Best Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice

Badge for BEST ONLINE BACHELOR'S IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE

An online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice is a great choice for students who are interested in learning about the judicial system, law enforcement, court procedures, intelligence, and more.

Top 10 Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice

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  1. Florida State University
  2. Sam Houston State University
  3. University of Cincinnati
  4. Portland State University
  5. University of Central Florida
  6. University of Alaska Fairbanks
  7. University of South Carolina
  8. University of Alabama
  9. Florida International University
  10. University of Baltimore
  1. Florida State University
  2. University of Cincinnati
  3. University of Alabama
  4. University of South Carolina
  5. University of Louisville
  6. San Diego State University
  7. Florida International University
  8. University of North Texas
  9. University of Central Florida
  10. University of Memphis
  1. Baker University 99%
  2. Portland State University 98%
  3. Eastern Kentucky University 98%
  4. Sam Houston State University 97%
  5. University of Memphis 95%
  6. Nova Southeastern University 93%
  7. Roger Williams University 91%
  8. Wichita State University 91%
  9. Chaminade University of Honolulu 90%
  10. University of Baltimore 89%
  1. University of Central Florida 31 to 1
  2. San Diego State University 27 to 1
  3. University of North Texas 26 to 1
  4. Florida International University 25 to 1
  5. Florida Atlantic University 22 to 1
  6. Florida State University 21 to 1
  7. Sam Houston State University 21 to 1
  8. University of Alabama 20 to 1
  9. University of Cincinnati 19 to 1
  10. University of Louisville 19 to 1
  1. Roger Williams University $39,594
  2. Nova Southeastern University $34,570
  3. Benedictine University $34,290
  4. Baker University $31,700
  5. Charleston Southern University $28,930
  6. Chaminade University of Honolulu $27,454
  7. University of Massachusetts Lowell $15,078
  8. University of South Carolina $12,288
  9. University of Louisville $12,174
  10. University of Alabama $10,780
  1. Chaminade University of Honolulu $27,720
  2. Nova Southeastern University $21,153
  3. Benedictine University $18,530
  4. Roger Williams University $17,476
  5. Portland State University $14,817
  6. University of Massachusetts Lowell $14,590
  7. University of Baltimore $14,094
  8. University of South Carolina $13,734
  9. University of Louisville $13,524
  10. University of Cincinnati $13,224
  1. Benedictine University
  2. University of Memphis
  3. Florida Atlantic University
  4. Baker University
  5. Lander University
  6. Nova Southeastern University
  7. Wichita State University
  8. University of Louisville
  9. Charleston Southern University
  10. Chaminade University of Honolulu
  1. Lander University
  2. Charleston Southern University
  3. Chaminade University of Honolulu
  4. Benedictine University
  5. Roger Williams University
  6. University of Baltimore
  7. Baker University
  8. Eastern Kentucky University
  9. University of Massachusetts Lowell
  10. Nova Southeastern University
  1. University of Central Florida 36%
  2. Florida State University 37%
  3. San Diego State University 38%
  4. Charleston Southern University 57%
  5. University of South Carolina 62%
  6. Florida International University 64%
  7. University of Alaska Fairbanks 65%
  8. Lander University 69%
  9. University of Louisville 75%
  10. Florida Atlantic University 78%
  1. Chaminade University of Honolulu 10 to 1
  2. Baker University 10 to 1
  3. University of Alaska Fairbanks 11 to 1
  4. Charleston Southern University 13 to 1
  5. Benedictine University 13 to 1
  6. University of Baltimore 13 to 1
  7. Eastern Kentucky University 15 to 1
  8. Roger Williams University 15 to 1
  9. University of Memphis 16 to 1
  10. Nova Southeastern University 17 to 1
  1. Florida Atlantic University $2,522
  2. University of Central Florida $4,478
  3. Florida State University $4,640
  4. Florida International University $4,721
  5. San Diego State University $5,742
  6. Sam Houston State University $5,856
  7. Wichita State University $6,843
  8. University of Baltimore $7,154
  9. University of Alaska Fairbanks $7,296
  10. Portland State University $8,106
  1. Charleston Southern University $5,085
  2. Florida Atlantic University $5,467
  3. Wichita State University $5,544
  4. Sam Houston State University $5,765
  5. University of North Texas $6,350
  6. University of Central Florida $6,916
  7. San Diego State University $7,176
  8. Florida International University $8,912
  9. University of Memphis $9,378
  10. Florida State University $9,684

Featured Programs

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Justice Degrees

What courses will I be taking?

Many colleges and universities offer online and on-campus courses related to criminal justice, including studies about corrections, criminal investigations, administrative operations, ethics, and restorative justice.

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How long does it take to get a bachelor’s in criminal justice?

Students typically take about 120 credits over the course of four to five years.

Some programs may also grant credits toward a degree to those with field experience in law enforcement or the military.

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What can I do with a bachelor’s in criminal justice?

Those who graduate with a bachelor’s in criminal justice can typically enter the workforce as law enforcement, community specialists, court administrators, and other related areas. This degree can also be a good starting point for those who intend to pursue a graduate degree in law, homeland security, or intelligence.

Check out our interview with influential criminologist, Dr. Richard Rosenfeld.

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Learn more about how to major in criminal justice.

25 Best Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Degree Programs

  1. #1

    Florida State University

    Tallahassee , FL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    37%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    49K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1285/29

    Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at Florida State University

    Cost of Degree: $6,517
    Expenses: $18,124
    Starting Salary: $41,407
    Salary after 4 years: $53,897
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Criminology
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  2. #3

    University of Cincinnati

    Cincinnati , OH
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    48K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1225/26

    Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at University of Cincinnati

    Cost of Degree: $12,334
    Expenses: $16,990
    Starting Salary: $38,181
    Salary after 4 years: $49,697
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BBS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  3. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    29K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1095/20

    Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at Portland State University

    Cost of Degree: $10,206
    Expenses: $18,639
    Starting Salary: $39,026
    Salary after 4 years: $50,797
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Criminology And Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminology And Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  4. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $6K

    Acceptance

    36%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    84K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1250/27

    Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at University of Central Florida

    Cost of Degree: $6,368
    Expenses: $17,668
    Starting Salary: $39,333
    Salary after 4 years: $51,197
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  5. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    38%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1160/22

    Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at University of Alaska Fairbanks

    Cost of Degree: $9,612
    Expenses: $15,300
    Starting Salary: $34,647
    Salary after 4 years: $45,097
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  6. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    62%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    39K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/28

    Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at University of South Carolina

    Cost of Degree: $12,688
    Expenses: $17,251
    Starting Salary: $41,407
    Salary after 4 years: $53,897
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  7. #8

    University of Alabama

    Tuscaloosa , AL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    42K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1200/27

    Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at University of Alabama

    Cost of Degree: $11,940
    Expenses: $20,084
    Starting Salary: $39,640
    Salary after 4 years: $51,597
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Criminology and Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  8. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    75K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1185/26

    Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at Florida International University

    Cost of Degree: $6,565
    Expenses: $18,316
    Starting Salary: $39,948
    Salary after 4 years: $51,997
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  9. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    47K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1145/23

    Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at University of North Texas

    Cost of Degree: $11,140
    Expenses: $15,158
    Starting Salary: $37,873
    Salary after 4 years: $49,297
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
  10. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    23K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1230/26

    Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at University of Massachusetts Lowell

    Cost of Degree: $16,182
    Expenses: $16,550
    Starting Salary: $43,942
    Salary after 4 years: $57,197
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  11. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    38%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    39K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1195/25

    Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at San Diego State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,174
    Expenses: $23,936
    Starting Salary: $42,944
    Salary after 4 years: $55,897
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 51-60
    • Completion time: 4-5 years
    • Format: Online
  12. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    98%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    17K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1060/22

    Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at Eastern Kentucky University

    Cost of Degree: $9,844
    Expenses: $13,160
    Starting Salary: $30,191
    Salary after 4 years: $39,298
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  13. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $29K

    Acceptance

    57%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1080/21

    Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at Charleston Southern University

    Cost of Degree: $29,790
    Starting Salary: $33,214
    Salary after 4 years: $41,805

    Online Degrees

    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  14. #18

    University of Louisville

    Louisville , KY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1160/24

    Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at University of Louisville

    Cost of Degree: $12,520
    Expenses: $19,160
    Starting Salary: $37,336
    Salary after 4 years: $48,597
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  15. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    17K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1135/23

    Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at Wichita State University

    Cost of Degree: $8,866
    Expenses: $17,260
    Starting Salary: $34,877
    Salary after 4 years: $45,397
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  16. #20

    Nova Southeastern University

    Fort Lauderdale , FL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    24K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1135/23

    Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at Nova Southeastern University

    Cost of Degree: $36,300
    Expenses: $20,570
    Starting Salary: $45,486
    Salary after 4 years: $57,251
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  17. #21

    Lander University

    Greenwood , SC
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1015/19

    Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at Lander University

    Cost of Degree: $11,700
    Expenses: $14,870
    Starting Salary: $29,269
    Salary after 4 years: $38,098
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Criminology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  18. #23

    Florida Atlantic University

    Boca Raton , FL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    38K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1140/23

    Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at Florida Atlantic University

    Cost of Degree: $4,879
    Expenses: $19,974
    Starting Salary: $37,105
    Salary after 4 years: $48,297
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  19. #24

    University of Memphis

    Memphis , TN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    95%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1095/22

    Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at University of Memphis

    Cost of Degree: $10,056
    Expenses: $18,080
    Starting Salary: $33,187
    Salary after 4 years: $43,197
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Criminology and Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  20. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $34K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1070/22

    Career Outlook for Criminal Justice degree at Benedictine University

    Cost of Degree: $32,441
    Expenses: $15,042
    Starting Salary: $46,140
    Salary after 4 years: $58,074
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: None Reported
    • Format: Hybrid

Career Outlook for Students with Criminal Justice Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration

Degree Level: Bachelor's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $10,272
  • Avg. Expenses*: $16,260
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $35,456
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $46,150
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 11 years
  • Job Growth: 3.31%
  • Number of Jobs: 1,382,700
  • * denotes ‘annually’
  • ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Managers, All Other3.35%$106,040
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives3.12%$84,600
Transit and Railroad Police2.94%$75,399
Detectives and Criminal Investigators1.49%$73,715
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary2.43%$70,208

Average Career Salaries

Bottom 10%MedianTop 10%
$46,885$68,700$102,208

Promising Job Markets

StateCost of LivingAvg. Salary
#2 California26% higher than average$108,645
#3 Illinois7% higher than average$78,640
#4 New York5% higher than average$84,489
#5 Ohio14% higher than average$67,925
#6 Michigan15% higher than average$66,857

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Managers, All Other$106,040
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives$84,600
Transit and Railroad Police$75,399

Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require a time of adjustment. Although you’ll typically learn the same material and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, going online will require greater independence and responsibility than going in person. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, for harnessing the online educational technology that you’ll need to use, and for completing the course requirements, such as listening to lectures, learning lessons, reading texts, and handing in assignments. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take the initiative in building relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

No. The only part of online education that’s easier than campus-based education is ease of access: all you need is a computer and an internet connection for online education. But even this seeming advantage of online education can be misleading: what’s easier, studying online with your computer and internet connection from your home where you need to cook, clean, pay rent, and maintain a job? Or studying on campus in a dorm where all your living needs are handled by the school, and college staff are there to help you every step of the way?

If you take the commute to campus out of the equation, campus-based education is easier. All the support structures available on campus for students, especially with real people to help you in person, are not there online. The demands on you as an online student will largely be the same as for your campus-based counterpart, but without the same helps.

In general, your online courses will present the same material and test you in the same way as traditional in-person courses. In many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning with remote educational technology for the first time, online college may be considerably more challenging than campus-based college. For a few insights on how to manage this new online experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable non-profit institutions on the one end and less-than-reputable for-profit institutions on the other end. Accreditation gives you the power to identify the more reputable actors in online education. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency indicating that a college or university is meeting standards of quality and credibility. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.

Attending a college or university that is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. For students seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that they opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree. For more on this important topic, check out our What is Accreditation and Why Does It Matter? College & University Accreditation Guide.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited (see the previous point), you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer of credits. In many cases, you will encounter some bureaucratic haggling in which some of your credits will be transferred and others may be refused. However, provided that you have attended an online school with recognized regional accreditation, you should be in good shape in transferring your credits earned online.

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript, or resumé differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

Some employers may express the concern that because you did your degree online, you may need to transition from an online education experience to in-person workplace experience. But in an age of Covid, that concern seems much diminished. The fact is that much employment these days is remote. And collaboration increasingly happens online over Zoom. Many employers will therefore view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.

If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will be less than ideal for you (though depending on your circumstances, it may also be the only viable option).

While there is much in traditional campus-based education that can be substituted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing that can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual in-person classroom setting. As you transition to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face in getting the most out of your online classes is overcoming this difference between “real reality” and “virtual reality.” Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

The advantages of online classes are many. Above all, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete at your own pace and on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

Resources for Online College-Bound Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here