Students who are searching for an affordable online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Studies degrees are in luck; there are currently over 300 schools that offer a degree in this field in the United States alone. Since technology has changed how some criminals behave, it has become more important than ever to have professionals in the field that can keep up with how crimes happen and why. But how do prospective students sift through hundreds of schools to find the program that best fits their needs?
The answer is that it’s quite difficult. Students need quick access to pertinent information, such as tuition rates, student-to-faculty ratios, program requirements, and more. This is because this is the information that will help them make a decision, with affordability and quality of the program being the most important factors. This ranking will make the decision-making process a lot easier, especially for students who do not know where to start in their search.
Methodology
The National Center for Education Statistics and its free and publicly available College Navigator database served as the starting point for this ranking. Searching just for “online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Studies” degrees, over 300 schools were identified and chosen for the base for this ranking. Once the schools were identified, each was carefully reviewed and awarded points based on the following factors:
Average Cost of Attendance:
Based on one year of attendance at 15 hours per semester:
Under $7,500 – 3 Points
$7,500 – $15,000 – 2 Points
$15,001 and above – 1 Point
Student-to-faculty Ratio:
10:1 or less – 3 Points
11:1 to 15:1 – 2 Points
Greater than 15:1 – 1 Point
The final 35 schools were chosen based on total points awarded. They are listed below in descending order.
Ranking Low-Cost Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Degrees
35. Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, Texas
Points: 3
Program Website
Sam Houston State University confers a great low cost online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Studies for students who are ready to take the next step in their education. This affordable online degree program is ranked by U.S. News and World Report. Students will find that this inexpensive online degree is supported by a faculty that is recognized as being productive researchers by the Journal of Criminal Justice Education. This cheap bachelor’s degree program is offered entirely online and can be earned as either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science. Students will be expected to complete a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. More information on this online degree, including specific program requirements and a list of sample course offerings, can be found by contacting the school’s undergraduate admissions office.
In-State Tuition:$12,712
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,712
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 23:1
34. The University of Massachusetts at Lowell
Lowell, Massachusetts
Points: 3
Program Website
Students interested in a cheap Bachelor’s online in criminal justice will find what they need at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell. This school is ranked as one of the best places to earn an undergraduate degree by U.S. News and World Report. Students can start the affordable online degree from the beginning or transfer up to 90 credits to complete the BS in Criminal Justice faster. This low cost online bachelor’s degree requires a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. Sample online courses include Introduction to Policing, The Criminal Justice System, and Criminal Law.
In-State Tuition: $11,400
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,400
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
33. The University of Oklahoma
Norman, Oklahoma
Points: 3
Program Website
The University of Oklahoma is home to an excellent inexpensive online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Studies degree. This cheap bachelor’s degree program was designed to be completed entirely online with no residency requirements. The school utilizes accelerated online courses that are eight weeks long, meaning it is possible for a student to complete the degree in half the time as it would take on campus. Students will be expected to complete a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. Sample online courses include Introduction to Forensic Science, Statistics in Criminal Justice, and Comparative Justice Systems.
In-State Tuition: $10,649
Out-of-State Tuition: $26,030
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
32. SUNY College at Oswego
Oswego, New York
Points: 3
Program Website
Students enrolled at the SUNY College at Oswego are offered the chance to complete the school’s affordable online BA in Criminal Justice. This cheap online bachelor’s degree program was designed for working professionals who are interested in becoming leaders in the field. Students will be able to work in various disciplines within criminal justice, including court administration, law enforcement, and private security. The low cost degree program is delivered online with the added benefit of small class sizes and a full suite of online services. Students will be expected to complete a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. Sample online courses include Introduction to Courts and Judicial Processes, Research Methods for Criminal Justice, and Data Analysis.
In-State Tuition: $10,550
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,262
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
31. Westfield State University
Westfield, Massachusetts
Points: 3
Program Website
Westfield State University confers an affordable online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice degree that is perfect for students who need to complete their undergraduate education. This cheap bachelor’s degree program was designed as an online completion program but may also be taken as a full program with some residency requirements. This inexpensive online degree will give students the broad knowledge necessary to enter into entry-level positions in the field. Students will be expected to complete a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. More information on this low cost online degree, including specific program requirements and a list of sample course offerings, can be found by contacting the school’s undergraduate admissions office.
In-State Tuition: $10,429
Out-of-State Tuition: $16,509
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
30. Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Points: 3
Program Website
Students at the Northwestern State University of Louisiana are given the opportunity to complete an affordable online Bachelor’s of Criminal Justice that will provide them with the knowledge necessary to enter into the workforce or move into graduate study. The cheap BA in Criminal justice is offered entirely online and comes with a concentration in pre-law and paralegal studies concentration. Class sizes are kept small and the same faculty that teach on-campus confer the courses online. This low cost online degree requires a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. More information on this online degree, including specific program requirements and a list of sample course offerings, can be found by contacting the school’s undergraduate admissions office.
In-State Tuition: $9,800
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,800
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
29. Wichita State University
Wichita, Kansas
Points: 3
Program Website
Wichita State University is home to an incredible and affordable online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice that combines research and analysis with practical experiences in a flexible delivery method that will suit the needs of all working professionals. This is an online program that has no residency requirements. Students will have access to experienced professors trained in the art of online learning as well as a variety of online services created to support a system through their program. This cheap online bachelor’s degree requires a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include Criminal Procedure, Criminal Law, and Crime Causation and Criminal Justice Policy.
In-State Tuition: $9,543
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,725
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
28. Southern University and A&M College
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Points: 3
Program Website
Students enrolled at Southern University and A&M College will have the chance to complete the affordable Bachelor’s of Criminal Justice online. This cheap bachelor’s degree program is available entirely online with no residency requirements. The online program focuses on both domestic and international criminal justice studies, enabling students the opportunity to build a foundation that will help them find jobs at home and abroad. This inexpensive online degree requires that students complete a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. More information on this online degree, including specific program requirements and a list of sample course offerings, can be found by contacting the school’s undergraduate admissions office.
In-State Tuition: $9,142
Out-of-State Tuition: $16,492
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 24:1
27. West Texas A&M University
Canyon, Texas
Points: 3
Program Website
West Texas A&M University confers an affordable online BS in Criminal Justice degree that has been nationally ranked by U.S. News and World Report. It is offered entirely online with no residency requirements. Students will benefit from small class sizes, individualized attention, and a full suite of online features. Students will be required to complete 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. Sample online courses include Public Personnel Administration, Principles of Emergency Management, and Introduction to Criminal Justice.
In-State Tuition: $8,981
Out-of-State Tuition: $22,157
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
26. Bemidji State University
Bemidji, Minnesota
Points: 3
Program Website
The cheap online Bachelor’s of Criminal Justice that is offered by Bemidji State University is a completion program aimed at providing working adults with the necessary credit hours and program requirements to graduate. Please note that this affordable online degree is only offered as a completion pathway; students will need to either hold an associate’s degree or have 60 credit hours of coursework from an accredited university in order to be eligible to enroll. This is a generalist degree that comes with four concentrations: law enforcement, corrections, victimology, and tribal justice. Students will be required to complete a minimum of 48 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. More information on this low cost online degree, including specific program requirements and a list of sample course offerings, can be found by contacting the school’s undergraduate admissions office.
In-State Tuition: $8,863
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,863
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
25. Missouri State University
Columbia, Missouri
Points: 3
Program Website
Missouri State University confers an inexpensive online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice that covers a broad range of subjects utilizing a fully online delivery method with no residency requirements. Students can choose to either complete the degree entirely at MSU or use the generous transfer policy to finish their requirements for the four-year degree. With relatively small class sizes, a variety of online features, and a dedicated online support staff, students are in a good position to become leaders in the field after graduation. This affordable online bachelor’s degree program requires a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. Sample online courses include Difference and Diversity in Criminology, Criminal Justice Organizations and Management, and Research Methods in Criminology and Criminal Justice.
