Working in the criminal justice system can be a highly rewarding career, whether it’s protecting your community as a police officer, ensuring the smooth functioning of courtrooms as a court administrator, or pursuing one of many other occupations. Many jobs in this field require or benefit from a college education, and obtaining a degree in criminal justice provides specialized training and knowledge needed for these careers.
Due to the popularity of criminal justice degrees and the demand for flexible learning options, many schools are now offering them partially or fully online. To help students find quality programs that are affordable, we’ve compiled a list of accredited schools with the most affordable online criminal justice degree programs. Additionally, we provide tips for lowering the cost of your degree and an understanding of what factors impact the overall cost of your education.
Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice Degrees: 2024 Rankings
There are many factors you should consider when picking a criminal justice degree program, with cost likely being the most important (and often the deciding) factor. The following rankings of the most affordable accredited criminal justice degree programs can help you choose an affordable school without sacrificing things like flexibility, student support, and quality instruction. In creating our rankings list, we examined data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Click the “About the ranking” button below to learn more about how we ranked our online criminal justice degree programs.
College Ranking Methodology
Generate List of Eligible Schools and Programs
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Career placement and academic counseling services.
- Maximum tuition of $15,000 per academic year
Assign Weightings
After generating the list of eligible schools, the STEPS data team then assigned weights and ranked schools based on their performance in a variety of key categories. Affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Affordability
- Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on in-state tuition for undergraduate students per academic year.
- Percentage of students who receive institutional financial aid (directly from the school)
- Average amount of institutional financial aid awarded.
Online Learning
- Number of online programs in subject area self-reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education.
- Percentage of students at the school taking at least one class online.
Academic Quality
- Student-to-faculty ratio
- Percentage of full-time, first-time students graduating within 6 years.
About Our Data
All STEPS rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: August 2023
Accreditation Glossary
ABHE: Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation
ABHES: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
ACCJC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
ACCSC: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
DEAC: Distance Education Accrediting Commission
HLC: Higher Learning Commission
MSCHE: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
NECHE: New England Commission of Higher Education
NWCCU: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
SACSCOC: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
TRACS: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission
WSCUC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
1
Pulaski, Tennessee
At the University of Tennessee Southern (UT Southern), students can increase their knowledge and hone their skills through the Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree. It's available entirely online in a synchronous format, which requires students to sign on at certain times during the week. Students can choose to complete the degree on a full- or part-time basis and have the option to choose from two different concentrations — Business or Homeland Security. Students studying full time can complete the degree in four semesters. Near the end of the program, students will be expected to complete both a capstone and applied research project. Admission requirements include a completed application, letter of intent, a bachelor's degree, an interview, previous college transcripts, and three letters of recommendation.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
- Credits: 36-37
- Length: 4+ semesters
- Cost: $10,200/year
- Mode: Online (synchronous)
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
2
Las Cruces, New Mexico
NM State's Global Campus funnels relevant education and flexibility into its online Bachelor and Master of Criminal Justice degrees. Both programs balance theoretical inquiry with applied knowledge, so students can prepare for careers in fields like law enforcement, corrections, victim services, nonprofit organizations, and forensics. The graduate degree can be pursued on a part- or full-time basis with plenty of synchronous opportunities scheduled to allow students to interact with classmates and their professors if they so choose. Both degrees have scholarship opportunities for which students who live in New Mexico or out of state can apply. Topics discussed in both programs include ethics, research methods, law, and historical takes on past criminal justice systems.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor of Criminal Justice
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $395.40/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: HLC
Master of Criminal Justice
- Credits: 36
- Length: 1.5-2 years
- Cost: $444.40/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: HLC
3
Birmingham, Alabama
The University of Alabama at Birmingham provides two degrees in criminal justice — a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science. Courses are available entirely online, though students can choose to take them in a hybrid or on-campus format if they so choose. Throughout the programs, students will be trained in corrections, criminology, forensic science, juvenile justice, law, policing, and computer forensics. During the final year of the bachelor's program, students will be set up with an internship at an agency such as the FBI, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Drug Enforcement Agency, or the Jefferson County Family Court. Students continuing on with their graduate degree will be required to pursue a thesis track, which is better for students hoping to continue their education, or a non-thesis track, which is more geared toward working professionals.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $458/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
Master of Science in Criminal Justice
- Credits: 30-33
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $555/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
4
Tampa, Florida
5
Durant, Oklahoma
6
Cedar City, Utah
7
Macomb, Illinois
8
University, Mississippi
9
Westfield, Massachusetts
10
Elizabeth City, North Carolina
11
Odessa, Texas
12
Logan, Utah
13
Monroe, Louisiana
14
Cullowhee, North Carolina
15
Greeley, Colorado
16
Highland Heights, Kentucky
17
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
18
Edwardsville, Illinois
19
Mansfield, Pennsylvania
20
Russellville, Arkansas
21
Florence, Alabama
22
Durham, North Carolina
23
Miami, Florida
24
Charleston, South Carolina
25
Hays, Kansas
26
Las Vegas, New Mexico
27
Boca Raton, Florida
28
Kearney, Nebraska
29
Fayetteville, North Carolina
30
Oswego, New York
31
Huntington, West Virginia
32
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
33
Pocatello, Idaho
34
Columbia, Missouri
35
Toledo, Ohio
36
Tallahassee, Florida
37
Glenville, West Virginia
38
Bradenton, Florida
39
San Bernardino, California
40
Augusta, Maine
41
Wichita Falls, Texas
42
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
43
Silver City, New Mexico
44
San Angelo, Texas
45
Montgomery, Alabama
46
Richmond, Kentucky
47
New York, New York
48
Johnson, Vermont
49
Greensboro, North Carolina
50
Jacksonville, Alabama
College Ranking Methodology
Generate List of Eligible Schools and Programs
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Career placement and academic counseling services.
