Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice Degrees

Compare the most affordable online criminal justice degrees and jumpstart your career in law enforcement.
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Updated June 15, 2023

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Fastest Criminal Justice Degrees Online

Believe it or not, cities, counties, states, and the country itself aren’t served and protected by superheroes but by ordinary folks like you and me who decide to pursue an extraordinary career in criminal justice. Criminal justice can include any number of occupations, from a parole officer to a member of a SWAT team to working for the Department of Homeland Security.

What kind of online degree in Criminal Justice should you get?

There are several paths to a career in criminal justice, but the best way to get your career started is with a bachelor’s degree in criminology or criminal justice. Traditionally this is done through an on-campus program at a school that features a department that specializes in the field.

But as online programs have grown and flourished in recent years, online bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice as well as bachelor’s completion programs have become more common. For a list of the best online colleges and universities in the country, see our ranking, “Best Online Colleges and Universities.”

How much money do people make with an online degree in Criminal Justice?

The criminal justice field is diverse, and compensation will depend not only on the part of the country to happen to live in—police officers in Duluth, Minnesota, will not make the same amount as police officers of equal rank in New York—but also the particular field you happen to choose.

Let’s say you are interested in police and detective work, however, which is a common occupation for criminal justice majors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual pay for police officers and detectives is just over $60,000, or approximately $30 per hour. The growth outlook is slower at 4 percent, but there are still plenty of jobs available.

What can you do with an online degree in Criminal Justice?

In addition to traditional police and detective work, however, the criminal justice field now includes a wide array of career possibilities. One consideration you’ll want to bear in mind is whether you’re interested in the private or public sector. Those interested in the private sector will likely want to consider careers in private security.

Those interested in working in the public sector, however, will have many more options. Some careers in the public sector include: probation officer, forensic scientist, correctional officer, fish and game warden, security guard, state trooper, crime scene investigator, F.B.I. agent, C.I.A. agent, immigration and customs enforcement agent, D.E.A. agent, Secret Service agent, and U.S. Marshal.

What are the requirements for an online degree in Criminal Justice?

Unlike graduate programs in criminal justice, students interested in an online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice will not need any prerequisites beyond the typical undergraduate admissions criteria. Once in the program, however, requirements will vary from school to school. Some schools will offer criminal justice programs as part of a liberal arts major, while other schools will have a curriculum that is more specific.

Other schools will have opportunities to specialize in a particular area of criminal justice, such as forensics. If you happen to know what area of specialization you are interested in, keep an eye out for these schools so that you can get on the fast track to your career. If you are unsure what area of specialization is best for you, you might do well to consider a program that will expose you to as many of the subdisciplines as possible.

What are the best online degrees in Criminal Justice?

We’ve compiled a list of the top 50 online bachelor’s degree programs in criminal justice with your needs in mind. Here’s how we did it. First, it’s important to identify and get into the best school you can. So we started things off by taking an objective look at the best schools in the country as measured by reputation and return on investment. We also factored in the cost of attendance because, let’s be honest, money doesn’t grow on trees!

Our data for this ranking was drawn from a variety of public sources, such as U.S. News & World Report, the National Center for Education Statistics, PayScale.com, and the U.S. Census. The end result, we think, is a list of schools that not only represent the best education you can get and a good return on investment but also one that will fit your budget . . .

. . . as a real-life superhero!

Best Online Criminal Justice Degrees 2022

See our rankings methodology page.

#1 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice Degrees

Arizona State University-Downtown Phoenix

  • Phoenix, AZ
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

A public institution, Arizona State University offers flexible education opportunities for degree-seekers of all kinds from its campus in downtown Phoenix. Many individuals planning for a career in criminal justice or a related field find the top-ranking bachelor of science in criminology and criminal justice makes a great choice.

Criminal justice students get support from their peers and from premier faculty members. The remote classroom environment lets degree-seekers do coursework and projects relevant to their personal and professional goals. Some learners participate in internships, externships, or faculty-led research projects. Enrollees tailor the program to their needs and interests with electives and individualized coursework chosen with the help of an academic advisor.