In-State Tuition: $8,850
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,850
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
24. Texas A&M University at Commerce
Commerce, Texas
Points: 3
Program Website
The cheap online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice that is available from Texas A&M University at Commerce was designed to help students who wish to earn a multidisciplinary degree. This is a 100 percent online course of study that features small class sizes, affordable tuition, and a suite of online services. Students will learn the theories and concepts that inform this degree, making it a great foundational program for further study at the graduate level. This degree requires a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. Sample online courses include Juvenile Delinquency, Introduction to Criminal Justice, and Criminal Investigation.
In-State Tuition: $8,747
Out-of-State Tuition: $21,197
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
23. The University of Texas at El Paso
El Paso, Texas
Points: 3
Program Website
The University of Texas at El Paso is home to an affordable online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice through the University of Texas system. This low cost bachelor’s degree program can be completed with online credit hours that are taken at the University of Texas at El Paso, the University of Texas of the Rio Grande Valley, the University of Texas of the Permian Basin, or the University of Texas at Arlington. This is a wholly online completion program; students will need to complete at least 60 credit hours prior to enrolling in this degree and there are no residency requirements. Students will need to complete a minimum of 66 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. More information on this cheap online degree, including specific program requirements and a list of sample course offerings, can be found by contacting the school’s undergraduate admissions office.
In-State Tuition: $8,740
Out-of-State Tuition: $23,892
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
22. Peru State College
Peru, Nebraska
Points: 3
Program Website
The affordable online Bachelor’s of Criminal Justice that is offered by Peru State College was designed to be completed without any campus visits, making it a great choice for working students. This cheap online bachelor’s degree program was developed to be a generalist degree in nature, providing students with a solid foundation for graduate work or to enter into the workforce after graduation. This low cost online degree requires a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. Sample online courses include Survey of Criminal Justice, Introduction to corrections, and Research Methods.
In-State Tuition: $8,670
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,670
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 22:1
21. SUNY College of Technology at Canton
Canton, New York
Points: 3
Program Website
The SUNY College of Technology at Canton delivers students the chance to complete a whole or completion program in the realm of criminal justice. The cheap Bachelor of Technology in Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement Leadership program has no residency requirements and is available online through asynchronous courses. Students will find that this degree has a combination of public service and business courses, ensuring that students who graduate with this affordable online degree can seek supervisory positions within law enforcement. This degree requires a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include Managing Law Enforcement Training, Critical Issues in Criminal Justice, and Criminal Justice Agency Management.
In-State Tuition: $8,580
Out-of-State Tuition: $10,290
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
20. The University of Nebraska at Omaha
Omaha, Nebraska
Points: 3
Program Website
Students who are interested in an affordable online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice degree have the ability to complete an excellent program at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. The BS in Criminology and Criminal Justice degree was designed for students who are interested in a well-rounded, generalist degree with a focus on practical applications. This cheap online bachelor’s degree program requires a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. Sample online courses include Criminology, Criminal Court System, and Criminal Procedure.
In-State Tuition: $8,400
Out-of-State Tuition: $15,450
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
19. The University of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, Missouri
Points: 3
Program Website
The University of Central Missouri confers a cheap BS in Criminal Justice that can be completed entirely online. Ambitious students may also take on the Criminal Justice Accelerated Dual Degree program, which enables them to complete both their undergraduate and graduate degrees in five years with online study. Students will be given the chance to complete field experiences for graduation within their community. This affordable online degree requires a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. More information on this inexpensive online degree, including specific program requirements and a list of sample course offerings, can be found by contacting the school’s undergraduate admissions office.
In-State Tuition: $8,344
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,344
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
18. Missouri Southern State University
Joplin, Missouri
Points: 3
Program Website
The affordable Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice online degree that is offered by Missouri Southern State University is a great choice for students who need access to a flexible program. This cheap bachelor’s degree can be completed fully online or through a hybrid pathway for students who live close to campus. Students will find that the BS in Criminal Justice Administration was designed for those who wish to become supervisors and managers in the field. The low cost online bachelor’s degree program requires a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. Sample online courses include Introduction to Criminal Justice, Criminal Law, and Criminal Procedure.
