Pursuing higher education used to mean relocating to a dorm or housing near a college or university to attend on-campus courses. But online education has changed this mindset as more and more degree programs are offered fully online, including degrees in the criminal justice field.
A criminal justice career path almost always starts with a college degree. Some careers only require an associate degree, but for more options, career specializations, and promotions, students should pursue a bachelor's degree in criminal justice.
Criminal justice distance education is usually a more affordable option than its on-campus alternative. Students in Pennsylvania can pursue affordable online criminal justice degrees along with degrees in subjects like law enforcement, forensic science, cybersecurity, and more without ever attending an in-person class.
Affordable Online Criminal Justice Programs in Pennsylvania
Many of the top-ranking schools in Pennsylvania have online colleges that offer bachelor's degree programs. These online courses increase affordability for students by eliminating many campus-related fees. Additionally, they offer flexible schedules that allow students to continue working while completing their online bachelor's degree.
1. Penn State World Campus
Pennsylvania State University offers various self-paced fully online degrees through its online college, Penn State World Campus. Students with a full-time course load can complete a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice for $639 per credit hour. This degree allows students to choose additional electives and concentrations to prepare for specializations within the criminal justice field.
Students will learn about juvenile justice, the corrections system, and criminology methodologies to interpret and analyze criminal behavior.
2. Wilson College
Wilson College offers affordable tuition rates at $380 per credit hour, but it also offers expansive financial aid programs with 98% of all students utilizing some form of financial aid package. This degree has many opportunities for customization to highlight coursework on the criminal justice system, abnormal psychology, international relations, and more.
Learners can also add minors to expand their education outside of criminal justice-related fields.
3. Peirce College
Peirce College allows students to earn credit hours that can be applied to the Philadelphia Police Academy or Philadelphia Division of Prisons. Students can also choose enrollment in a Bachelor-to-Juris Doctor degree pipeline thanks to a partnership with Rutgers University.
This Bachelor of Science in criminal justice studies has 121 total credits and costs students $600 per credit hour. However, students can reduce this total by bringing up to 90 transfer credit hours from community colleges or other undergraduate programs.
4. Strayer University
Strayer University has campus locations ranging from New York to New Mexico, including three in Pennsylvania. In addition to its 50+ campus locations, Strayer offers a selection of fully online degrees, including a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice.
Students pay around $508 per credit hour to complete the 40-course degree program. Students can choose from six concentrations including homeland security, emergency management, and criminal justice administration.
5. Drexel University
Drexel University's Bachelor of Science in criminology and criminal justice is a fully self-paced online program. The tuition rate for this degree program is $473 per credit hour, less than half of Drexel's on-campus rate.
To make the degree even more affordable, Drexel offers discounted tuition rates for military members, alumni, and members of one of Drexels 500 professional partners. Students will graduate with the skills needed to work in criminal investigation, as correctional officers, or to prepare for master's degree programs.
Other Affordable Online Criminal Justice Programs
Online programs make it easier for in-state students to attend college, but many colleges use these programs to open their doors to out-of-state students. Some schools even waive traditional residency-based tuition rates for their online programs, allowing students from Pennsylvania to find the most affordable program that fits their educational and career goals.
1. University of Minnesota Crookston
Students can complete a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from the University of Minnesota Crookston. This fully online program can also be used as a minor with another related field of study. The degree plan has an emphasis on corrections and law enforcement, which can lead to careers as:
- police officers
- probation officers
- forensic science technicians
- fraud investigators
2. King University
King University has a fully online criminal science degree which allows undergraduate students to complete coursework in a flexible learning environment. The online tuition rate is $305 per credit hour, and students can transfer up to 72 total credits. If students utilize their full transfer amount, they can complete their degree in 16 months.
3. Herzing University
Herzing University prepares students to become police officers, crime scene investigators, and correctional officers after completing its online Bachelor of Science in criminal justice. Students will pay $515 per credit hour, but total costs can be reduced with transfer credits and financial aid packages.
As of 2024, Herzing University has updated its curriculum to more accurately address the challenges and issues faced by modern criminal justice professionals.
4. California Coast University
Students at California Coast University can pursue associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in criminal justice. The Bachelor of Science in criminal justice degree has a tuition rate of $170 per credit, regardless of residency.
Active duty military, law enforcement, and first responders receive a 10% discount for their tuition rates, making this an affordable option for criminal justice professionals pursuing career advancement.
5. Florida Internaitonal University
The out-of-state tuition rate for Florida International University's online Bachelor of Science in criminal justice degree is $648.87. FIU prides itself on its expansive student support and career services which help students earn a degree and receive support in finding their future career.
This degree program includes 18 core credit hours and 18 higher-level electives that allow students specialization opportunities.
How To Pay for Your Online Degree Program
The average online bachelor's degree is more affordable than an on-campus degree, but it still costs around $41,000 in total over four years. Students often have questions about how to pay for college, especially online programs.
Fortunately, most online degrees will be eligible for financial aid if the school has all the necessary accreditations. There are a few key steps you can take to make paying for your degree easier.
Submitting your FAFSA forms should always be your first step in figuring out how you'll pay for college. In addition to federal financial eligibility, your FAFSA results can be used by your school and other groups who award need-based scholarships.
You should also read up on any nonprofit or criminal justice-based professional organizations. Some groups have scholarships designed specifically for criminal justice and law enforcement students.
What Can I Expect From an Affordable Online Criminal Justice Degree Program?
Each school will run its program a little differently, but there are several common experiences you should expect. Online programs are generally asynchronous, meaning you won't have set class times. Instead, you'll receive readings, videos, and assignments with deadlines for completion.
Coursework will vary with your concentration, but most include hands-on work like research or simulations. If you have questions about an individual program you can request information from the school.
Earn Your Criminal Justice Degree Online Today
Online classes have different application processes than on-campus degree programs, meaning you have more opportunities to start your degree. Read our articles and college profiles to learn more about individual programs and reach out to schools for more information or to start your application process today.
