Are you looking for the best affordable online Bachelor’s in Criminology degrees? You have come to the right place. Criminology and criminal justice programs usually focus on the major themes in corrections, homeland security, forensic science, court procedures, and law enforcement. Undergraduates who earn a Bachelor’s in Criminology can work as forensic science technicians, emergency management specialists, probation officers, FBI agents, and police officers. If you are interested in one of these careers, keep reading to learn more about the top 30 best affordable online Bachelor’s in Criminology degree programs that can get you there.
Methodology
Our goal is to help students who are looking for the best affordable online Bachelor’s in Criminology degrees. To accomplish these, we awarded points based on tuition, student-to-faculty ratios, and graduation rates. Before we could rank the schools below, though, we first needed to come up with our list of colleges and universities to include. We searched for online criminology bachelor’s degree using the College Navigator tool on the National Center for Education Statistics website. We then narrowed down the search results from 50 schools into the top 30 based on the methodology.
Average Cost of Attendance
We understand that most students will look for tuition rates right away, and many will want to choose the cheapest program just to save money. Although there is nothing wrong with seeking an affordable online Bachelor’s in Criminology degree, also keep in mind other things the school has to offer. For example, are you looking for a certain concentration? Do you have your heart set on research or internship opportunities? Will the availability of clubs, organizations, and extracurriculars make or break your decision? College will likely be one of the biggest purchases you will make in your lifetime, so make sure you are making the best choice possible. Below, we ranked tuition based on how much an in-state student will pay for one year of academic study, as reported by NCES. We also included rates for out-of-state students for reference purposes only.
Points:
Under $7,500: 5 points
$7,500 to $15,000: 3 points
$15,001 and above: 1 point
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
Next, we looked at student-to-faculty ratios. These figures provide a little insight into how big the classes are as well as the learning environments at each school. Keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all college and that it all comes down to personal preference. Are you looking to build relationships with faculty and peers through small, intimate environments, or do you prefer to blend into the background of larger classes? There are positives and drawbacks to each. However, we awarded the most points to schools with the lowest ratios of 10 or fewer students per faculty member, according to NCES.
Points:
10:1 or less: 3 points
11:1 to 15:1: 2 points
Greater than 15:1: 1 point
Graduation Rate
Finally, we analyzed each school’s graduation rate to determine the satisfaction and success of the student body. There are always exceptions, but in most cases, schools with happy students produce more graduates. On the other hand, colleges and universities with unhappy students might find that students are leaving and finishing their degrees somewhere else. This could happen for any number of reasons such as a lack of academic support, unaffordable programs, or inexperienced faculty members. Therefore, we decided that schools with the highest graduation rates from NCES would earn the highest number of points based on the following ranges.
Points
More than 50 percent: 3 points
Between 30 percent and 50 percent: 2 points
Less than 30 percent: 1 point
Ranking Top 30 Best Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Criminology Degrees
30. Colorado State University Global
Aurora, Colorado
Points: 4
Program Website
Colorado State University Global is an online campus of the Colorado State University System. Founded in 2007, CSU Global offers affordable online degrees to adult, nontraditional, and working students. Students complete 120 credits of study, including core courses in areas like criminal law, criminology, criminal justice, ethics, a capstone course, and an optional criminal justice practicum. Students of this high-value criminology bachelor’s can also choose to focus their degree in a specialization that matches their interests or professional goals. Available options include intelligence and homeland security, emergency management, criminology, criminal forensics, and applied social sciences.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
In-State Tuition: $8,400
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,400
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 27:1
Graduation Rate: N/A
29. Upper Iowa University
Fayette, Iowa
Points: 5
Program Website
Established in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private university that offers online and on-campus programs to 5,200 students. UIU provides an affordable criminology degree in the form of a criminal justice major. The cost-effective program prepares graduates for careers in justice administration, the courts, corrections, and law enforcement. Students learn from nationally recruited faculty and study a real-world curriculum with relevant coursework. Classes teach students how to ensure public safety, protect society, and understand the judicial system. UIU is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services to provide the Social Work Training Certificate (SWTC) as part of the online criminal justice degree program.
Degree Options:
Criminal Justice Major
In-State Tuition: $30,450
Out-of-State Tuition: $30,450
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 43 percent
28. Coker University
Hartsville, South Carolina
Points: 5
Program Website
Established in 1908, Coker University is a comprehensive institution of higher education known for its strong liberal arts core. Undergraduates seeking a low-cost online criminology degree can pursue a Bachelor of Science and learn about the practices and policies of various areas of the criminal justice system. These include the courts, corrections, and law enforcement. Classes cover topics like white-collar crime, corrections, and substance abuse. The economical program is available 100 percent online and consists of accelerated eight-week courses. Graduates are ready for entry-level careers in the criminal justice field as well as graduate school.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Criminology
In-State Tuition: $29,548
Out-of-State Tuition: $29,548
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Graduation Rate: 35 percent
27. Kentucky Wesleyan College
Owensboro, Kentucky
Points: 5
Program Website
Kentucky Wesleyan College is a private Methodist college and a top choice for students seeking a cost-effective online criminology degree. KWC offers a top-value Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology that can be completed entirely online. The curriculum focuses on the study of law, social justice, criminal justice systems, and criminal behavior from a liberal arts, multidisciplinary perspective. Courses also focus on the relationships between and complexities of the psychological, historical, political, social, and legal influences that affect law processes, criminals, and crime. Graduates are prepared to work in parole, probation, juvenile justice, corrections, court administration, and law enforcement.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology
In-State Tuition: $26,160
Out-of-State Tuition: $26,160
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 42 percent
26. Webster University
Webster Groves, Missouri
Points: 6
Program Website
Known as Loretto College from 1915 to 1924, Webster University is a private university and one of the most affordable universities for an online criminology degree. Webster’s College of Arts & Sciences provides an inexpensive online Bachelor of Arts in Criminology that takes a multidisciplinary approach to deviance and crime. The 128-credit-hour program focuses on areas like criminology theory, careers in criminology and crime prevention, research methods, and either criminal litigation or criminal procedure and the Constitution. Students must also complete one course in each of the following three content areas: methods and data analysis, special populations, and systems. A senior capstone is required for graduation.
Degree Options:
Criminology (BA)
In-State Tuition: $27,900
Out-of-State Tuition: $27,900
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Graduation Rate: 59 percent
25. Pennsylvania State University
University Park, Pennsylvania
Points: 6
Program Website
Undergraduates looking for an economical online criminology degree might consider attending Pennsylvania State University. Originally known as the Farmers’ High School of Pennsylvania when it was established in 1855, PSU is a land-, sun-, space-, and sea-grant research university that offers a cheap online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. The 120-credit program is delivered through Penn State World Campus. The curriculum balances the practical and theoretical aspects of crime control as they relate to juvenile and adult justice. Course topics include psychology and sociology, security and police administration, ethics, criminology, and corrections, policing, and law in America.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
In-State Tuition: $13,988
Out-of-State Tuition: $13,988
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 29 percent
24. Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Points: 6
Program Website
Western Kentucky University, established in 1906, is a public university that offers an affordable online Bachelor of Arts in Criminology. The best-value program requires 34 semester hours of study in the major, including 22 hours of core classes and 12 hours of electives as well as a second major or minor. Core areas of study include social deviance, social research methods, statistics, and penology. Students also focus on juvenile delinquency, criminology, and criminal justice. Graduates are prepared to work in parole, probation, juvenile corrections, the prison system, and law enforcement. They may also choose to attend law or graduate school.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Criminology
In-State Tuition: $10,512
Out-of-State Tuition: $26,280
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 45 percent
23. Southern Oregon University
Ashland, Oregon
Points: 6
Program Website
Founded in 1926, Southern Oregon University is a public university and a member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges. A top school for a high-value online criminology degree, SOU offers both a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Both programs are available entirely online and build a background in all areas of criminal justice, including corrections, theory, policy, and law. Students must complete a capstone research project and can choose any topic that is related to the field. Undergraduates also have the option to link their research with the required internship. Graduates of this cheap criminal justice bachelor’s are prepared for masters-level study as well as employment at the federal, state, and local levels.
Degree Options:
Criminal Justice BA/BS
In-State Tuition: $9,615
Out-of-State Tuition: $25,545
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 26:1
Graduation Rate: 40 percent
22. Portland State University
Portland, Oregon
Points: 6
Program Website
Established in 1946 as Vanport Extension Center, Portland State University is a public research university. PSU students can pursue an affordable online degree in criminology and develop a broad understanding of the justice system, victims, offenders, and crime. The low-cost 180-credit-hour curriculum covers several areas like research on crime control policy and crime prevention, criminological theories, and current practices in corrections, courts, and policing. Online students are required to complete an internship in their home communities. Those who are unable to do so may take a fully online professional development alternative course instead.
Degree Options:
Online Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology & Criminal Justice
In-State Tuition: $9,105
Out-of-State Tuition: $27,437
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Graduation Rate: 49 percent
21. Indiana State University
Terre Haute, Indiana
Points: 6
Program Website
Indiana State University, established in 1865, is a public institution of higher education and one of the most affordable universities for an online criminology degree. ISU’s cheap online Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice teaches students both applied and theoretical aspects of the discipline. Courses cover criminal justice administration, criminal law, criminal behavior, and the criminal justice system. Students of this high-value bachelor’s in criminology also receive a liberal arts education and develop their critical thinking abilities and communication skills. All students are required to complete an internship with a criminal justice agency.
Degree Options:
Criminology and Criminal Justice (B.S.)
In-State Tuition: $9,090
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,836
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Graduation Rate: 41 percent
20. Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, Arkansas
Points: 6
Program Website
Established in 1909, Arkansas State University is the second-largest university in the state by enrollment and the flagship campus of the Arkansas State University System. ASU offers an inexpensive online Bachelor of Arts in Criminology that requires 120 credit hours of coursework. Major areas of study include social statistics and social research, criminal justice systems, criminology, corrections, and criminal evidence and procedures. The low-cost program is unique because it focuses on the big picture of crime and its social contexts. Students may also pair the B.A. in Criminology with a second online major in sociology, political science, or communication studies.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Criminology Online
In-State Tuition: $8,607
Out-of-State Tuition: $15,297
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 48 percent
19. Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana
Points: 7
Program Website
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is a Roman Catholic, liberal arts college known for its Mari Hulman George School of Equine Studies. Established in 1840, it is the oldest Catholic institution of higher learning in the state and one of the most affordable colleges for an online criminology degree. SMWC offers a high-value Bachelor of Science in Criminology that consists of 24 hours of required core criminology coursework. The economical program emphasizes criminal behavior and crime through a social science perspective. Classes also focus on research, writing, and critical reading. Students can also choose a concentration in either sociology or psychology.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Criminology
In-State Tuition: $29,960
Out-of-State Tuition: $29,960
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 7:1
Graduation Rate: 57 percent
18. Southern Illinois University – Carbondale
Carbondale, Illinois
Points: 7
Program Website
Founded in 1869, Southern Illinois University is a public research university and the oldest campus of the Southern Illinois University System. Students looking for an affordable degree in criminology can pursue an online Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice. Students complete 120 credit hours, including major required courses in the criminal justice system, criminological theory, law, statistics, and research. All courses are delivered online and taught by the same faculty as face-to-face classes. Graduates of this cost-effective online criminology degree are prepared for careers in research and analysis, juvenile service, probation and parole, corrections, and policing.
Degree Options:
Online B.A. in Criminology and Criminal Justice (CCJ) Program
In-State Tuition: $14,704
Out-of-State Tuition: $29,160
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 41 percent
17. Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana, Pennsylvania
Points: 7
Program Website
Students looking for a best-value online criminology degree may consider attending the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Established in 1875 as Indiana Normal School, IUP is a public research university that enrolls around 11,300 students each year. IUP’s cheap online Bachelor of Arts in Criminology consists of five required courses in criminology as well as two courses from each of the following three areas: diversity issues in criminology, critical issues in criminology, and the criminal justice system. Students may also choose to complete a second major, concentration, or minor. Though not required, students are encouraged to take an internship and gain hands-on, real-world experience.
Degree Options:
Criminology, BA
In-State Tuition: $12,979
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,730
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 56 percent
16. Ohio University
Athens, Ohio
Points: 7
Program Website
Established in 1804, Ohio University is a public space-grant research university and the oldest university in the state. OU is a solid school for undergraduates seeking a top-value online criminology degree. The school’s low-cost bachelor’s degree in criminal justice includes core requirements that cover topics like criminology, criminal justice, social psychology, and law. The program is available entirely online and is designed for students who hold an associate degree in a criminal justice-related field. Pre-approved associate degrees include human services, legal assisting, police administration, corrections technology, or law enforcement. Those without an associate degree may instead pursue OU’s Bachelor of Arts in Sociology-Criminology major.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Criminal Justice Degree
In-State Tuition: $12,192
Out-of-State Tuition: $21,656
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 64 percent
15. Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, Arizona
Points: 7
Program Website
Northern Arizona University is a public research university and one of the most affordable universities for an online criminology degree. Established in 1899, NAU offers an inexpensive online bachelor’s degree in justice studies that includes two possible areas of emphasis: intelligence studies or criminal justice administration. The high-value program focuses on popular criminal justice areas like terrorism, corrections, intelligence studies, and forensics. Classes also investigate ethics, criminal justice leadership, the court system, and juvenile justice. Students must complete 120 units to earn the degree, including an optional internship or fieldwork experience.
Degree Options:
Justice Studies, Bachelor
In-State Tuition: $11,564
Out-of-State Tuition: $25,828
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Graduation Rate: 52 percent
14. Arizona State University
Tempe, Arizona
Points: 7
Program Website
Arizona State University is a public metropolitan research university and one of the largest public institutions of higher learnings by enrollment in the country. ASU is also an accredited university for an online criminology degree. Students can pursue an economical 120-credit Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice that focuses on the practices, policies, laws, and theories associated with delinquent and criminal behavior. Core classes cover statistical analysis, research methods criminology and criminological theory, criminal justice, and the courts. Students of this best-value bachelor’s in criminology benefit from personalized attention, nationally recognized faculty, internship opportunities, affordable tuition, and the ability to study anywhere, anytime.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice
In-State Tuition: $10,822
Out-of-State Tuition: $28,336
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Graduation Rate: 69 percent
13. Old Dominion University
Norfolk, Virginia
Points: 7
Program Website
Old Dominion University is a public research university that began as the Norfolk Division of the College of William & Mary in 1930. Today, ODU is one of the largest universities by enrollment in the state and one of the most affordable universities for an online criminology degree. Although ODU offers both a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, only the Bachelor of Science is available entirely online. Areas of study include criminological theory, social research, and a capstone research project. The high-value B.S. is a 120-credit-hour degree-completion program that builds on credits undergraduates have already earned.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
In-State Tuition: $10,560
Out-of-State Tuition: $29,460
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 52 percent
12. Ball State University
Muncie, Indiana
Points: 7
Program Website
Students looking for an affordable university for an online criminology degree may consider attending Ball State University, a public research university established in 1918 by the Ball brothers. BSU provides two best-value degrees in criminal justice and criminology: a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science. Both low-cost programs provide a combination of immersive learning opportunities, in-class education through distance learning, and internships in a professional environment. Coursework offers in-depth knowledge of how cultural, political, and social contexts influence the justice system and crime. Graduates are prepared for employment with national or local criminal justice agencies.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Criminology
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology
In-State Tuition: $9,896
Out-of-State Tuition: $26,468
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 63 percent
11. University of Missouri-St. Louis
St. Louis, Missouri
Points: 7
Program Website
Established in 1960, the University of Missouri-St. Louis is a public research university and one of four campuses that make up the University of Missouri System. UMSL is home to the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, ranked fourth nationally by U.S. News & World Report for its doctoral program. At the undergraduate level, UMSL’s top online Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice provides a well-rounded education in social science research methods, institutions and policies, criminal justice issues, and criminal theory. The program also offers a comprehensive picture of the justice system and crime. Graduates are prepared for careers in probation, policing, law, and corrections as well as for graduate study.
Degree Options:
Criminology & Criminal Justice, BS
In-State Tuition: $9,792
Out-of-State Tuition: $26,040
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Graduation Rate: 52 percent
10. Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, Texas
Points: 7
Program Website
Founded in 1879, Sam Houston State University is the oldest public institution of higher learning in Texas. SHSU offers two affordable online degrees in criminology: a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Ranked as one of the best online bachelor’s programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report, this degree focuses on topics like criminal investigation, white-collar crime, violent offenders, forensic science, and cybercrime. The high-value B.A. requires additional hours of a foreign language, while the B.S. requires additional hours of a social science like political science, sociology, or psychology.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
In-State Tuition: $8,296
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,256
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Graduation Rate: 52 percent
9. University of Nebraska Omaha
Omaha, Nebraska
Points: 7
Program Website
Founded in 1908 as the University of Omaha, the University of Nebraska Omaha is a public research university and a member of the University of Nebraska System. UNO undergraduates looking for a cheap distance education in criminology can earn a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice entirely online. The low-cost 120-hour program covers topics like corrections, the criminal court system, police and society, research methods, and criminal justice. Upper-division requirements include the study of criminal procedures and criminology. Students must also select a concentration or minor as part of the program requirements.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science (Online) in Criminology and Criminal Justice
In-State Tuition: $7,790
Out-of-State Tuition: $20,764
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 48 percent
8. University of North Carolina Wilmington
Wilmington, North Carolina
Points: 7
Program Website
Established in 1947, the University of North Carolina Wilmington is a public research university and a member of the 17-campus University of North Carolina System. UNC Wilmington partners with the North Carolina Community College to offer an affordable online Bachelor of Arts in Criminology. Core courses focus on topics like sociology, criminal justice, criminology, methods of social research, and sociological data analysis and interpretation. Concentrations are available in criminology or criminal justice, and most students have earned an associate degree in a related field before enrolling.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Criminology
In-State Tuition: $7,091
Out-of-State Tuition: $21,156
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 73 percent
7. Washington State University
Pullman, Washington
Points: 8
Program Website
Washington State University is a public research university and one of the oldest land-grant institutions of higher education in the West. Established in 1890, WSU offers a low-cost online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Criminology through its College of Arts and Sciences. Available completely online, the inexpensive program was founded in 1943 and is the second-oldest continuous criminal justice degree program in the U.S. Courses are interdisciplinary and policy-based, drawing from the social sciences like political science, psychology, and sociology. The curriculum also combines real-world expertise and problem-driven research to prepare graduates to work in private, federal, state, and local law enforcement.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Criminology
In-State Tuition: $11,584
Out-of-State Tuition: $25,820
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 59 percent
6. University of West Georgia
Carrollton, Georgia
Points: 8
Program Website
The University of West Georgia is a public institution of higher education that was founded in 1906 as the Fourth District A&M School. UWG’s cheap online Bachelor of Science in Criminology provides a comprehensive study of both criminal justice systems and crime. Areas of focus for this best-value criminology degree include corrections and social services, police and society, legal studies, the criminal justice system, and criminology. Faculty members have experience working within human services and the criminal justice system as well as conducting research on a wide range of issues. The 120-semester-hour curriculum is available entirely online. Undergraduates may attend the required orientation virtually or in-person.