Many different internal and external opportunities for financial assistance help with the high price of an education at the college. Scholarships, fellowships, and other kinds of financial aid are available to students who qualify by meeting eligibility criteria. Receiving some form of aid helps 98% of enrollees at the college lower their educational expenses.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,710
Out-of-state
$28,800
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,720
Out-of-state
$26,160
Retention Rate
85%
Acceptance Rate
82%
Students Enrolled
11,420
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
57% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#2 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice Degrees

Drexel University

  • Philadelphia, PA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Trying to find a flexible education to prepare you for a criminal justice career? Look at Drexel University's bachelor of science in criminology and justice studies. The private college supports eight online bachelor’s programs, connecting 9,300 online learners with a premier undergraduate education.

The bachelor of science in criminology and justice studies provides students with the tools they need for a successful career in criminal justice. Both foundational concepts and advanced topics in criminal justice are covered by the various classes in the broad curriculum. If it makes sense for their career aspirations, degree-seekers can complete hands-on learning experiences to strengthen their knowledge of the industry. Learners can benefit from internships and externships, or industry-specific research projects. Students can speak with their academic advisor and career services to receive guidance throughout the duration of their studies.

Scholarships, fellowships, and other internal and external funding opportunities help applicants decrease their educational expenses. Degree-seekers get support for their educational endeavors from the leader in online education, with the college awarding financial aid to 100% of enrollees.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$52,146
Out-of-state
$52,146
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$35,181
Out-of-state
$35,181
Retention Rate
89%
Acceptance Rate
75%
Students Enrolled
24,205
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
38% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#3 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice Degrees

Washington State University

  • Pullman, WA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The flexibility of Washington State University's bachelor of arts in criminal justice and criminology makes it a great choice for individuals looking for a remote education that fits their schedule. A total of 6,592 online degree-seekers receive an industry-relevant education from the public institution, choosing from 20 remote bachelor's programs. The Pullman, Washington, college supports distance learners with institutional resources, like a helpful online community.

Students in the criminal justice program learn industry knowledge in engaging classes. The curriculum includes general education and advanced courses and allows for modifying classes and choosing electives. Enrollees add to their education with experiential learning opportunities. Internships, externships, and research projects give degree-seekers first-hand experience of working in the criminal justice field.

Prospective applicants can ask the admissions office to learn more about enrollment requirements. Students should check with the financial aid office to see if they qualify for any funding opportunities, since 89% of all enrollees are awarded some type of financial assistance. Aid opportunities, such as scholarships and fellowships, help qualified learners decrease their educational expenses.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,953
Out-of-state
$24,531
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$11,493
Out-of-state
$25,248
Retention Rate
79%
Acceptance Rate
76%
Students Enrolled
31,607
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
21% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

#4 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice Degrees

University of South Florida-Main Campus

  • Tampa, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Interested in a flexible education that prepares you for a career in the criminal justice field? Check out the online bachelor of science in applied science with a criminal justice concentration at the University of South Florida. The public college connects 24,241 distance learners with a top online education, offering five bachelor's programs remotely.

The criminal justice concentration of the bachelor of science in applied science program provides students with the tools they need for a successful career in criminal justice. Enrollees take classes on a variety of subjects, covering both foundational and advanced concepts in the field. Experiential learning opportunities deepen degree-seekers' industry knowledge, helping them advance their career goals. Internships, externships, and applied research projects provide learners with valuable knowledge. Guidance is available to students throughout the duration of the program by talking with an academic advisor or career counselor.

Applicants who meet eligibility criteria can seek out internal and external funding opportunities, such as fellowships and internships, to help offset the price of their degree. Degree-seekers get support for their educational endeavors from the leader in online education, with the college awarding financial aid to 93% of enrollees.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,559
Out-of-state
$15,473
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,350
Out-of-state
$19,048
Retention Rate
91%
Acceptance Rate
48%
Students Enrolled
44,246
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
55% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#5 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice Degrees

University of Central Florida

  • Orlando, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

A public institution, the University of Central Florida provides flexible education opportunities to all kinds of degree-seekers. From its main campus in Orlando, the college supports 19 online bachelor’s programs, reaching 41,097 distance learners across the country. Of these, the top-choice bachelor of arts or bachelor of science in criminal justice suits individuals planning to go into criminal justice or a related field.

The criminal justice program features premier faculty members and a tight-knit learning community to support students. Degree-seekers advance their personal and professional goals by completing coursework and projects in a remote learning space. Many enrollees get involved with faculty-driven research projects, internships, or externships. Faculty advisors help learners pick electives and create an individualized plan of study to mold the program to their needs and interests.

