<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF CORRECTIONS CORPORATION OF AMERICA FOR THE YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1997 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1997
<CASH>                                         136,147
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   89,822
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               233,422
<PP&E>                                         266,493
<DEPRECIATION>                                       0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 697,940
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           96,660
<BONDS>                                        127,075
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                        380
<COMMON>                                        80,230
<OTHER-SE>                                     267,466
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   697,940
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               462,249
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  379,272
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              (4,119)
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 87,096
<INCOME-TAX>                                    33,141
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             53,955
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    53,955
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .70
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .61