Learners looking to enter the vast criminal justice field have multiple degree programs available to them, including some of the best online criminal justice degree programs. Traditionally, these degrees were completed through on-campus programs, but many schools now offer online degrees that prepare graduates to work in criminal justice careers as crime scene investigators, probation officers, police officers, and other roles in the criminal justice system.
These online programs include bachelor's degrees in criminal justice, as well as master's degrees that can be earned fully remotely and more affordably than on-campus degrees or even other online courses.
Top Affordable Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs
The affordability of online bachelor's and master's degrees in criminal justice will vary based on a few key factors. The biggest factor that affects online tuition costs for most degree programs is in-state vs out-of-state residency.
Some online schools don't differentiate, so this won't be true of every program. Some also set tuition rates based on part-time versus full-time status, the total number of credit hours needed to complete the degree, and financial aid programs available by filling out the FAFSA.
Florida Atlantic University
Tuition cost per credit hour: $203.29 (in-state)
Students at Florida Atlantic University can earn a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice in a fully online, flexible degree. The coursework in this bachelor's program is taught by experienced law enforcement officers. This education prepares graduates for work in multiple criminal justice specializations including crime analysis, fraud investigation, and roles in the correctional system.
University of Louisville
Tuition cost per credit hour: $540
The University of Lousiville's online Bachelor of Science in criminal justice is offered through its College of Arts and Sciences. This fully online program can lead directly to a Master of Science in criminal justice. Coursework is the same as the work done by students on campus, and online students also have similar internship opportunities to their on-campus counterparts.
Colorado State University-Global Campus
Tuition cost per credit hour: $375
The Bachelor of Science degree offered by Colorado State University-Global Campus is offered 100% online with flexible weekly deadlines. This degree comes with multiple specialization opportunities including homeland security, criminology, cybersecurity, and more. CSUGC also has multiple partnerships with organizations like FEMA to offer additional certifications, like emergency management, that can add further specialization.
Arizona State University Digital Immersion
Tuition cost per credit hour: $683
Arizona State University has been a leader in online education and it offers degrees in a variety of subjects, including criminology and criminal justice. Graduates of this degree program focus on public safety and prepare for careers in forensic science, criminal investigation, and related fields.
Georgia Highlands College
Tuition cost per credit hour: $101 (in-state)
Georgia Highlands College offers an associate degree and a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Students who complete this program often continue their legal studies in law school after choosing the Pre-law specialization. Other specializations include law enforcement and social justice.
California Coast University
Tuition cost per credit hour: $170 for undergraduates or $250 for graduate students
Students at California Coast University can earn criminal justice degrees at the associate, bachelor, or master's level. The bachelor's level degree consists of 42 courses that cover topics like juvenile justice, criminal behavior, and homeland security. Students can also use their elective course slots to expand their social sciences studies, in addition to their liberal arts general education courses.
University of Management and Technology
Tuition cost per credit hour: $390
Students at the University of Management and Technology can pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in criminal justice administration, as well as a criminal justice degree in homeland security. Students can also continue their education with a Master of Criminal Justice in homeland security.
The University of Texas Permian Basin
Tuition cost per credit hour: $362.34
Enrollment at the University of Texas Permian Basin allows students to pursue top-ranking bachelor and master-level criminal justice degrees. This degree includes coursework that prepares students for work in multiple parts of the criminal law system, including crime prevention, victimology, and the court system.
Valdosta State University
Tuition cost per credit hour: $299
The Bachelor of Science in criminal justice at Valdosta State studies the legal system and its impacts on adults and juveniles. Students work with criminal justice theories and work to apply them through forensic psychology and profiling methods.
High-performing students can also be invited to join the National Criminal Justice Honor Society, Alpha Phi Sigma.
Middle Georgia State University
Tuition cost per credit hour: $174 fully online
Students at Middle Georgia State University learn from experienced criminal justice professors. This Bachelor of Science in criminal justice program can be completed online through eight-week classes. Students will also need to complete an internship.
FAQs About Online Colleges Woth Affordable Criminal Justice Degrees
Criminal justice careers are expected to continue to grow, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. People with criminal justice-based career goals often have questions about how to enter the field, including what careers a criminal justice major can pursue, how much these degrees cost, and how these costs can be reduced.
What Can You Do With an Online Criminal Justice Degree?
Criminal justice graduates can find careers with local and federal law enforcement agencies. Some of the top career opportunities for criminal justice graduates include corrections officers, detectives, probation officers, FBI agents, or a career in the juvenile justice system.
What Is the Average Cost of an Affordable Online Criminal Justice Degree?
Across schools of all types, the average tuition cost per credit hour is about $477, but this will vary from school to school and even can vary within a single school for different degree programs. Most criminology and criminal justice majors pursue bachelor's degrees, and the average cost of these degrees is around $20,000.
How Can I Reduce the Cost of My Degree?
There are multiple ways that you can reduce the total costs of your college degree. All students should fill out their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) yearly. This will determine financial aid eligibility and automatically apply you for some programs like federal grants. Also, make sure to apply for scholarships and private grants; some are designed specifically for students trying to enter the criminal justice field.
Finally, investigate your school's options for transfer credits or testing out of courses. Completing general education or elective credits at a community college or similar higher education institute can reduce costs. You also can test out of some courses if your school accepts CLEP tests as a credit substitute.
Earn Your Criminal Justice Degree Online Today
The most important methodology for determining an affordable Bachelor of Science in criminal justice is your own. Look into these programs, but also look for additional schools in your state that might offer affordable online criminal justice programs. Higher education is an investment, but it doesn't have to be an expensive one.
Find an Affordable Online Criminal Justice Degree Near You
If you are looking for a low-cost criminal justice degree online, find your state below.
