Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice Degrees
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- Ranking
- Earning a Criminal Justice Degree
- Criminal Justice Degree Cost
- Online Student Fees
- Criminal Justice Salary
- Criminal Justice Courses
- Criminal Justice Careers
Degrees in the Criminal Justice Field
Many schools offer online criminal justice degrees. Professionals in the criminal justice field use strategic thinking and observational skills to solve crimes and oversee justice.
A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice prepares graduates to enter this field. This page lists the most affordable criminal justice degrees online, including costs and common classes.
Best Online Criminal Justice Colleges
University of Louisville
- Louisville, KY
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What Sets It Apart:
The UofL’s online BS in criminal justice emphasizes ethical leadership and real-world application. The curriculum integrates contemporary issues, legal standards, and applied skills, supported by strong community and agency partnerships, including the FBI, DEA, and ATF. It's ideal if you're starting your career, advancing in the justice field, or preparing for graduate or law school.
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $559
Out-of-State | $559
Credits to Graduate: 121
Why Students Choose UofL:
- Prior Experience: Earn up to 30 tuition-free credits for prior learning experience.
- Accelerated Graduate Pathway: Earn nine graduate credits toward a master's in criminal justice while still completing your bachelor's.
- Student Support: Access a career coach, online success coach, faculty advising, and career center resources.
Know Before You Enroll:
- You can transfer up to 90 credits toward your degree from four-year schools and up to 60 credits from community colleges.
- The active-duty military rate is $250 per credit.
59%
$13,390
82%
$29,736
- Acceptance Rate
- 79%
- Students Enrolled
- 23,065
- Institution Type
- Public
Mississippi College
- Clinton, MS
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What Sets It Apart:
MC's online BS in administration of justice offers three specializations and a curriculum focused on leadership and the social and cultural factors behind crime. You can also choose electives like white-collar crime and criminal profiling, and even fast-track your education through an accelerated law school pathway.
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $11,000
Out-of-State | $11,000
Credits to Graduate: 130
Why Students Choose Mississippi College:
- Specialization Options: Choose from administration of justice, homeland security, or loss prevention to match your career goals.
- Accelerated Pathway: Finish both a bachelor's and a JD in six years through the 3+3 law program.
- Well-Rounded Education: Access electives like white-collar crime, criminal profiling, and kinesic interviewing, and complete a core sequence covering policing, courts, and corrections.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Online students pay the same tuition rate as on-campus students.
- As a private Christian university, Mississippi College integrates Christian values into its curriculum.
- Active-duty military students pay a reduced rate of $250 per credit.
44%
$20,246
80%
$20,246
- Acceptance Rate
- 49%
- Students Enrolled
- 4,087
- Institution Type
- Private
University of Colorado Denver
- Denver, CO
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What Sets It Apart:
The CU Denver's online BA in criminal justice offers multiple concentrations and a strong focus on interpersonal, ethical, and cultural competencies. The fully online, asynchronous format provides true flexibility, and the program offers a seamless pathway to related graduate degrees, including two of UC Denver's online master's programs.
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $403
Out-of-State | $623
Credits to Graduate: 120
Why Students Choose CU Denver:
- Concentration Options: Choose from law enforcement, victims and victim services, or a general track.
- Flexible Format: Asynchronous courses let you study on your own schedule.
- Graduate Pathways: Easily continue into CU Denver’s online master’s programs in criminal justice or public administration.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Asynchronous programs require strong time management and self-directed learning skills.
- Full-time and part-time enrollment options are available.
- Admissions are lightly selective; CU Denver admitted 78% of applicants in fall 2023.
50%
$ 9,096
71%
$27,288
- Acceptance Rate
- 78%
- Students Enrolled
- 23,409
- Institution Type
- Public
Monroe College
- Bronx, NY
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- Accredited
What Sets It Apart:
Monroe's fully online BS in criminal justice is taught by current and former professionals rather than career academics. The program’s strong ties to New York City’s criminal justice system provide real-world insight, and students complete 160 internship hours in settings such as police agencies, probation offices, or correctional facilities.
