytona Beach, Florida
Points: 6
Program Website
Bethune-Cookman University, established in 1904, is a private historically black university (HBCU) and an accredited university for a corrections administration degree. B-CU offers a low-cost Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice that requires 120 semester hours of study. In addition to completing a rigorous core curriculum of criminal justice courses, students also complete electives in one of four focus areas: juvenile justice reform, courts and legal systems, law enforcement, and corrections. Specifically, the corrections field investigates probation and parole, the deprivation of liberty, and the treatment of drug addiction. Graduates are prepared to assume professional, research, and administrative positions in the criminal justice system.
Degree Options:
Criminal Justice, B.S.
In-State Tuition: $14,814
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,814
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 34 percent
13. Park University
Parkville, Missouri
Points: 6
Program Website
Students looking for a best-value corrections administration degree may consider attending Park University. Established in 1875 as Park College, Park University is a private institution of higher education that offers a low-priced Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Administration. The economical degree program provides a broad practical, philosophical, and theoretical understanding of the criminal just system. Undergraduates have the option to choose a concentration and complete two additional courses in the area of corrections, law enforcement, or security. The corrections concentration covers law enforcement, security, corrections, and probation, community, and parole corrections. Beyond the classroom, students are offered internships with federal, state, and local offices. Students may also join Park’s Criminal Justice Club, which offers general discussions, community service projects and police agency visits, and prison tours.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Administration
In-State Tuition: $11,572
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,572
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 33 percent
12. University of Toledo
Toledo, Ohio
Points: 6
Program Website
Established in 1872 as the Toledo University of Arts and Trades, the University of Toledo is a public research university and an affordable, accredited university for a corrections administration degree. UToledo offers a four-year economical Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice that covers all aspects of criminal justice from social justice to criminal investigation. The high-value degree program combines hands-on learning, research, and theory. Undergraduates benefit from internship placements with police departments, victim assistance programs, the Toledo Correctional institution, and the U.S. Marshals. The inexpensive degree program prepares graduates for careers in corrections, probation and parole, social services, and law enforcement.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BS)
In-State Tuition: $10,293
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,653
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Graduation Rate: 47 percent
11. Bemidji State University
Bemidji, Minnesota
Points: 6
Program Website
Bemidji State University is a public university that was founded in 1919 as a preparatory institution for teachers. A member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System, BSU offers an affordable Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Majors pursuing this degree can further focus their study with one of four emphasis areas: corrections, law enforcement, tribal justice, or victimology. Students complete core courses in the judicial process, research methods and statistics, criminal justice and society, criminal law, and criminology. The corrections emphasis includes coursework in community corrections, criminal justice supervision, corrections and penology, sociology, and psychology. Graduates are prepared for careers in legal assistance, correctional facilities, court services, counseling, and probation.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
In-State Tuition: $8,696
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,696
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Graduation Rate: 46 percent
10. West Texas A&M University
Canyon, Texas
Points: 6
Program Website
Established in 1910 as West Texas State Normal College, one of only seven state-funded teachers’ colleges in Texas, West Texas A&M University is a public institution of higher education and a member of the Texas A&M University System. WTAMU’s Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice offers two affordable Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice degrees: a best-value Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science. Both economical degree programs are interdisciplinary and sponsored by the discipline of political science. Undergraduates choose a major track in administration, policing, or corrections, which covers topics like parole, prison, and community supervision.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Criminal Justice
In-State Tuition: $7,935
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,304
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Graduation Rate: 44 percent
9. Lake Superior State University
Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan
Points: 7
Program Website
Lake Superior State University is a public institution of higher education and the smallest university by enrollment in the state. Students looking for a top-value corrections administration degree can pursue LSSU’s low-priced Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in corrections. The curriculum includes core courses in criminal justice, criminal law, and legal processes. Students pursuing the corrections concentration will take classes in community-based and institutional corrections, behavior management, criminal law, and ethical issues in public safety. Faculty members include active and former lawyers, corrections officers, and police officers. Students gain additional hands-on learning through several real-world internship opportunities throughout the local community.
Degree Options:
Criminal Justice – Corrections: Bachelor of Science
In-State Tuition: $11,895
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,895
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 54 percent
8. Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, Kentucky
Points: 7
Program Website
Undergraduates looking for an affordable online corrections administration degree may consider attending Eastern Kentucky University. Established in 1874, EKU is a public institution of higher education that provides an inexpensive online Bachelor of Science in Corrections and Juvenile Justice Studies. Unlike a general degree in criminal justice, this low-cost degree program is focused on the specific areas of community, juvenile, and adult corrections. The curriculum blends professional and academic preparation through course topics like ethics, crime and delinquency, criminal justice, the juvenile justice system, and rehabilitation strategies for juvenile and adult offenders. Courses are offered in accelerated eight-week terms with no campus visits required.