Degree Options:
Bahelor of Science With a Major in Criminology
In-State Tuition: $6,288
Out-of-State Tuition: $17,074
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Graduation Rate: 42 percent
5. Missouri State University-Springfield
Springfield, Missouri
Points: 9
Program Website
Missouri State University-Springfield is the second-largest university by enrollment in the state. Founded as the Fourth District Normal School in 1905, MSU is also a top choice for a best-value online criminology degree. The school offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice. The low-cost curriculum examines criminal law and the courts, corrections, juvenile justice, criminology, and research methods. Specific topics of focus include human trafficking, gangs, terrorism, violence, criminal psychology, and forensic science. A total of 120 hours of study are needed to graduate. Graduates are prepared for law school, graduate school, and employment in various state, federal, and local governments and organizations.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice
In-State Tuition: $7,376
Out-of-State Tuition: $15,326
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Graduation Rate: 54 percent
4. Florida International University
Miami, Florida
Points: 9
Program Website
Florida International University is a public research university and a member of the 12-campus State University System of Florida. Established in 1965, FIU is also known for its cheap online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree program. Core courses focus on criminal justice, research methods and analysis, criminological theory, and professional development. Students of this high-value degree program must also take and pass two global learning courses. Although not mandatory, undergraduates are strongly encouraged to complete a hands-on internship to gain practical experience. A senior capstone in criminal justice is required for graduation.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
In-State Tuition: $6,546
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,954
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 26:1
Graduation Rate: 58 percent
3. University of South Florida
Tampa, Florida
Points: 9
Program Website
Rounding out the top three most affordable universities for an online criminology degree is the University of South Florida. Founded in 1956, USF is the fourth-largest public university in the state and a member of the State University System of Florida. USF offers a top online criminology degree in the form of a 2+2 program for transfer students; those without an associate degree may instead pursue the traditional online Bachelor of Arts in Criminology. The low-cost 120-hour program provides in-depth exposure to all areas of the criminal justice system. This includes parole, probation, corrections, the judicial system, detention, and law enforcement.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Criminology
In-State Tuition: $6,410
Out-of-State Tuition: $17,324
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 22:1
Graduation Rate: 73 percent
2. University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida
Points: 9
Program Website
The University of Florida is a public sea-, land-, and space-grant research university and a senior member of the State University System of Florida. Established in 1853, UF offers an inexpensive online Bachelor of Arts in Criminology that examines law, criminal justice systems, and criminal behavior from a liberal-arts, multidisciplinary perspective. The high-value curriculum includes one law-driven requirement, four core courses, and six law and criminology elective courses that can be tailored to each student’s professional goals and individual interests. Graduates are prepared for graduate school, law school, and careers in the juvenile or criminal justice systems.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Criminology
In-State Tuition: $6,381
Out-of-State Tuition: $28,659
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 90 percent
1. Florida State University
Tallahassee, Florida
Points: 9
Program Website
Taking the number one spot as the most affordable university for an online criminology degree is Florida State University. Established in 1851, FSU is a public sea- and space-grant research university as well as a senior member of the State University System of Florida. FSU’s College of Criminology and Criminal Justice is world-renowned for its inspiring intellectual community, challenging coursework, and ground-breaking research. Students can pursue this best online Bachelor of Science in Criminology that focuses on criminal justice, criminology, corrections, the courts, and law enforcement. Courses are taught by some of the highest-ranked research faculty in the country, and students have the opportunity to complete an internship as part of the program requirements.
Degree Options:
Criminology, BS
In-State Tuition: $5,656
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,786
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Graduation Rate: 83 percent
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Career Options for an Online Bachelor’s in Criminology Degree?
