Rankings / By State
Best Criminal Justice Colleges in Oklahoma
- 12
- Schools
- $40,632
- Avg. Earnings
- 31%
- Avg. Graduation
- $12,463
- Avg. Net Price
- $16,744
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $33,261 at the low end to $48,351 at the top. That 1.5× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
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Redlands Community College offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $37,224 against $5,964 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
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Cost and quality are not at odds here. The most affordable school, Redlands Community College at $5,964 a year in net price, delivers earnings of $37,224, matching or exceeding the list average.
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Completion rates separate this field: Carl Albert State College graduates 42% of its students, well above the 31% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
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Debt-to-earnings ratios favor Redlands Community College: graduates owe only 0.18× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. Redlands Community College ($5,964/yr) and University of Central Oklahoma ($18,309/yr) produce graduates earning $37,224 and $48,351 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $12,345 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, Redlands Community College outperforms University of Central Oklahoma: similar career earnings at a much lower net price.
- Completion is where this ranking's schools diverge most: Carl Albert State College graduates 42% of its students versus 17% at Langston University. Access without completion is opportunity unclaimed.
The Takeaway
The schools that win this ranking are not the priciest or the most selective. They turn students into earners without burying them in debt, which is exactly what our outcomes-first methodology is built to surface.
What This Means for Students
If you are choosing from this list, start with Redlands Community College and Carl Albert State College. Pull each school's net price for your income band, weigh projected earnings against the debt you would take on, and let payoff rather than prestige drive your shortlist.
Why this ranking matters
These schools are ranked on outcomes that compound: graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value, all drawn from federal tax records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $40K ten years after enrollment.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 University of Central Oklahoma #1 overall | $48,351 ▲ +19% vs avg | $18,309 | 37% | 73 |
| 2 Southeastern Oklahoma State University #2 overall | $45,079 ▲ +11% vs avg | $8,039 | 32% | 73 |
| 3 Northeastern State University #3 overall | $45,379 ▲ +12% vs avg | $12,710 | 36% | 72 |
| $44,358 ▲ +9% vs avg | $10,104 | 33% | 70 | |
| $37,224 ▼ -8% vs avg | $5,964 | 34% | 69 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Criminal Justice Colleges in Oklahoma
This analysis ranks 12 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $40,632 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 31% and an average net price of $12,463.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: Redlands Community College — Net Price: $5,964 | Graduation Rate: 34%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Carl Albert State College — 42% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: University of Central Oklahoma — Median alumni earnings: $48,351
Data Insight
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Legal Profession Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the legal profession and the justice system?
$40,118
Median earnings (10yr)
34%
Median graduation rate
$12,429
Median net price
2.2%
Avg. mobility rate
Legal education is high-stakes. Graduates carry significant debt into a profession where earnings split sharply between large-firm and public-sector tracks, and bar passage is non-negotiable. The programs that deliver value combine strong bar preparation, real placement into legal employment, and costs that do not force graduates onto the large-firm track just to service loans.
Across the 12 schools on this list, graduates earn a median of $40,118 ten years after they first enrolled. The median graduation rate is 34%. Net price, what students pay after grants, runs a median of $12,429 a year, with about $17,355 in median federal debt at graduation. An average of 42% of students receive Pell grants, and the typical school moves low-income students into the top income quintile at a rate of 2.2%.
The earnings premium at the top of legal education masks a long tail of modest outcomes, and debt amplifies every decision. With median earnings of $40,118 and typical debt of $17,355, choosing a program with strong bar-passage rates and employment outcomes matters far more than chasing a brand name.
The podium
Build your ranking
Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.
Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
University of Central Oklahoma lands at #1 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (60/100). Graduates earn a median $48,351 a decade after enrolling, 19% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,309 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
Southeastern Oklahoma State University lands at #2 with a 73/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (63/100). Graduates earn a median $45,079 a decade after enrolling, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $8,039 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
Northeastern State University lands at #3 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (60/100). Graduates earn a median $45,379 a decade after enrolling, 12% above this list's average, and net price runs $12,710 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
Northwestern Oklahoma State University lands at #4 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (53/100). Graduates earn a median $44,358 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,104 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Redlands Community College lands at #5 with a 69/100 composite, led by value per dollar (88/100) and pulled down by academic quality (49/100). Graduates earn a median $37,224 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,964 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Cameron University lands at #6 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (53/100). Graduates earn a median $40,118 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,912 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Carl Albert State College lands at #7 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (42/100). Graduates earn a median $34,117 a decade after enrolling, 16% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,607 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
Seminole State College lands at #8 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (79/100) and pulled down by academic quality (52/100). Graduates earn a median $35,390 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,628 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Rose State College lands at #9 with a 64/100 composite, led by value per dollar (76/100) and pulled down by academic quality (40/100). Graduates earn a median $37,555 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,148 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Langston University lands at #10 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (45/100). Graduates earn a median $33,261 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,504 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Mid-America Christian University lands at #11 with a 57/100 composite, led by academic quality (67/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $46,116 a decade after enrolling, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,692 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
College of the Muscogee Nation lands at #12 with a 50/100 composite, led by value per dollar (73/100) and pulled down by academic quality (47/100). Net price runs $13,940 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 12 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Choosing the right college for a degree in Criminal Justice is a significant decision for many students in Oklahoma. These institutions share a commitment to preparing graduates for careers in law enforcement, corrections, and public safety. With an average earning potential of $42,166 for graduates, the stakes are high for those entering this field.
What sets these schools apart is not just their programs, but the outcomes they deliver. Key metrics like graduation rates, debt levels, and post-graduate earnings reveal a clearer picture of what to expect after college. Students should pay attention to how these factors can influence their future opportunities and financial stability, especially in a field where practical experience and networking can make a big difference.
For instance, Southeastern Oklahoma State University stands out with an impressive graduation rate of 32% and average earnings of $45,079, while Redlands Community College, despite a lower earning potential of $37,224, offers a significantly lower net price of $5,964. These contrasts highlight the importance of aligning your choice with both financial constraints and career aspirations.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
Social mobility carries the heaviest weight in this ranking, and the measure comes from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built from more than 30 million anonymized tax records. Across the 10 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 2.2%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. Southeastern Oklahoma State University leads the group at 3.2%, with Cameron University (3%) and Carl Albert State College (2.5%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 17.5% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. Langston University enrolls the most, at 29.3%, a sign it is reaching the students mobility is meant to lift. A high mobility rate paired with strong access is the combination that changes a generation's trajectory.
For the low-income students who do enroll, the success rate (the odds of reaching the top quintile) averages 13.6% across the list, peaking at 19.4% at University of Central Oklahoma.
These campuses can also be measured on social capital: the cross-class friendships Opportunity Insights links to long-run economic outcomes. Economic connectedness here averages 1.28, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and Northwestern Oklahoma State University is highest at 1.58.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
There’s a noticeable pattern when comparing Southeastern Oklahoma State University and Northeastern State University. While both have similar earnings potential—$45,079 and $45,379 respectively—Northeastern boasts a higher graduation rate at 36%, compared to Southeastern's 32%. This difference suggests that Northeastern may offer more support for students, which could lead to better job placement outcomes.
After reviewing the data, consider your own priorities. Do you prioritize a low-cost option like Redlands Community College, where the net price is just $5,964? Or are you willing to invest more for a potentially higher salary post-graduation, like at the University of Central Oklahoma, despite its higher net price of $18,309? Aligning your financial situation and career goals with the right program is essential for making an informed choice.
Ultimately, this data illustrates the critical choice families face when navigating college options. One decision can shape a student's trajectory from education to a stable career. Choosing the right program can lead to better outcomes, both financially and personally, as graduates step into the workforce ready to make an impact in their communities.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Criminal Justice Colleges in Oklahoma: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Criminal Justice Colleges in Oklahoma ranking? +
University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, OK ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Criminal Justice Colleges in Oklahoma ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $48,351 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 37% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
University of Central Oklahoma posts the highest median earnings on this list: $48,351 ten years after enrollment, well above the $40,632 average across the 11 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, Redlands Community College leads: graduates earn a median $37,224 against net price of about $5,964 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
Carl Albert State College has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 42%, compared with a 31% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $12,463 a year across the 12 ranked schools with cost data. Redlands Community College is among the most affordable at roughly $5,964. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Criminal Justice Colleges in Oklahoma ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 12 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
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