Degree Options:
B.S. in Corrections and Juvenile Justice Studies
In-State Tuition: $9,666
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,444
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 47 percent
7. University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama
Points: 7
Program Website
The University of Alabama at Birmingham is a public research university and a member of the University of Alabama System. Developed from an extension center in 1936, UAB offers a cheap Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice that exposes students to the fields of law, criminology, and criminal justice. Undergraduates also have the opportunity to concentrate in areas such as corrections, computer forensics, policing, law, juvenile justice, forensic science, or criminology. Coursework focuses on the theories of delinquency and crime as well as the ethics, procedures, and logic of the criminal justice system. During their senior year, undergraduates participate in an internship with an agency like the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), or the Jefferson County Family Court.
Degree Options:
Criminal Justice, B.S.
In-State Tuition: $8,568
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,704
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Graduation Rate: 58 percent
6. SUNY Buffalo State College
Buffalo, New York
Points: 7
Program Website
The State University of New York (SUNY) Buffalo State College, known simply as Buffalo State, is a public institution of higher learning and a member of the SUNY System. Established in 1871 as the Buffalo Normal School, Buffalo State offers an affordable Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice that explores the organizational, political, cultural, and social influences on criminal justice operations and policies. Students pursuing the 120-credit-hour low-cost B.S. degree program complete a core curriculum in criminal law, research methods, and criminal justice theory. Undergraduates may also choose one of three concentrations in intelligence analysis, corrections, or policing. Specifically, the corrections concentration focuses on punishment and corrections, correctional programs and institutions, the correctional process, and community corrections, parole, and probation.
Degree Options:
Criminal Justice, B.S.
In-State Tuition: $8,210
Out-of-State Tuition: $17,990
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 48 percent
5. Keene State College
Keene, New Hampshire
Points: 8
Program Website
Keene State College is a public liberal arts college and a member of the University System of New Hampshire. Established as Keene Normal School in 1909, KSC is recognized as one of the most affordable colleges for a corrections administration degree. The school’s economical Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Studies allows students to develop their knowledge of policy, administration, law, the theories of criminal behavior, and the criminal justice system. Undergraduates may further focus their degree through electives from the following subdisciplines: criminal justice studies, forensics, psychology and human services, sociology and anthropology, and courts, law, and politics. Undergraduates must complete a total of 120 credits, including a capstone course, to earn their degree.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Studies
In-State Tuition: $14,212
Out-of-State Tuition: $23,176
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 60 percent
4. Chadron State College
Chadron, Nebraska
Points: 8
Program Website
One of the most affordable colleges for a corrections administration degree, Chadron State College is a public institution of higher education and one of three schools that make up the Nebraska State College System. Established in 1911, CSC offers two affordable Bachelor of Arts in Justice Studies programs: one in legal studies, and the other in criminal justice. Those who pursue the high-value B.A. in Justice Studies – Criminal Justice degree can further focus the program through a focus area in corrections. Additional coursework covers topics like correctional law, institutional corrections, topics in corrections, community-based corrections, and victimology.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts – Comprehensive Major in Justice Studies – Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Arts – Comprehensive Major in Justice Studies – Legal Studies
In-State Tuition: $7,384
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,414
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 43 percent
3. CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
New York, New York
Points: 8
Program Website
A member of the City University of New York (CUNY) System, the John Jay College of Criminal Justice is a public institution of higher learning that offers criminal justice degree programs. John Jay was the only liberal arts college with a focus on forensics and criminal justice in the U.S. at the time of its founding in 1964. Today, the school offers an affordable Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Management that introduces students to the criminal justice system and exposes them to various management methods and issues. Students must complete 120 total credits for the economical B.S. degree, including foundation courses, management classes, technical courses, a class dedicated to justice planning and policy analysis, and a capstone seminar in justice administration and planning.
Degree Options:
Criminal Justice Management, Bachelor of Science
In-State Tuition: $7,270
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,940
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 46 percent
2. North Carolina Central University
Durham, North Carolina
Points: 8
Program Website
Taking the number two spot on our list of the most affordable universities for a corrections administration degree is North Carolina Central University. Established in 1910, NCCU is a public historically black university (HBCU) that offers a cheap Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. The best-value degree program focuses on criminal justice and juvenile justice systems and offers concentrations in corrections, juvenile justice, homeland security, and law enforcement. Specifically, the corrections concentration focuses on contemporary issues, comparative corrections, and both management and counseling in jails and prisons. Students also develop their knowledge of community corrections and administration. Undergraduates without one year of criminal justice experience are required to complete a criminal justice practicum before graduating.
Degree Options:
Criminal Justice, BS
In-State Tuition: $6,464
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,171
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 46 percent
1. Montana State University-Northern
Havre, Montana
Points: 9
Program Website
Topping our list of the most affordable universities for a corrections administration degree is Montana State University-Northern, a public university and a member of the Montana State University System. Established in 1929 as Northern Montana College, MSU-Northern offers a top-value bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. The curriculum includes courses in corrections, psychology, conflict management, the legal system, and crime enforcement and prevention. Other areas of study include policy and procedure, law enforcement, and criminology. Graduates are prepared for careers in city, county, and state agencies as well as private and federal organizations.
Degree Options:
Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice
In-State Tuition: $5,955
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,665
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 35 percent
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Career Options for a Bachelor’s in Corrections Administration Degree?