In-State Tuition: $8,121
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,121
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
17. Tarleton State University
Stephenville, Texas
Points: 3
Program Website
Tarleton State University is home to an excellent and cheap online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice degree. The school’s affordable Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science in Criminal Justice Administration provides students with broad-based education and training that can be completed entirely online. Students will note that a requirement for acceptance into this low cost online degree program is a minimum of 496 professional training hours in the criminal justice field. Students will benefit from small class sizes and experienced professors. This online degree requires a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. More information on this degree, including specific program requirements and a list of sample online course offerings, can be found by contacting the school’s undergraduate admissions office.
In-State Tuition: $7,693
Out-of-State Tuition: $20,143
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
16. The University of Wisconsin at Whitewater
Whitewater, Wisconsin
Points: 3
Program Website
Students enrolled at the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater can complete the school’s cheap online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice degree. The school’s Law Enforcement Bachelor’s Degree Completion program was designed for in-service law enforcement professionals who have completed an associate’s degree from a regionally credited university. This affordable bachelor’s degree program is offered as a hybrid program, with most courses taking place online. Students will need to complete at least 36 credit hours of coursework, an internship, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. Sample online courses include Forensic Documentation, Criminal Investigation, and Introduction to Criminology.
In-State Tuition: $7,692
Out-of-State Tuition: $16,266
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
15. Fort Hays State University
Hays, Kansas
Points: 3
Program Website
Fort Hays State University confers an affordable online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice degree that is perfect for students who are looking for a wholly online program. Students can choose between a cheap online BA or BS degree classification. There are four concentrations: law enforcement, corrections, law and the courts, or individualized study. Students will be expected to complete a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. More information on this low cost online degree, including specific program requirements and a list of sample course offerings, can be found by contacting the school’s undergraduate admissions office.
In-State Tuition: $6,560
Out-of-State Tuition: $6,560
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
14. Florida International University
Miami, Florida
Points: 3
Program Website
The cheap online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice degree that is offered by Florida International University was designed for students who need a flexible online degree that fits their needs. This is a generalist degree that will prepare students to take entry-level positions in the field after graduation. Students will have access to experienced professionals and a full suite of online services. This affordable online degree requires a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. Sample online courses include Comparative Criminal Justice Systems, Criminological Theory, and Introduction to Criminal Justice.
In-State Tuition: $5,312
Out-of-State Tuition: $8,121
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 25:1
13. Columbia College
Columbia, Missouri
Points: 4
Program Website
Columbia College offers students the chance to complete the affordable BA in Criminal Justice Administration entirely online. This cheap online bachelor’s degree program has no residency requirements. Students will find that the program combines theories and concepts with practical experience. Students will be expected to complete a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. Sample online courses include Criminal Law, Criminal Procedures, and Juvenile Justice System and Procedures.
In-State Tuition: $11,250
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,250
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
12. Troy University
Troy, Alabama
Points: 4
Program Website
The affordable online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice degree that is offered by Troy University was created to be taken entirely online with no residency requirements. Students will find that along with small class sizes and individualized attention, they will also be treated to nine-week terms as well as a full suite of online services. This cheap online bachelor’s degree requires that students complete a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include Criminology, Careers in Criminal Justice, and Constitutional Law.
In-State Tuition: $10,140
Out-of-State Tuition: $10,140
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
11. The University of Nebraska at Kearney
Kearney, Nebraska
Points: 4
Program Website
The University of Nebraska at Kearney is home to an affordable online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice degree that is perfect for working students. This cheap bachelor’s degree is offered entirely online with no residency requirements. Students will learn the broad strokes of the field, enabling them to move into entry-level positions after graduation or choose to move into graduate study. Students in this low cost online degree program will be expected to complete a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, an internship, and a comprehensive final exam. Sample online courses include Criminal Law, Organized Crime, and the Police Service.