Many different internal and external opportunities for financial assistance help with the high price of an education at the college. Different types of funding opportunities, like fellowships and scholarships, benefit students who qualify for them. Getting some kind of financial aid helps 92% of the college's enrollees bring down the price of their education.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,478
Out-of-state
$19,810
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,916
Out-of-state
$25,759
Retention Rate
91%
Acceptance Rate
44%
Students Enrolled
69,402
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
59% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#6 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice Degrees

University of Cincinnati-Main Campus

  • Cincinnati, OH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Degree-seekers from all walks of life pick the University of Cincinnati because the public institution provides flexible education opportunities. Located in Cincinnati, Ohio, the school supports 19,270 virtual learners around the country, offering 11 bachelor's program online. Of these, the top-ranking bachelor of science in criminal justice attracts people interested in a career in the field.

After enrolling, criminal justice students connect with top faculty and supportive members of the student community. Advancing personal and professional goals is made easier for degree-seekers with career-ready classwork and projects that they do in an online learning space. Some enrollees participate in internships, externships, or faculty-led research projects. Learners customize their academic experience by working with an advisor to choose electives and an individualized plan of study.

The large availability of internal and external funding opportunities at the college make an education less expensive. Different kinds of financial aid, such as scholarships and fellowships, benefit eligible students. The school reports that 75% of all enrollees receive some form of financial assistance to offset educational expenses.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,476
Out-of-state
$24,810
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,790
Out-of-state
$24,532
Retention Rate
88%
Acceptance Rate
77%
Students Enrolled
39,263
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
49% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#7 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice Degrees

Bemidji State University

  • Bemidji, MN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Many people looking for a flexible virtual education in criminal justice find the bachelor of science in criminal justice at Bemidji State University to be a great option. The 11 industry-relevant online bachelor's programs at the public institution educate 2,213 remote degree-seekers. The Bemidji, Minnesota, college supports distance learners with institutional resources, like a helpful online community.

Students in the criminal justice program gain industry knowledge through interactive classes. General education and advanced courses make up the curriculum, which also allows for modifying classes and choosing electives. Hands-on learning opportunities supplement enrollees' education. Degree-seekers who do internships, externships, or research projects get first-hand experience of what it's like to work in the criminal justice field.

Applicants should discuss enrollment requirements with the admissions office. Of all enrollees, 90% get some type of financial assistance, so students should check with the financial aid office to see what the eligibility requirements are. Aid opportunities, such as scholarships and fellowships, help qualified learners decrease their educational expenses.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,858
Out-of-state
$7,858
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,779
Out-of-state
$7,779
Retention Rate
72%
Acceptance Rate
65%
Students Enrolled
4,897
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
45% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#8 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice Degrees

University of Missouri—St. Louis

  • Saint Louis, MO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

People wanting a flexible, remote education in criminal justice should check out the bachelor of science in criminology and criminal justice at the University of Missouri—St. Louis. A total of 5,037 online degree-seekers receive an industry-relevant education from the public institution, choosing from seven remote bachelor's programs. Located in Saint Louis, the college supports its distance learners by offering institutional resources, including a tight-knit online community.

Interactive classes provide students with knowledge relevant to the criminal justice industry. The degree curriculum consists of general educational and advanced coursework, with the option to modify classes and select electives. Hands-on learning opportunities supplement enrollees' education. Degree-seekers who do internships, externships, or research projects get first-hand experience of what it's like to work in the field.

Prospective applicants can ask the admissions office to learn more about enrollment requirements. Some form of financial assistance is awarded to 97% of all enrollees, so students should check with the financial aid office to explore eligibility requirements for different funding options. Scholarships, fellowships, and other aid opportunities let eligible learners bring down the cost of their degree.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$11,079
Out-of-state
$29,295
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,007
Out-of-state
$29,477
Retention Rate
77%
Acceptance Rate
73%
Students Enrolled
15,988
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
32% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#9 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice Degrees

Florida International University

  • Miami, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Florida International University provides premier online programs from its campus in Miami for students seeking competitive study. As many as 36 remote bachelor's programs are available to the 39,863 distance learners at the public institution. The rigorous education with industry relevance provided by the bachelor of science in criminal justice appeals to degree-seekers interested in the field.