By earning an online Bachelor’s in Criminology degree, students are prepared for many career options in corrections, the criminal courts, and law enforcement. One of the most common occupations is that of the criminologist. This professional is responsible for analyzing statistical data to get a better understanding of how criminal behaviors start. Those with an undergraduate degree as well as experience in law enforcement might qualify for a position as a police chief, deputy chief, or other leadership roles. Other career options for an online bachelor’s in criminology degree include:
- Social Workers
- Court Reporters
- Correctional Officers and Bailiffs
- Police and Detectives
- Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
- Forensic Science Technicians
- Emergency Management Directors
Those who earn an online bachelor’s degree in criminology usually strive to put what they have learned into practice. This means finding employment immediately after graduating from a program. Understanding the consequences and causes of criminal behavior allows future criminologists to hold careers in areas like community planning, social services, public administration, the government, and law enforcement.
Students who are not yet ready to enter the field might consider earning a master’s degree or attending law school. Doing so can lead to management or supervisory positions, work in academia, or a career in law. Since criminology covers many areas like treatment and rehabilitation as well as crime response, analysis, and prevention, students are encouraged to dig a little deeper to discover which aspect or stage of the field is most appealing.
What is the Salary Potential for an Online Bachelor’s in Criminology Degree?
As is the case with nearly any field, finding a job in criminology can be hard. However, earning an online Bachelor’s in Criminology degree can help make the process a little easier. Keep in mind that not all positions in law enforcement and corrections are the same, and the salary you earn will depend on the years of experience you have as well as the profession itself. To learn more about salary potential for this industry, we consulted the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for data.
According to the BLS, police officers earned $63,380 per year, or $30.47 per hour, as of May 2018. The top 10 percent earned more than $106,090, while the lowest 10 percent earned less than $36,550. Median annual wages for this occupation in the highest-paying industries in which they worked were:
- Federal government: $87,130
- State government, excluding hospitals and education: $67,230
- Local government, excluding hospitals and education: $61,590
- State, local, and private educational services: $52,570
Another popular occupation, correctional officers and bailiffs reported annual earnings of $44,400 per year, or $21.35 per hour, as of May 2018. The highest 10 percent of bailiffs brought home more $78,290, while the highest 10 percent of correctional officers earned more than $76,760. On the other hand, the lowest 10 percent of bailiffs saw less than $24,620, and the lowest 10 percent of correctional officers raked in less than $31,140. For both occupations, the highest-paying industries included the state, local, and federal governments, excluding hospitals and education, as well as facilities support services.
To give you a little more information, we included annual salaries for five more occupations reported by the BLS as of May 2018, the most recent data available:
- Forensic Science Technicians: $58,230
- Court Reporters: $57,150
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists: $53,020
- Social Workers: $49,470
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors: $44,630
What Will You Study in an Online Bachelor’s in Criminology Degree Program?
Most online bachelor’s degrees in criminology focus on the fundamentals of crime control and criminal behavior. However, the individual program requirements will vary depending on the school. In most cases, though, these programs look at the root causes of delinquency and crime using many psychological, ethical, and sociological theories. Below are just a few courses that one can expect to take while earning an online bachelor’s in criminology degree:
- Psychology of Crime
- Juvenile Justice
- Victimology
- Emergency Management Strategies
- Law Enforcement Techniques
A general Bachelor’s in Criminology degree will open doors to most entry-level careers in the criminal justice and criminology field. However, some schools might offer criminology as a specialization within a broader major, or they might offer concentrations within the criminology major. These might include homeland security, juvenile justice, cybercrime, or criminal forensics. If you know the career path you wish to follow, focusing your degree on a specialization within criminology can help set you apart from the competition.
Bachelor’s degrees in criminology are available on-campus and online. Most curriculum requirements are exactly the same between the two delivery methods. However, online programs allow students to attend classes on their own time by customizing their schedules to meet their needs.
As you continue your search, keep in mind that graduation requirements, tuition rates, and concentrations all differ from program to program. Think about important things like degree length, transfer policies, and program costs before making your final decision. We hope that our list of the top 30 best affordable online Bachelor’s in Criminology degrees helps you to choose the program that fits your budget, schedule, and goals.
AS Staff
This concludes our ranking of the top 30 best affordable online bachelor’s in criminology degrees.
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- 30 Best Affordable Online Master’s in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
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