In-State Tuition: $10,117
Out-of-State Tuition: $13,867
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
10. The University of Texas of the Permian Basin
Odessa, Texas
Points: 4
Program Website
The University of Texas of the Permian Basin provides students with the chance to complete an affordable Bachelor’s of Criminal Justice online through the consortium built by the University of Texas system. The Bachelor’s in Criminology and Criminal Justice online completion degrees was designed for students with at least an associate’s degree or 60 credit hours of coursework from an accredited university. The cheap bachelor’s degree program utilizes online coursework from various other schools within the UT system to ensure that students can graduate in two years. Students will be required to complete 66 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. More information on this degree, including specific program requirements and a list of sample course offerings, can be found by contacting the school’s undergraduate admissions office.
In-State Tuition:$9,111
Out-of-State Tuition:$9,111
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 27:1
9. Louisiana State University at Alexandria
Alexandria, Louisiana
Points: 4
Program Website
The Louisiana State University of Alexandria is home to the cheap online BS in Criminal Justice degree. Students will find that this program is perfect for building a strong foundation in the field. Students will learn everything from forensics to industrial security to correctional management. This affordable bachelor’s degree program was designed to be completed entirely online with no residency requirements. Students will be expected to complete a minimum of 120 credit hours, an internship, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. Sample online courses include Corrections Process, Criminology, and Police Process.
In-State Tuition: $7,482
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,482
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
8. Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, Arkansas
Points: 4
Program Website
Students at Arkansas State University will have the chance to complete the inexpensive online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice degree. This cheap online degree program is based on academic theories and concepts, meaning it is a great choice for students who want to understand why crime happens; courses in sociology and psychology are prevalent in this degree. Students can take this program entirely online with no residency requirements. This affordable online degree requires a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. More information on this degree, including specific program requirements and a list of sample course offerings, can be found by contacting the school’s undergraduate admissions office.
In-State Tuition:$7,447
Out-of-State Tuition: $7,447
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
7. The University of Central Florida
Orlando, Florida
Points: 4
Program Website
The University of Central Florida confers an affordable online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice that may be the right fit for students interested in a flexible degree. Students can choose between pursuing a BA or BS in the field; both are available online with no residency requirements. The degree has a variety of hands-on and practical training opportunities that are combined with instruction on the theories and concepts that make the field work. This cheap online degree requires a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. More information on this online degree, including specific program requirements and a list of sample course offerings, can be found by contacting the school’s undergraduate admissions office.
In-State Tuition:$5,375
Out-of-State Tuition:$11,515
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 30:1
6. North Carolina Central University
Durham, North Carolina
Points: 4
Program Website
Students enrolled at North Carolina Central University have the chance to complete a 100 percent online BS in Criminal Justice degree. This cheap online degree program is designed as a broad-based foundation for further study or for students who are ready to jump into the workforce after graduation. The school combines practical experiences with classroom learning to ensure that students understand what the field will expect from them after graduation. This affordable online degree program requires a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. Sample courses include Ethics and Diversity in Criminal Justice, Introduction to Criminal Justice, and Criminal Justice Theory.
In-State Tuition:$4,328
Out-of-State Tuition: $17,207
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
5. McNeese State University
Lake Charles, Louisiana
Points: 4
Program Website
McNeese State University is home to an affordable online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice degree. This program is offered entirely online; there are no residency requirements. Students will be able to move quickly through the program as all courses are taught in seven-week sessions. Students will have the chance to complete this program from the beginning or enroll in the program as completion candidates. This cheap online degree program requires a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. More information on this online degree, including specific program requirements and a list of sample course offerings, can be found by contacting the school’s undergraduate admissions office.
In-State Tuition: $3,967
Out-of-State Tuition: $6,467
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
4. Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, North Carolina
Points: 4
Program Website
Students who are interested in completing an affordable undergraduate criminal justice degree online should look to Western Carolina University. This is one of the largest online programs in the field in the state and was designed as an interdisciplinary program with a social science perspective. Students will benefit from having a 100 percent online program with no residency requirements, small class sizes, and experienced professionals. This cheap online degree requires that students complete a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. More information on this degree, including specific program requirements and a list of sample course offerings, can be found by contacting the school’s undergraduate admissions office.
