The need for professionals with a degree in criminal justice is growing. The cheapest online schools for criminal justice make obtaining this education relatively easy, preparing students for entry-level positions in law enforcement, corrections, social services, and other areas that serve the public by providing safety.
If you’re searching for the best, most affordable online criminal justice degree, this article can help you find it. To determine our rankings, we only considered programs that offer the best value for money. This article also includes the typical courses required for the cheapest online criminal justice degree and the various career paths that are open to you upon graduation.
Can I Get a Criminal Justice Degree Online?
Yes, you can get a criminal justice degree online. Universities all over the country now provide online criminal justice programs. These programs offer the same quality of instruction and education as on-campus classes, which means that you’ll be able to pursue the same careers as people who earn their criminal justice degree through more traditional means.
Why Should I Get a Criminal Justice Degree Online?
You should get a criminal justice degree online because you get the same education as on-campus students do but with the added benefit of convenience through a distance-learning format. Students can work and attend school at the same time, thanks to flexible online course schedules.
Even though getting a criminal justice degree requires a significant financial commitment, students can save money by taking classes online. Tuition typically costs more for on-campus students, and there are other additional costs associated with attending college in person, such as transportation and housing costs.
What Are the Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs in the US?
A criminal justice degree doesn’t have to be expensive, and online degree programs can save you time and money. Some of the most cost-effective online criminal justice degree programs have tuition that costs less than $100 per credit.
The most affordable online criminal justice degree programs offer degrees of all types, including associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and master’s degrees. Here are some of the cheapest online schools for criminal justice and their specific degree programs.
Cheapest Criminal Justice Degree Programs Online That Will Help You Stand Out
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Western Carolina University
- Associate in Science in Criminal Justice Technology from Florida SouthWestern State College
- Associate of Science in Criminal Justice from Broward College
- Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Fort Valley State University
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from California Coast University
How Much Does an Online Criminal Justice Degree Cost?
The tuition for a typical criminal justice bachelor’s degree is $16,647 per year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. An associate degree in criminal justice will cost less because fewer credit hours are required. Master’s degrees normally require between 33 and 36 credit hours, whereas bachelor’s programs often require 120 or more credit hours. As a result, it costs more to complete your bachelor’s degree than your master’s degree.
Will Getting a Criminal Justice Degree Online Save Me Money?
Yes, getting a criminal justice degree online will save you money. The fact that you don’t have to travel to campus saves money related to transportation costs. Plus, you don’t have to live on campus, which saves you the accommodation charges. Online programs tend to cost less than on-campus programs too.
Online Criminal Justice Programs vs In-Person Criminal Justice Programs
It is possible to complete an online degree program without ever having to meet in person, as some programs offer classes that are entirely self-paced via pre-recorded lectures. Students pursuing a degree online must meet the same requirements as those pursuing a degree on campus.
Online degree programs are valuable to potential students because of the flexibility they allow. In-person programs, on the other hand, offer the benefit of face-to-face interaction with instructors and fellow students, plus more opportunities for hands-on learning.
Benefits of an Online Criminal Justice Degree
- Course flexibility. Online learning accommodates your schedule through courses that can be completed entirely online, at your own pace and chosen time.
- Lecture review. Because many online programs offer pre-recorded lectures, you can go back and rewatch them whenever you choose. This can be particularly helpful come time for exam prep.
- Affordability. Online education can help students save a substantial amount of money. Many schools charge less in tuition for online programs, and accessing everything you need at home saves on costs associated with transportation and housing.
- Career advancement. Online education allows you to keep working in your current career while pursuing your degree.
- Career transition. Online degrees can help you gain the credentials necessary for a job change, which can allow you to increase your income and expand your horizons.
Benefits of In-Person Criminal Justice Degree Programs
- Interactions in real-time. Many students prefer campus-based degree programs due to the connections they allow with instructors and other students in real-time.
- Campus facilities. The presence of laboratories, libraries, and research institutes makes on-campus education a particularly enriching experience.
- Structured schedule. Some students prefer or even require a degree program with a built-in schedule that they have to follow.
- Designated learning environment. Just as some students require structure, others require learning in a place away from home where students working toward the same goals provide motivation.
- Social life. On-campus degree programs are often advantageous to your social life because they involve more interaction with fellow students and offer extracurricular activities.
Online Criminal Justice Degree Career Options
By getting an online criminal justice degree, you have the opportunity to pursue multiple career options in the fields of law enforcement, public safety, and administration. You can be a police officer, criminal court officer, legal assistant, crime scene technician, homeland security agent, detective, secret service agent, criminal investigator, or forensic science technician.
Criminal Justice Job Outlook
There are ample prospects for good jobs and advancement in this profession. According to projections by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in the field of criminal justice will increase by seven percent from 2020 to 2030.
Criminal Justice Salary
The average salary for a criminal justice bachelor’s degree holder is $60,000, according to PayScale. The most common jobs for a criminal justice graduate are police officers and detectives, who make $66,020 a year on average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Can I Enroll in an Online Criminal Justice Program for Free?
