2026 Best Online Criminal Justice Associate Degrees
Find highly rated online criminal justice associate degrees based on the experiences of verified students.
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The best online criminal justice associate degree introduces the foundations of law enforcement, courts, corrections, and public safety. Student reviews can reveal which programs provide a supportive and worthwhile learning experience.
Key Takeaways:
- South Texas College leads student satisfaction. It ranks first with a 4.56 rating and 100% recommendation rate.
- Every online criminal justice associate program earns a rating above 4.0, and 9 of the 15 schools have recommendation rates of at least 95%.
- Several of the lowest-cost programs also receive some of the strongest reviews.
How We Rank "Best" Schools
The OnlineU research team verifies that only institutionally accredited schools offering at least one fully online associate in criminal justice degree make the cut. On top of that, schools must also have at least five verified student reviews and an aggregate rating of 2.5+ on a five-point scale. While some of our rankings include partner schools, every school is evaluated using the exact same criteria.
We prioritize the most relevant student feedback by starting with reviews tied to the exact program and degree level. If too few associate in criminal justice qualify, we gradually expand the review pool to include related programs or other degree levels, while preserving the most program-specific results at the top of the list. This process continues until all eligible review data has been considered.
2026 Best Online Criminal Justice Associate Degrees
| Rank | School | Review Rating | Recommendation | Annual Tuition | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Texas College | 4.56 / 5 | 100% | $5,220 | $36,079 | |
| Purdue Global | 4.53 / 5 | 88% | $11,130 | $43,411 | |
| Waldorf University | 4.47 / 5 | 95% | $10,200 | N/A | |
| Salem University | 4.42 / 5 | 100% | $14,250 | $47,103 | |
| Columbia College | 4.35 / 5 | 100% | $11,250 | $41,683 | |
| Pensacola State College | 4.34 / 5 | 100% | $2,736 | N/A | |
| Anderson University - IN | 4.31 / 5 | 92% | $12,450 | N/A | |
| Columbia Southern University | 4.27 / 5 | 85% | $8,340 | $62,396 | |
| Lindsey Wilson University | 4.26 / 5 | 95% | $9,360 | N/A | |
| Utah State University | 4.18 / 5 | 99% | $7,831 | N/A | |
| California Coast University | 4.17 / 5 | 80% | $5,100 | N/A | |
| Maranatha Baptist University | 4.15 / 5 | 100% | $12,900 | N/A | |
| Seminole State College of Florida | 4.07 / 5 | 100% | $2,393 | $48,677 | |
| Utah Valley University | 4.07 / 5 | 91% | $8,310 | N/A | |
| Ball State University | 4.05 / 5 | 92% | $8,948 | N/A |
Online Degree: Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
What Sets This Program Apart:
- This is the #1 most highly rated online associate in criminal justice, according to student review ratings we've collected. Plus, 100% of STC students would recommend their school to peers, the highest form of praise.
- STC maintains a Criminal Justice Department Scholarship specifically for students connected with the department, adding a program-level funding resource beyond institution-wide financial aid.
- Required criminal justice coursework spans the major parts of the justice system, including criminal law, court systems, correctional systems, and police systems, rather than concentrating primarily on law enforcement.
Student Review Summary: Reviews of South Texas College are strongly favorable, driven by high ratings and consistent recommendations. Students frequently praise clear, supportive instruction, saying professors explain material well, keep classes engaging, and create a comfortable atmosphere that improves productivity. Affordability stands out, with flexible payment options, small class sizes, multiple campuses, and access formats that make attendance manageable. Reviewers also value tutoring, counseling, financial aid, and open labs, along with welcoming staff who help when questions arise. One notable concern is career payoff: a graduate felt practical coursework was useful, but employment outcomes could still be difficult because of experience barriers and overqualification.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 6,291 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $5,220
- Out-of-State Tuition: $5,220
- Program Length: 2 years
- Median Earnings: $36,079
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 27%
- Retention Rate: 58%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online Degree: Applied Associate in Science in Criminal Justice
What Sets This Program Apart:
- This criminal justice associate program online includes a 3-week introductory trial with no upfront financial obligation.
- The online curriculum does include domestic and international terrorism and counterterrorism, subjects that extend beyond the policing, courts, and corrections foundation common to associate programs.
- Students complete an associate-level criminal justice capstone that applies program concepts and techniques to real-world criminal justice scenarios.