Connecting with classmates and instructors in the virtual classroom space helps participants gain the full benefits of the programs' supportive online learning community. Enrollees learn relevant knowledge for their future criminal justice careers in classes covering the foundational and advanced topics of the field. The hands-on practice that learners get in experiential learning opportunities, like internships and research projects, helps them advance their competency for a future criminal justice job. Institutional resources focused on student success, like career and academic advising, are available to degree-seekers throughout the program.

Learners can lower the cost of a degree in criminal justice by working with a financial aid officer to find funding opportunities. Options for financial assistance at the college include many different fellowships, scholarships, and federal financial aid. The institution awards aid to 90% of enrollees.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,721
Out-of-state
$16,529
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,912
Out-of-state
$21,393
Retention Rate
89%
Acceptance Rate
58%
Students Enrolled
58,711
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
68% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#10 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice Degrees

California State University-San Bernardino

  • San Bernardino, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Looking for a flexible education that prepares you for a career in the criminal justice field? Check out the bachelor of arts in criminal justice at California State University, San Bernardino. The public college supports one online bachelor’s program, connecting 6,901 online learners with a premier undergraduate education.

The bachelor of arts in criminal justice equips students with the tools they need for a successful career in the field. Enrollees benefit from a variety of coursework, participating in classes that provide foundational and advanced knowledge of criminal justice. If applicable to their career goals, degree-seekers can participate in experiential learning opportunities to strengthen their knowledge of the industry. Students gain valuable knowledge from internships, externships, and applied research projects. Guidance is available to learners throughout the duration of the program by talking with an academic advisor or career counselor.

Funding opportunities from internal and external sources, such as scholarships and fellowships, help applicants offset the price of their degree. At the college, 93% of degree-seekers receive aid from the online education leader to support their academic journey.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,742
Out-of-state
$17,622
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,176
Out-of-state
$16,680
Retention Rate
86%
Acceptance Rate
69%
Students Enrolled
20,638
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
33% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#11 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice Degrees

Columbia Southern University

  • Orange Beach, AL
  • 4 years
  • Online

Columbia Southern University provides learning opportunities with a great deal of flexibility to suit many different types of degree-seekers interested in the private institution. Of these, the highly rated bachelor of science in criminal justice administration is a great choice for people interested in a criminal justice-related career.

Criminal justice students get support from their peers and from premier faculty members. Relevant coursework and projects completed in a virtual learning environment help degree-seekers advance their personal and professional goals. Some enrollees participate in internships, externships, or faculty-led research projects. Faculty advisors help learners pick electives and create an individualized plan of study to mold the program to their needs and interests.

An education at the college is made less expensive through the many different internal and external funding opportunities available. If they qualify, students benefit from different types of financial assistance, such as fellowships and scholarships. At the college, 94% of enrollees decrease their educational expenses with some type of financial aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,520
Out-of-state
$5,520
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$3,780
Out-of-state
$3,780
Retention Rate
62%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
20,034
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Distance Education Accrediting Commission

#12 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice Degrees

Western Carolina University

  • Cullowhee, NC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

People looking for a flexible education that prepares them for the criminal justice field should consider Western Carolina University's bachelor of science in criminal justice. A total of eight bachelor's programs are available remotely for the 5,000 online learners receiving a premier education at the public college.

The bachelor of science in criminal justice equips students with the tools they need for a successful career in the field. Enrollees benefit from a variety of coursework, participating in classes covering foundational and advanced criminal justice topics. Degree-seekers can deepen their industry knowledge with experiential learning opportunities to further their career goals. Industry-specific research projects, internships, and externships impart valuable knowledge to learners. During the degree, students can talk to their academic advisor and career counselor to receive guidance.

Qualified applicants can offset the cost of their degree with external and internal funding opportunities, such as scholarships and fellowships. Degree-seekers get support for their educational endeavors from the leader in online education, with the college awarding financial aid to 85% of enrollees.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$1,000
Out-of-state
$5,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$4,435
Out-of-state
$14,842
Retention Rate
78%
Acceptance Rate
69%
Students Enrolled
12,167
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
41% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#13 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice Degrees

Sam Houston State University

  • Huntsville, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Many people looking for a flexible virtual education in criminal justice find the bachelor of arts or bachelor of science in criminal justice at Sam Houston State University to be a great option. A total of 11,475 remote degree-seekers attend the public institution, which features eight online bachelor's programs with industry relevance. The Texas college offers institutional resources from its Huntsville campus that benefit its online learners, including a supportive remote learning community.