In-State Tuition:$2,219
Out-of-State Tuition:$6,273
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
3. The University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Pembroke, North Carolina
Points: 4
Program Website
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke is home to an excellent and cheap online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice degree. This school offers a low cost online BA in Criminal Justice program that has no residency requirements. Students will note that an internship is required for this degree but can be completed in their own community. This affordable online degree requires a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. More information on this degree, including specific program requirements and a list of sample course offerings, can be found by contacting the school’s undergraduate admissions office.
In-State Tuition:$1,581
Out-of-State Tuition:$5,634
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
2. Amridge University
Montgomery, Alabama
Points: 5
Program Website
The cheap online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice that is offered by Amridge University was designed to prepare students, both pre-service and in-service, for life in the criminal justice field. Students will find that this broad-based degree will enable them to find entry-level jobs after graduation or move into graduate study. Students will benefit from small class sizes and a full suite of online services. This affordable online degree requires that all students complete a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. Sample online courses include Criminal Procedures, Criminal Law, and Criminal Justice.
In-State Tuition: $11,250
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,250
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
1. Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Points: 5
Program Website
Fayetteville State University is home to our best and cheapest online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice. This program is certified by the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences. Students in this affordable online degree program will find that it was designed to be completed entirely online with no residency requirements. As a broad-based degree, students will find that the program lends itself well to employment after graduation or graduate school. This low cost online degree requires that students complete a minimum of 120 credit hours of coursework, a capstone project, and a comprehensive final exam. More information on this inexpensive online degree, including specific program requirements and a list of sample course offerings, can be found by contacting the school’s undergraduate admissions office.
In-State Tuition: $3965
Out-of-State Tuition: $24,596
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resource: What Can I Do With a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice?
What are the Career Options for an Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Degree?
- Police Officer
- Crime Scene Investigator
- Probation Officer
- Court Clerk
- Forensic Science Technician
- Private Detective
- Private Security Officer
- State Trooper
- Private Security Officer
- Computer Forensics Investigator
- Air Marshall
- Police Detective
- Fraud Investigator
- FBI or CIA Agent
- Fish and Game Warden
How Much Can You Earn in This Field?
The current salary range for professionals who hold a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice is between $33,000 to $100,000. This includes any positions, such as with the government, that may require additional on-the-job training or certificates. It does not include salaries adjusted for cost-of-living or any additional forms of compensation that may be par for the course in any given position.
Private sector jobs, such as private security, pay more than public sector jobs. However, students will note that there is more job security when it comes to jobs offered by the government, including local and federal agencies. While the starting pay is low, a professional in any given job that has five years of experience will see a growth in salary amounting to, at the very least, $10,000 to $15,000. Salaries tend to get higher the longer a professional stays in the field and is not necessarily directed at their ability to be promoted; in the criminal justice field, consistency in the job is key in order to command higher wages.
What are the Various Disciplines of Criminal Justice?
Criminal justice is a field that focuses on the law and order, in all forms, that help keep all United States Americans, both home and abroad, safe. It is a field that requires perhaps a fair bit more than people might first expect owing to the complications that arise when discussing keeping over 500 million people safe from any criminal enterprise.
The main disciplines of criminal justice are criminology, law, ethics, political science, law enforcement, homeland security, science, computer science, sociology, and psychology. If this seems like more disciplines than one would think of for the field, then it is important to point out that with the dawn of technology, the focus of criminal justice has had to change to a certain extent. Cybercrime and the risk of domestic and foreign terrorism have meant a need to employ new tactics to keep citizens safe.
There are also sub-disciplines that inform the field. Some of these include counterterrorism, the correctional system, advocacy, social justice, cyber forensics, forensic psychology, social work, and more. These sub-disciplines may also be called specializations; students who choose one of the following may find that their degree is mostly informed by this choice. Since the criminal justice field is large, it makes sense to have professionals who have one set specialization.
Is it Possible to Earn a Dual Major or Dual Degree with an Online Degree in Criminal Justice?
This depends on the school itself. Some schools may make it possible to earn a dual major or dual degree, but for online students, the main consideration to keep in mind is whether the programs or majors that they are interested in are both taught online. This is especially true for students who do not live near campus.
Online dual majors and dual programs do exist; they are popular amongst criminal justice majors. Some of the popular combinations include criminal justice with international politics, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, public administration, and law. These are popular because, in the workplace, the combination can be quite powerful, especially when a student is interested in working for the government in some capacity.