- Maximum tuition of $15,000 per academic year
Assign Weightings
After generating the list of eligible schools, the STEPS data team then assigned weights and ranked schools based on their performance in a variety of key categories. Affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Affordability
- Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on in-state tuition for undergraduate students per academic year.
- Percentage of students who receive institutional financial aid (directly from the school)
- Average amount of institutional financial aid awarded.
Online Learning
- Number of online programs in subject area self-reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education.
- Percentage of students at the school taking at least one class online.
Academic Quality
- Student-to-faculty ratio
- Percentage of full-time, first-time students graduating within 6 years.
About Our Data
All STEPS rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: August 2023
Accreditation Glossary
ABHE: Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation
ABHES: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
ACCJC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges
ACCSC: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
DEAC: Distance Education Accrediting Commission
HLC: Higher Learning Commission
MSCHE: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
NECHE: New England Commission of Higher Education
NWCCU: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
SACSCOC: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
TRACS: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission
WSCUC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
1
Great Bend, Kansas
At Barton Community College, students can pursue an Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Applied Science (AAS), or a certificate in criminal justice. All options are available entirely online and prepare students for entry-level work in the criminal justice system. Students looking to go right to work after earning a 2-year degree are encouraged to pursue the AAS in Criminal Justice rather than the AA in Criminal Justice. Throughout the program, students will have opportunities to accompany local county and police officers on citizen ride-alongs, complete an internship, and gain field experience with simulated crime scenes, accident investigations, routine traffic stops, and computer forensics.
Program Highlights:
Certificate in Criminal Justice
- Credits: 46
- Length: 3 semesters
- Cost: $155/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: HLC
Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $155/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: HLC
Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice
- Credits: 67
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $155/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: HLC
2
Martinsburg, West Virginia
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College works on preparing students for diverse positions in the criminal justice system by providing an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice degree that's available both online and in a hybrid format. Students will learn to articulate ethical implications of decision-making at a professional level; construct a capstone project in the form of a professional portfolio; examine the emotional and social skills that are essential for criminal justice professionals to effectively do their jobs; explain the stages, process, and goals of crisis intervention; and analyze digital evidence, including mobile devices. To apply, students must have a high school diploma/GED and turn in a complete application packet.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $181/credit (resident), $327/credit (non-resident)
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: HLC
3
Thatcher, Arizona
At Eastern Arizona College, students will find various opportunities to pursue their education in the field of criminal justice. Offered programs include an Associate of Arts, Associate of Applied Science, and an Associate of Applied Science - Bachelor of Applied Science in Administration of Justice. A Certificate of Proficiency — Law Enforcement is another online option. Most required courses, including the required general education classes, are offered in either a hybrid or an online format. The 2-year degrees require 60 completed credits to graduate and/or transfer to a 4-year degree.