The field of corrections can be confusing to those who are just beginning to consider corrections as a career. The two main tracks, correctional administration and correctional officer, represent two different options. Those with an interest in criminal justice and a high school diploma generally pursue careers as correctional officers, while those with a college degree, previous correctional experience, or a combination of the two become correctional administrators or wardens. Still, others begin as correctional officers and advance through the ranks to attain an administrative position. Once you have earned a Bachelor’s in Corrections Administration degree and gain career experience, you can aim for promotions in the correctional system as outlined below:
- Correctional Sergeant
- Correctional Captain
- Assistant Warden
- Chief Deputy Warden
- Warden
Senior corrections administrators may be responsible for everything from representing prison interests in litigation matters and communicating with the general public and press to formulating objectives, goals, and policies for corrections officers. In addition to performing administrative functions, correctional administrators might also be tasked with operating surveillance equipment, conducting searches, and monitoring inmates. According to the American Correctional Association, there appears to be a shift in that security and safety procedures are consuming more of administrators’ time rather than managerial and human resource functions.
There are other career options to keep in mind if becoming a warden does not seem like the right job for you. For instance, undergraduates could pursue positions as correctional officers and bailiffs, probation officers and correctional treatment specialists, or police and detectives.
In terms of work environment, most correctional administrators work in jails and reformatories as well as federal and state prisons. A small number of correctional administrators work for correctional institutions run by for-profit, private organizations. They may also be employed by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service.
What is the Salary Potential for a Bachelor’s in Corrections Administration Degree?
A correctional administrator has both clerical and leadership roles within a jail or prison. While a high school diploma can meet basic education requirements, most positions require candidates to hold a bachelor’s degree for an administration job. In nearly every case, holding a bachelor’s degree also allows aspiring administrators to command a higher salary than those who did not graduate from college. Several other factors can influence salary potential, including location, specific employer, area of specialization, and the level of experience one has in the field of corrections.
To learn more about salary earnings for this occupation, we turned to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). While we did not find specific occupational employment statistics for corrections administrators, the BLS did provide information regarding first-line supervisors of correctional officers. According to the BLS, the average annual salary for these professionals was $68,350 as of May 2018. The highest 10 percent earned more than $103,090, while the lowest 10 percent earned less than $41,710. Top-paying industries for this occupation and their annual mean wages include:
- Federal executive branch: $76,040
- Local government, excluding hospitals and schools: $72,380
- Substance abuse and psychiatric hospitals: $69,750
- State government, excluding hospitals and schools: $66,470
- Facilities support services: $60,570
If you are thinking about a career as a correctional administrator, it might also be helpful to know that you might be able to earn a higher salary based on where you live. In fact, the BLS reported that the top-paying states for first-line supervisors of correctional officers from highest-paying to lowest-paying were:
- New Jersey
- California
- Alaska
- New York
- Illinois
What Will You Learn About in a Bachelor’s in Corrections Administration Degree Program?
Although curriculum requirements vary depending on the school you choose, at a minimum, you will need a bachelor’s degree in corrections administration, behavioral science, or criminal justice to work in corrections administration. The type of degree you earn will also dictate the courses you can expect to take. For instance, one school might offer a traditional bachelor’s degree in corrections administration. Another might provide a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a concentration in corrections administration or human resources. Regardless of the program you choose, most programs offer coursework in areas like:
- Foundations of Law
- Criminology
- Corrections and the Court System
- Victimology
- Sociology of Deviant Behavior
- Research Methods in Criminal Justice
- Delinquency and Juvenile Justice
Also, undergraduates may have the opportunity to specialize in an area of concentration in their Bachelor’s in Corrections Administration degree program. Schools that offer bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice may offer a straightforward corrections administration path or one of the following concentration options:
- Corrections
- Leadership
- Emergency Management
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Public Administration
- Forensic Science
- Criminology
- Law
- Criminal Justice
Also, some programs may provide students with an opportunity to engage in criminal justice internships. Even if an internship is not required as part of the curriculum, undergraduates are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to gain hands-on, real-world experience in a correctional facility. Depending on the program, most students can earn their bachelor’s degree in corrections administration within four to five years of full-time study.
Finally, as you move toward your bachelor’s degree in corrections administration, you might consider joining a professional organization to learn more about your chosen career path. Three of the most prominent organizations in the U.S. for established corrections professionals include the American Correctional Association (ACA), the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA), and the Correctional Peace Officers Association (CPOA). We hope that our list of the top 25 best affordable corrections administration degrees serves as a helpful resource as you work toward a career in this unique and rewarding field.
AS Staff
This concludes our ranking of the top 25 best affordable corrections administration degrees.
Other Rankings of Interest:
- 35 Top Value Criminal Justice Studies Online Degree Programs (Bachelor’s)
- 25 Most Affordable Online Master’s of Criminal Justice Degrees
- 15 Best Affordable Law Enforcement/Criminal Justice Degree Programs (Bachelor’s)
- 25 Best Affordable Cyber/Computer Forensics Degree Programs (Bachelor’s)
- 30 Best Affordable Online Master’s in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
- 15 Best Affordable Paralegal Studies Degree Programs (Bachelor’s)
The Best Colleges
The Lowest Costs
The Highest Returns