Interactive classes provide criminal justice students with industry knowledge. The curriculum consists of general educational and advanced coursework, with the option to modify classes and select electives. Experiential learning opportunities allow enrollees to supplement their education. Degree-seekers get first-hand experience of what it's like to work in the criminal justice field through internships, externships, and research projects.

The admissions office can tell applicants more about enrollment requirements. Students should meet with the financial aid office to check whether they qualify for any funding opportunities, since 86% of all enrollees receive some kind of financial assistance. Scholarships, fellowships, and other aid opportunities let eligible learners bring down the cost of their degree.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,856
Out-of-state
$15,984
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,765
Out-of-state
$13,361
Retention Rate
75%
Acceptance Rate
83%
Students Enrolled
21,558
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
53% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#14 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice Degrees

Northwestern State University of Louisiana

  • Natchitoches, LA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Degree-seekers from all walks of life pick Northwestern State University of Louisiana because the public institution provides flexible education opportunities. Located in Natchitoches, Louisiana, the school supports 8,906 virtual learners around the country, offering 16 bachelor's program online. Of these, the top-ranking  bachelor of arts in criminal justice is a great choice for people planning to start a career in criminal justice or a related field.

Connecting with top faculty members and supportive peers benefits students enrolled in the criminal justice program. Degree-seekers complete classwork and projects relevant to their personal and professional goals in a distance learning environment. Internships, externships, and faculty-led research projects are available for learners to get involved with. Enrollees tailor the program to their needs and interests with electives and individualized coursework chosen with the help of an academic advisor.

An criminal justice education at the college is made less expensive through the many different internal and external funding opportunities available. Students meeting eligibility requirements benefit from different kinds of financial assistance, including scholarships and fellowships. At the college, 97% of enrollees receive some form of aid to help bring down the price of their education.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,180
Out-of-state
$15,968
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$5,738
Out-of-state
$16,526
Retention Rate
70%
Acceptance Rate
82%
Students Enrolled
10,900
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
82% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#15 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice Degrees

Limestone College

  • Gaffney, SC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

A private institution, Limestone College offers flexible education opportunities for degree-seekers of all kinds. Remote learners from around the United States pick from nine virtual bachelor's programs at the school, located in Gaffney, South Carolina. Of these, the top-choice bachelor of arts in criminal justice suits individuals planning to go into the field.

Students enrolled in criminal justice connect with supportive peers and distinguished faculty members. Degree-seekers complete classwork and projects relevant to their personal and professional goals in a distance learning environment. Enrollees can participate in faculty-driven research, internships, and externships. Learners tailor the program to their needs and interests with electives and individualized coursework chosen with the help of an academic advisor.

A variety of internal and external funding opportunities help with the high cost of an education. Students who meet the eligibility requirements may benefit from fellowships, scholarships, and other types of financial aid. Getting some kind of financial assistance helps 99% of the college's enrollees bring down the price of their education.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$25,200
Out-of-state
$25,200
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,350
Out-of-state
$12,350
Retention Rate
67%
Acceptance Rate
51%
Students Enrolled
2,206
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
35% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#16 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice Degrees

University of Louisville

  • Louisville, KY
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The flexibility of the University of Louisville's bachelor of science in criminal justice makes it a great choice for individuals looking for a remote education that fits their schedule. The public institution's nine virtual bachelor's programs provide an industry-relevant education to 2,624 remote degree-seekers. The Kentucky college offers institutional resources from its Louisville campus that benefit its online learners, including a supportive remote learning community.

The criminal justice program's hands-on classes impart industry knowledge to its students. Within the criminal justice curriculum, which covers general education and advanced topics, learners can customize classes and choose electives. Enrollees can add to their academic experience with hands-on learning opportunities. Degree-seekers get first-hand experience of what it's like to work in the criminal justice field through internships, externships, and research projects.

Prospective applicants can learn more about enrollment requirements by asking the admissions office. Students can meet with the financial aid office to discuss if they meet the criteria for any funding opportunities, since 98% of all enrollees receive some kind of financial assistance. Aid opportunities, such as scholarships and fellowships, help qualified learners decrease their educational expenses.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$11,732
Out-of-state
$27,758
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,000
Out-of-state
$27,114
Retention Rate
80%
Acceptance Rate
69%
Students Enrolled
21,670
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
12% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#17 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice Degrees

Pennsylvania State University-World Campus

  • University Park, PA
  • 4 years
  • Online

From its campus in University Park, Pennsylvania State University World Campus offers premier online degrees for students looking for a competitive program. The bachelor of science in criminal justice provides degree-seekers with a rigorous education relevant to the criminal justice industry.