7 Student Reviews for Associate in Criminal Justice Degrees
Going back to to school after 25 years was easy at Purdue Global. My student advisor was very helpful and was in constant contact with me, keeping me very well informed of everything that I needed to get done and checking in with me often throughout my... Read More
The curriculum is perfect for online classes. The instructors are knowledgeable and willing to assist student with their personal and course issues. The grading of the assignments, discussions and test is fair across the board. The experience with this... Read More
For working adults, Purdue University Global is incredible. I work full time. I am on call 24/7. I am raising a 2 and a 3 year old. I was able to complete my degree, on time, Magna Cum Laude despite all these obstacles. I would definitely recommend Purdue... Read More
Student Review Summary: Reviews portray a highly polarized experience. Positive feedback centers on flexible online scheduling for working adults, supportive advisers and professors, responsive tutoring and tech help, and coursework described as rigorous, writing-heavy, and easier to manage once routines are established. Several reviewers valued transfer credit, prior-learning portfolios, and accelerated formats that shortened completion time. Negative feedback is dominated by severe administrative frustrations, especially financial aid, billing, refunds, and inconsistent answers across departments. Reviewers also cite hidden fees, confusing attendance rules, weak advising, poor communication during withdrawals or emergencies, and concerns that some coursework feels repetitive, overly discussion-based, or disconnected from career outcomes.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 31,065 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $11,130
- Out-of-State Tuition: $11,130
- Program Length: 2 years
- Median Earnings: $43,411
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 50%
- Retention Rate: 57%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Online Degree: Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
What Sets This Program Apart:
- The 60-credit AA in criminal justice online requires only 15 credits in the criminal justice major, with the remaining coursework devoted to general education and electives.
- The criminal justice core covers all three major components of the justice system through dedicated courses in law enforcement, corrections, and the judicial process.
- This online associate degree is designed to feed into Waldorf’s bachelor’s program in criminal justice with upper-division standing, if desired.
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Waldorf University are overwhelmingly favorable, driven by consistently high ratings and strong recommendations. Students frequently praise responsive professors, attentive advisers, efficient admissions, and affordable tuition that often includes books, reducing out-of-pocket costs. Many say the eight-week course structure works well for full-time workers because it is organized, flexible, and manageable when paced carefully. Several also note challenging, practical coursework, constructive feedback, and a user-friendly online platform. Reported drawbacks include uneven instructor responsiveness, limited career guidance, low day-to-day faculty interaction, and a workload that still demands roughly 20 to 25 hours weekly. One severe review alleges serious campus misconduct concerns.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 1,247 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $10,200
- Out-of-State Tuition: $10,200
- Program Length: 2 years
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 21%
- Retention Rate: 44%
- Institution Type: For-Profit
Online Degree: Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
What Sets This Program Apart:
- Salem’s 60-credit criminal justice AA includes specialized topics, such as crisis intervention, domestic violence, terrorism, criminal investigation and forensics, and criminal evidence and constitutional procedure.
- The program explicitly takes a globalized approach to politics, justice systems, and crime challenges, rather than framing criminal justice only through U.S. law enforcement and corrections.
- Students study both constitutional law and criminal law, with an emphasis on citizens’ rights as well as the legal rules governing criminal justice practice.
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Salem University are consistently favorable, with users emphasizing attentive support, smooth administration, and a convenient online format that fit work and family demands. Several describe strong one-on-one help, including tutoring and a dedicated support contact who checked in regularly, which made them feel personally known rather than anonymous. Users also praise involved instructors and faculty who stayed engaged and helped them learn a great deal. Administrative ease stands out as a practical benefit, especially registration and book delivery being handled by the school. The main drawback mentioned is that the experience can feel impersonal, with limited direct interaction beyond email and discussion posts.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 313 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $14,250
- Out-of-State Tuition: $14,250
- Program Length: 2 years
- Median Earnings: $47,103
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 20%
- Retention Rate: 55%
- Institution Type: For-Profit
Online Degree: Associate of Science in Criminal Justice Administration
What Sets This Program Apart:
- Online students can use major-area electives toward coursework eligible for Columbia College’s Crime Scene Investigation or Homeland Security certificates, creating a potential stackable-credential pathway within the associate curriculum.
- The program offers specialized associate-level electives such as Crime Scene Investigation, Crime Scene Photography, Cybercrime, Homeland Security, Juvenile Justice, and Community-Based Corrections.