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $677
Out-of-State | $677
Credits to Graduate: 120
Why Students Choose Monroe:
- Practitioner Faculty: Learn from current and former police officers, attorneys, corrections officers, psychologists, and social workers.
- Finish Quickly: Graduate in eight semesters or as little as three years with the accelerated option.
- Career-Focused Capstone: Complete the program by developing real-world policy solutions to current criminal justice issues.
Know Before You Enroll:
- If you’re unsure about online learning, Monroe offers a 7.5-week module to try it out first. You can then easily transition into the full 15-week program if you choose.
- Online students must pay $800 in fees.
- International students pay a reduced rate of $310 per credit.
39%
$15,912
67%
$15,912
- Acceptance Rate
- 68%
- Students Enrolled
- 8,142
- Institution Type
- Private
Why Get a Degree in Criminal Justice?
Earning a criminal justice degree can lead to fulfilling criminal justice careers. Workers provide vital services and prevent potential tragedies. A criminal justice degree can also help professionals increase their earning potential.
Students can often work part-time or full-time while pursuing an online criminal justice degree. Asynchronous classes let students watch recorded lectures anytime. Some schools may charge less for online programs.
How Much Does a Criminal Justice Degree Cost?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average annual cost of an online bachelor’s degree in social sciences (closely related to criminal justice), costs $13,676. However, costs vary by school and learners’ residency status. Students attending public in-state schools usually pay the most affordable tuition. Learners earning a degree from an out-of-state or private school may spend much more.
Students who pursue an online criminal justice degree can save money by not commuting. They can also enroll in the most affordable program without relocating.
Additional Online Student Fees
Online learners should budget for extra expenses. Some schools charge technology fees for tech support and virtual classroom platforms. Schools may also charge graduation fees.
Online students may need to buy a new computer or upgrade their internet. They also need to buy supplies and books. Buying used books or renting them can save money. Criminal justice degree-seekers may need to pay for tools like fingerprint-dusting kits for fieldwork.
How Much Do Criminal Justice Graduates Make?
Salaries vary depending on workers’ experience, geographic location, and employer. For example, Maryland detectives and criminal investigators earn a mean wage of $127,850 as of May 2024. The same professionals in Mississippi only earn $67,560.
Criminal justice graduates can also work as police officers. These professionals earn a median annual salary of $77,270 as of May 2024. Correctional officers make a median of $57,950 per year.
Courses in Criminal Justice
Most criminal justice bachelor’s programs require 120 credits. Full-time learners can earn the degree in four years. Students with transfer credits or an associate degree may complete the program in two years.
Degree-seekers study the laws and theories that guide criminal justice. Many classes require course discussions. Students learn how to prevent and respond to crimes. Some programs let students choose a minor or concentration. Options may include forensic psychology and criminology.
See below for three common criminal justice classes. Keep in mind that classes vary by program.
This class covers the judicial system. Students learn about a judge and jury’s role in navigating issues between respondents and defendants. Part of the class also focuses on alternative dispute measures, like mediation. Learners gain knowledge of the local, state, and federal legal systems.
The U.S. Legal System
This class covers the U.S. penal system. Learners discover the history of corrections. They also identify current issues, such as lack of resources. Part of the class examines how penal systems in developed countries vary. Students discuss theories and best practices for corrections. Corrections
Most criminal justice programs feature a constitutional law course. In this class, students learn how the justice system upholds the laws outlined in the document. Learners study notable Supreme Court cases that led to new laws. Enrollees must usually memorize the Bill of Rights. Constitutional Law
Career and Salary Outlook for Criminal Justice Students
An online criminal justice degree prepares learners for various careers. Learners can choose a program that aligns with their desired career. For example, aspiring investigators should look for a program that offers a minor in detective work.
In this section, we highlight three potential criminal justice careers. Click the embedded links in the chart for more information.
| Career | Median Annual Salary (2024) | Projected Growth Rate (2024-2034) |
|---|---|---|
| Police and Detectives | $77,270 | 3% |
| Private Detective and Investigators | $52,370 | 6% |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | $64,520 | 3% |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Justice Degrees
Criminal justice careers include police officer, detective, and correctional officer. Some degree-holders continue their education and become lawyers.
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