No, you can’t enroll in an online criminal justice program for free if you’re looking for a degree program. However, with financial aid and scholarships, your tuition will either be significantly reduced or fully covered. If you’re looking to get an online criminal justice education outside of a college degree, there are many free online courses that you can pursue.
OpenCourseWare (OCW) systems are popular with some universities and allow students to take criminal justice courses for free online. There is no interaction between the students and the instructor in these classes. The websites for these criminal justice courses allow students to download or stream course materials for free.
Cheapest Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs
| School | Online Degree | Degree Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Western Carolina University | Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice | $65.81/credit (resident) $232.47/credit (non-resident) |
| Florida SouthWestern State College | Associate in Science in Criminal Justice Technology | $81.21/credit (resident) $243.79/credit (non-resident) |
| Broward College | Associate of Science in Criminal Justice | $122.90/credit (resident) $243.40/credit (non-resident) |
| Fort Valley State University | Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice | $169.33/credit (in-state) $616.07/credit (out-of-state) |
| California Coast University | Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice | $170/credit |
| Northeastern State University | Master of Science in Criminal Justice | $254.50/credit (resident) $255.50/credit (non-resident) |
| Metropolitan State University | Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice | $285.70/credit |
| Missouri State University | Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice | $10,466 (thesis option) $12,236 (non-thesis option) |
| Fort Hays State University | Master of Professional Studies in Criminal Justice | $298.55/credit |
| Albany State University | Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice | $300/credit |
Criminal Justice Degrees Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice Programs
We chose the most affordable criminal justice degree programs based on tuition and general costs information from the schools’ official websites, the US Department of Education’s database of accredited schools, and the US Department of Education’s College Scorecard tool.
The Cheapest Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs: A Deep Dive
Common Online Criminal Justice Degree Courses
The curriculum for an online criminal justice program varies based on things like the institution, the specific subfield, and the degree level. Nonetheless, the following courses are likely to be included in your criminal justice degree program.
Introduction to Criminal Justice
This course provides students with an understanding of the criminal justice systems at the local, state, and federal levels, as well as their distinct and multidisciplinary roles. In addition, students learn about the wide range of criminal justice careers available in the United States.
Criminal Procedure
This course examines major Supreme Court decisions that set the boundaries of appropriate police activity and the connection between individual rights and the authorities and criminal trials. It also looks into the unique challenges associated with state-specific criminal procedure legislation.
Criminology
This course provides an investigation into the sociological ideas, theories, and points of view that pertain to the research of criminal behavior. Included are current crime rates and their patterns and causes, as well as the various measures designed to reduce criminal activity.
Forensic Bioscience
This course discusses the role that forensic bioscience evidence and laboratories play in effective criminal investigations. The processing of crime scenes, various methods of investigation, up-to-date forensic technology, and other topics are discussed. Students learn how to recognize and collect evidence from simulated crime scenes, as well as seek suitable laboratory analyses of evidence.
Law Enforcement and Policing
This course covers the history of law enforcement in the United States, as well as its development over time. Students investigate the various roles of police officers, such as fostering healthy connections within communities, ensuring openness and authenticity in reports and other paperwork, and creating positive relationships with fellow officers.
Can I Apply for Federal Aid to Finance My Online Criminal Justice Degree?
Yes, you can apply for federal financial aid through the online Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. FAFSA is primarily used as a way of establishing a student’s eligibility for financial assistance, which can include both need-based and non-need-based assistance.
Options to Help Pay for an Online Criminal Justice Degree
There are numerous options for funding your education, including grants, scholarships, and short-term loans. They usually involve a straightforward application process, but it’s a good idea to research each option thoroughly. Begin by completing a FAFSA form. Below are some common forms of aid.
Federal and State Grants
Grants are available from the federal and state governments for those pursuing post-secondary education or training. Grants, as opposed to loans, are forms of financial assistance that do not require repayment. Students can apply for a number of federal grants administered by the US Department of Education. These include Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), and Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants, among others.
Most of the grants mentioned here are only available to students who demonstrate a genuine financial need for them. Submit a FAFSA form each year that you attend school to ensure that you continue to be eligible for financial help from the federal government.
Federal and Private Loans
There are four options for federal direct loans. In contrast to unsubsidized loans, subsidized loans do not accrue interest while a student is in school. Unsubsidized interest rates are charged on Direct PLUS loans, which assist parents in covering the cost of their children’s college education.
With direct debt consolidation, students can consolidate various loans into a single, more manageable payment. Be aware of the impact of interest rates on your overall repayment costs before making a final decision to take out any kind of loan.
Work Study
Students in financial need can work part-time when enrolled in college thanks to the federal work-study program. Despite the fact that participants are paid like any other employee, the funds must be used to help pay for their own educational costs. Students are matched with positions both on and off campus through this initiative.
It is the goal of the program to place students in employment that is in line with their professional goals or that assists their local communities. All participants are paid at least minimum wage, but some are paid more based on their previous skills and experience level.
Students’ academic workload is taken into account when determining how many hours they will work. There are no monetary repercussions for dropping out of the program.