Program Highlights:
Certificate of Proficiency — Law Enforcement
- Credits: 18
- Length: 1 semester
- Cost: $1,764 (resident), $7,164/semester (non-resident)
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: HLC
Administration of Justice Associate of Arts
- Credits: 60
- Length: 4+ semesters
- Cost: $1,470/semester (resident), $5,970/semester (non-resident)
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: HLC
Administration of Justice Associate of Applied Science
- Credits: 60
- Length: 4+ semesters
- Cost: $1,470/semester (resident), $5,970/semester (non-resident)
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: HLC
Associate of Applied Science - Bachelor of Applied Science Track
- Credits: 64
- Length: 4+ semesters
- Cost: $1,470/semester (resident), $5,970/semester (non-resident)
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: HLC
4
Fulton, Mississippi
5
Norfolk, Nebraska
6
Coos Bay, Oregon
7
Goodman, Mississippi
8
Spindale, North Carolina
9
Bedford, Massachusetts
10
El Dorado, Kansas
11
Tishomingo, Oklahoma
12
Fort Dodge, Iowa
13
Poteau, Oklahoma
14
Hot Springs, Arkansas
15
Grand Island, Nebraska
16
Waco, Texas
17
Wesson, Mississippi
18
Marshalltown, Iowa
19
Waterloo, Iowa
20
Clyde, North Carolina
21
Whiteville, North Carolina
22
Malvern, Arkansas
23
Pinehurst, North Carolina
24
Bossier City, Louisiana
25
Washington, North Carolina
26
Lincoln, Nebraska
27
Gainesville, Texas
28
Elizabeth City, North Carolina
29
Eunice, Louisiana
30
Fremont, Ohio
31
Corsicana, Texas
32
Auburn, Maine
33
San Diego, California
34
Haverhill, Massachusetts
35
Hamlet, North Carolina
36
West Burlington, Iowa
37
Tampa, Florida
38
Rocky Mount, North Carolina
39
Largo, Maryland
40
Poplar Bluff, Missouri
41
Flat Rock, North Carolina
42
Nelsonville, Ohio
43
Amarillo, Texas
44
San Jose, California
45
Napa, California
46
Gainesville, Georgia
47
Salisbury, North Carolina
48
Asheboro, North Carolina
49
Albany, Georgia
Funding Your Online Criminal Justice Degree: 5 Ways to Save
Tuition for a criminal justice degree can be expensive. Fortunately, there are many ways to make earning a degree more affordable. We discuss a few of those ways below and encourage you to utilize as many as possible to make getting your degree easier and less of a drain on your bank account.
1
Apply to scholarships, grants, and fellowships created for criminal justice students.
These forms of financial aid are ideal because they don’t need to be paid back, but this also makes them quite competitive. Increase your chances of getting an award by focusing on those that require applicants to be enrolled in a criminal justice program. For example, My Alarm Center offers a $1,000 scholarship to students studying criminal justice or a related field. To learn more about these and other types of financial aid, visit STEPS’ financial aid guide for public service degrees and scholarships and resources guide for criminal justice students.
2
Loan Forgiveness
Many jobs for criminal justice graduates are in the public sector – including work for federal, state, and local governments – and some positions qualify as public interest jobs. The Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program allows eligible students in certain types of nonprofit occupations to make 120 qualified monthly payments on their student loans and have the remaining loan balance forgiven.
3
Employer Tuition Reimbursement Program
Many employers understand the value of their employees going back to school, and some have benefits that include reimbursing employees for money spent taking graduate or undergraduate classes. Employers have their own rules on implementation, though. For Delaware law enforcement officers, for example, the Delaware Criminal Justice Council reimburses eligible employees for 100% of their higher education tuition costs. The primary conditions are that the employee is continuously employed during schooling and receives a grade of a “C” or better.
4
Crowdfunding
One inventive way to raise money is through crowdfunding. While reasons for crowdfunding range from paying for a vacation to funding a life-saving medical procedure, some people use it to help pay for school. This is especially effective if you have a compelling reason for earning a particular degree and/or for not having the financial means to pay for it. GoFundMe is a popular place to raise crowdfunding capital.
5
Work-Study
Work-study is a type of gift-based financial aid, but students must work to earn the money. Work-study awards are based on financial need and offer part-time work to students attending schools participating in the Federal Work-Study program. The types of jobs vary widely, but schools are strongly encouraged to offer employment related to a student’s chosen course of study and/or that provides a civic education.
What Impacts the Affordability of an Online Criminal Justice Degree?
Tuition fees and financial aid awards have a significant impact on the affordability of a program, so it’s crucial to thoroughly investigate both when selecting a school. However, there are other factors to consider that can also significantly impact your total cost of attendance, including textbooks and other learning materials, technology fees, transportation costs, and living expenses if you plan to attend on-campus classes.
Transfer Policy
If a school accepts a higher number of transfer credits, students with prior college coursework may need to take fewer classes to complete their degrees. However, transfer credit policies vary among schools, so it’s important to research each school’s policy thoroughly. Accepting more transfer credits can help students save money by taking fewer classes, as well as reduce the time it takes to graduate, leading to more time in the workforce and more earning potential.
Public Versus Private
Public schools generally have lower tuition rates than private schools since they receive some funding from taxpayer dollars. However, taking full advantage of these lower rates may require attending a public school where you have in-state residency status.
In-Person Requirements
Many online criminal justice programs are fully online, but some offer their curriculums in hybrid formats and require students to attend at least some classes on campus. Depending on where you live, the time and cost to travel to campus a few times a semester could dramatically increase the cost of your education.
Residency Status
For students attending a public college or university, having in-state residency status is typically advantageous since in-state students usually receive lower tuition rates compared to out-of-state students. However, it’s worth noting that some online programs may charge the same tuition rate for both resident and non-resident students.
Career Services
You’re getting a criminal justice degree to have your job of choice, preferably a higher-paying position. In some cases, career services can make a big difference in achieving this goal. If the career services office at your college has graduates, faculty, and other networking connections with certain law enforcement agencies, the court system, or other legal employers, landing your dream job might be much easier.