While many schools do not advertise the fact that dual majors and dual degrees can be earned, it is still possible. A student may need to appeal to the department directly or with the aide of their admissions counselor to earn the right to do so. Many times, they will be expected to explain their intention and demonstrate their willingness to stick with their chosen program.
There are two important considerations to keep in mind when attempting an online dual degree or dual major: the school’s policy and the workload. Some schools have a strict policy against online dual degrees; the admissions counselor for the school will state as such. Students may still appeal the decision, as no rule is strict 100 percent of the time, but they must go in knowing the policy.
The workload, however, may be a deterrent for some students. An online dual major or dual degree at the undergraduate level can add as much as 60 credit hours for the program, not to mention a second capstone project and more field experiences if applicable. The reward of earning two majors or two degrees may be enough for a student to do the program, but it is important to keep in mind that it may add an additional year or two years to the initial length of the program. This all must be kept in mind when deciding on a dual degree.
Are Internships Required for an Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice?
Internships are generally available for students who are in the criminal justice program; however, the experience is not always required for graduation. Students will need to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of completing an internship if it is not required for them to graduate. Some things to keep in mind is the length of the internship, how many hours per week the student will be required to work, and where the internship takes place. These considerations are discussed below.
Internships can range from one term to one full academic year. For criminal justice majors, this is pretty common and may include a switch from one term to another to a different workplace. This can be good for the student, particularly if they are not sure about what field within the criminal justice system they want to become a part of. Some schools do not require a full year of an internship, meaning that students may only have to have a full schedule for one term. Accelerated programs may even have the requirement limited to just a few weeks, but this is up to the school.
Students will also have to keep in mind how much time the internship requires of them. Most programs only require a part-time internship; students will need to log 20 hours per week during the course of the experience. It is rare that an internship will require more but it can happen, which is why it’s important for students to ask questions about any internship, required or optional, prior to enrolling in the program. Some internships may require more of a student’s time than they can give and if the internship is optional, it may be a good idea for students to forgo it if it will cause too much stress to their schedule.
The final consideration is where the internship takes place. The majority of online programs will enable a student to take their internship in their own community, which is a good move, considering these students probably don’t live close to campus; most may not even live in the state. However, in this case, internship placements must be found by the student themselves; in rural areas, this may be a bit of a problem, considering that most criminal justice placements may be far from their actual residence. If the student has a full-time job or other responsibilities, the commute may be too much of a hassle for them to even take on the internship. Commute times must be taken into account when considering an internship placement; this is the time that a student could be spending at their place of work, with family, or taking care of other responsibilities.
In the end, taking on an internship in the criminal justice field is a good idea. The hands-on training and first-hand look at the field is critical for students as it may prove enough experience to enable them to make a decision about which specialization is right for them. However, for online students, the internship must be taken into account with the other responsibilities that a student may already have taken on. This is why having a conversation about the requirements of an internship, optional or required, is important prior to taking the experience on.
Criminal justice is a field that is changing quickly; with the rise in cybercrime and the changing landscape of America’s role in both domestic and foreign affairs, it is more integral than ever to have a strong workforce when it comes to keeping Americans safe. Students who are ready to move into the field now will need to have access to quality degrees that are affordable and can help them reach their career goals. This list of the top value online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice degrees will help them in that quest and ensure that they have the knowledge they need to make a real difference in the field.
AS Staff
This concludes our ranking of the Top Value 35 Affordable Online Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice Studies.
Other Rankings of Interest:
-
- 20 Tuition-Free Colleges
- 30 Most Attractive Yet Affordable College Campuses
- The 50 Most Affordable Colleges with the Best Return
- 25 of the Oldest American Colleges and Universities
- 15 Affordable Online Associate’s Degrees in Paralegal Studies
- 25 Most Affordable Online Master’s of Criminal Justice Degrees
- These 30 Colleges are Reversing the Rise in Tuition
- 50 Most Entrepreneurial Schools in America
The Best Colleges
The Lowest Costs
The Highest Returns