The program's virtual classroom space lets participants connect with peers, professors, and other members of the distance learning community. Classes covering foundational and advanced topics in criminal justice provide enrollees with relevant knowledge for their future careers in the field. The hands-on practice learners get in internships, research projects, and other experiential learning opportunities builds their competency for a future profession in criminal justice. Academic advising and career counseling are just some of the resources the institution provides degree-seekers to support their success.

Learners can lower the cost of a degree in criminal justice by working with a financial aid officer to find funding opportunities. The college's students have many funding options available to them, including fellowships, scholarships, and federal aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$13,484
Out-of-state
$13,484
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$21,682
Out-of-state
$21,682
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
76%
Students Enrolled
Not provided
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#18 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice Degrees

Liberty University

  • Lynchburg, VA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

The flexibility of Liberty University's learning opportunities suits many different types of degree-seekers interested in the private institution. From its main campus in Lynchburg, Virginia, the college supports 30 online bachelor’s programs, reaching 78,511 distance learners across the country. For individuals interested in a career in criminal justice or a related field, they should consider Liberty's top-ranking bachelor of science in criminal justice.

After enrolling, criminal justice students connect with top faculty and supportive members of the student community. Relevant coursework and projects completed in a virtual learning environment help degree-seekers advance their personal and professional goals. Many learners get involved with internships, externships, or research projects led by faculty members. Enrollees customize their academic experience by working with an advisor to choose electives and an individualized plan of study.

A variety of internal and external funding opportunities at the college help with an education's costs. Qualified students benefit from scholarships, fellowships, and other types of financial assistance. At the college, 99% of enrollees decrease their educational expenses with some type of financial aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$15,417
Out-of-state
$15,417
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,980
Out-of-state
$7,980
Retention Rate
81%
Acceptance Rate
51%
Students Enrolled
85,586
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
92% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#19 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice Degrees

Roger Williams University

  • Bristol, RI
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

A private institution, Roger Williams University provides flexible education opportunities to all kinds of degree-seekers. Online learners at the Bristol, Rhode Island school choose from 10 bachelor's programs offered virtually. Of these, the top-ranking bachelor of science in criminal justice attracts people interested in a career in the field.

Connecting with top faculty members and supportive peers benefits students enrolled in criminal justice. In a virtual classroom space, degree-seekers do coursework and projects that advance their personal and professional goals. Some learners participate in internships, externships, or faculty-led research projects. Enrollees can work with their faculty advisor to customize their coursework, select electives, and fit their program to their interests.

Since the cost of an education can be expensive, the college offers many different internal and external funding opportunities. Different kinds of financial assistance, such as scholarships and fellowships, benefit eligible students. At the college, 100% of enrollees receive some form of aid to help bring down the price of their education.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$32,789
Out-of-state
$32,789
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$15,768
Out-of-state
$15,768
Retention Rate
85%
Acceptance Rate
85%
Students Enrolled
4,838
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
12% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#20 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice Degrees

Indiana State University

  • Terre Haute, IN
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

All kinds of degree-seekers choose Indiana State University because the public institution offers learning opportunities with a great deal of flexibility. From its main campus in Terre Haute, the school supports 5,748 remote learners nationwide, offering 23 bachelor's programs virtually. For individuals interested in a career in criminal justice or a related field, they should consider the top-ranking bachelor of science in criminology and criminal justice.

Students enrolled in criminal justice connect with supportive peers and distinguished faculty members. Degree-seekers do classwork and projects in an online classroom space to advance their personal and professional goals. Many learners get involved with faculty-driven research projects, internships, or externships. Program enrollees work with advisors to customize their academic experience by choosing electives and tailoring coursework to their individual needs and interests.

The large availability of internal and external funding opportunities at the college make an education less expensive. Different kinds of financial assistance, such as scholarships and fellowships, benefit eligible students. At the college, 92% of enrollees decrease their educational expenses with some type of aid.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$9,036
Out-of-state
$19,960
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$7,542
Out-of-state
$14,814
Retention Rate
65%
Acceptance Rate
90%
Students Enrolled
12,144
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
47% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

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