Cheapest Criminal Justice Degree Programs Online
There are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to finding an affordable online criminal justice degree. To provide you with the most options, we have sorted them according to their degree types. Here are lists of the top five most affordable schools for criminal justice by degree type.
Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice Associate Degrees
- Florida SouthWestern State College | Associate in Science in Criminal Justice Technology. This program is made for students who have finished and done well in the Basic Recruit Academies for Law Enforcement Officers and/or Correctional Officers at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission.
- Broward College | Associate of Science in Criminal Justice. Students with this AS in Criminal Justice can apply for jobs like law enforcement officer, security officer, state sheriff’s deputy officer, US customs and immigration inspector, and community or police service aide.
- Highland Community College | Associate in Applied Science in Criminal Justice. Students who plan to pursue a career in law enforcement can enroll in this program offered by Highland Community College in Kansas. In addition to immediate job opportunities, the program provides graduates with the foundation for future professional progression.
- Clovis Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice. CCC’s criminal justice program is available entirely online, with a variety of concentrations to choose from to best suit the interests of students. Each of the instructors has experience in a distinct field of criminal justice.
- Navarro College | Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice. In the criminal justice program at Navarro College, students learn the core skills and information needed to work as police officers and correctional officers and in a variety of other criminal justice-related jobs.
Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degrees
- Fort Valley State University | Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. This program is offered asynchronously through the D2L Brightspace learning management system. It involves reading, homework, and participation in Internet discussion forums. Financial help is offered, and online students receive a tuition discount.
- Western Carolina University | Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. According to GetEducated.com, WCU’s criminal justice online program is rated first for Best Buy.
- California Coast University | Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Core classes, general education courses, and electives give students a thorough introduction to criminal justice and the courts through this degree program. There are also options for no-interest payment plans.
- Metropolitan State University | Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. Four credits in a capstone internship or capstone research are required as part of this bachelor’s degree program. In order to improve the careers of law enforcement officers, this degree was designed to combine academic and hands-on training.
- Georgia Highlands College | Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. In this criminal justice program, instructors come from a wide variety of professional and personal backgrounds and have both educational and hands-on expertise in a wide variety of areas related to criminal justice.
Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice Master’s Degrees
- Missouri State University | Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Enjoy complete flexibility over your day and time thanks to the fully online course format of this program. Become proficient in decision-making, policy analysis, and leadership so that you may progress in your career.
- Northeastern State University | Master of Science in Criminal Justice. You can choose between a thesis or a capstone project for this Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree. Six hours of thesis work are required for the thesis option. There are 36 semester hours needed for the capstone option.
- Fort Hays State University | Master of Professional Studies in Criminal Justice. This program allows students to pick and choose from a wide range of electives. Customizing your education gives you the professional abilities that employers in business, government, medical services, and nonprofit organizations seek.
- Albany State University | Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Students must pass a detailed assessment in core courses and complete statistics and methodology courses, in addition to choosing an area of specialization for this 30-credit program.
- University of North Alabama | Master of Science in Criminal Justice. This 30-credit graduate-level criminal justice degree program will prepare you for advanced positions in security, emergency management, and crime scene investigation.
Best Online Bachelor’s Degrees
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Best Online Master’s Degrees
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Most In-Demand Criminal Justice Jobs With an Online Criminal Justice Degree
| Criminal Justice Job | Required Education | Job Outlook |
|---|---|---|
| Forensic Science Technicians | Bachelor’s degree | 16% growth |
| Private Detectives and Investigators | High school diploma or equivalent | 13% growth |
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants | Associate degree | 12% growth |
| Police and Detectives | High school diploma or equivalent | 7% growth |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | Bachelor’s degree | 4% growth |
Best Jobs With an Online Criminal Justice Degree Explained
Criminal justice is a great career choice for those who appreciate community values, believe in the rule of law and have a desire to serve others. The best jobs for criminal justice graduates are in law enforcement, public safety and administration, and intelligence. Let’s take a look at some of the best jobs in this field and learn what their day-to-day responsibilities involve.
Is an Online Criminal Justice Degree Worth It?
Yes, an online criminal justice degree is worth it because it can help you make a strong first impression on prospective employers in an increasingly competitive job market. You can make a job change or advance in your career and take on leadership roles. The degree is something that will help certify your suitability for employment with federal agencies.
Additional Reading About Criminal Justice
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Cheapest Online Criminal Justice Degrees FAQ
Criminology is the closest major to criminal justice. Although they may sound interchangeable, criminology and criminal justice are actually different fields of study. Criminology is primarily concerned with research and sociology, while criminal justice covers all aspects of the justice system.
Criminal justice majors are in average to high demand, depending on the profession you use your criminal justice degree for. Between 2020 and 2030, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a seven percent growth in police and detective positions and a 13 percent growth in private investigator positions.
A BS is better for criminal justice. However, it depends on the career you plan to pursue with your criminal justice degree. Students who want to pursue investigation and forensic science positions should choose a Bachelor of Science over a Bachelor of Arts.
You must be physically fit if you want to work as a uniformed police officer. This work often involves the need to physically restrain people or pursue them on foot, among other scenarios.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