- Columbia College identifies legal studies, juvenile justice studies, crime scene investigation, and forensic science as areas students can explore.
Student Review Summary: Reviews of Columbia College are broadly positive, driven by strong ratings and frequent praise for affordability, flexible online and in-seat formats, and accelerated eight-week terms that help working adults, military members, and transfer learners continue without disruption. Many reviewers say responsive advisers, caring professors, and small classes created personal support, with some citing promotions, salary gains, graduate school admission, and career advancement. Negative reviews focus on inconsistent instructor quality, weak online teaching, outdated or confusing course materials, and rushed pacing that can hurt retention. Several also report serious frustrations with financial aid, advising, billing, IT systems, and departmental communication.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Online Enrollment: 3,640 enrolled
- In-State Tuition: $11,250
- Out-of-State Tuition: $11,250
- Program Length: 2 years
- Median Earnings: $41,683
- Avg. Graduation Rate: 42%
- Retention Rate: 75%
- Institution Type: Non-Profit
Compare Online Criminal Justice Associate Degrees To Find the Best Fit
An associate degree in criminal justice can lead toward several different paths, including law enforcement, corrections, security, investigations, or continued study at the bachelor's level. That makes cost especially important to consider alongside a program's intended purpose.
Someone planning to transfer may prioritize keeping the first two years inexpensive, while a student entering the workforce may care more about specialized coursework in areas such as criminal investigation, corrections, or public safety. Some criminal justice careers also require academy training, agency-specific qualifications, or additional education beyond the associate degree, so tuition and earnings are most useful when considered as part of a broader career plan.
Recommendation rates, like those in the graph above, offer one way to gauge whether reviewers felt their overall college experience was worth endorsing, while review ratings (like those in the main list above) capture how positively they scored that experience.
For online criminal justice students, the experience outside the course catalog can be particularly important. Advising may affect transfer planning, while responsive instructors and clear online systems can matter for students combining coursework with public safety, military, or other full-time employment.
Standout Features of the Best Online Criminal Justice Associate Degrees: An Editorial Analysis
Law Enforcement Academy Built Into the Degree Path
Seminole State College of Florida
Seminole State offers one of the clearest bridges between an online criminal justice associate degree and actual law enforcement training. Its Law Enforcement Academy Track lets students complete criminal justice and general education coursework online before moving into in-person academy training after acceptance. Students who complete the required sequence and pass the Florida Department of Law Enforcement certification exam may leave with both the A.S. and a Law Enforcement Officer Career Certificate.
Maximum Control Over When You Study
California Coast University
CCU takes self-paced online learning much further than most online associate programs on this list. Its criminal justice associate degree has no semesters, required meeting times, group projects, or fixed exam dates, and students can begin throughout the year. Courses instead use structured study guides, textbook-based work, unit assignments, and open-book exams without time limits. That model gives learners high control over when they move through the curriculum.
Criminal Justice With an Extended Internship Experience
Anderson University - IN
Anderson's criminal justice associate online offers depth through its experiential component. The program highlights a full-semester internship that can place students in areas such as law enforcement, corrections, victim advocacy, probation, or juvenile justice. That extended format gives students more time to observe how criminal justice organizations operate and test whether a particular part of the field fits their interests before advancing further academically or professionally. An internship is especially notable at the associate level.
FAQs About Choosing the Best Criminal Justice Associate Degree Online
What Should I Look for When Choosing an Online Criminal Justice Associate Program?
The best way to judge whether a criminal justice program is the best fit for you is to look at how much control you have over your time and how support shows up when you need it. Features like recorded lectures, discussion-based case analysis, and timely feedback help students apply criminal justice concepts in practical ways that reduce confusion and increase momentum throughout the program.
Online programs with asynchronous (self-paced) classes, predictable weekly deadlines, and short terms are often easier to manage alongside work or family responsibilities. If you learn better with structure, look for programs that include regular instructor check-ins, graded discussions, or scheduled milestones that you'll be able to keep up with.
Student success often comes down to how well a program is designed for completion. That's why our list is organized by student success because it's the criminal justice associate programs that graduate large numbers of students year after year that typically have the structures you'll need in place. They are the schools best helping students stay on track.
How Do Verified Student Reviews Shape Our Online Criminal Justice Associate Degree Rankings?
Recommendation rates are drawn from more than 90,000 student surveys collected by the OnlineU team. The purpose of these reviews is to show whether or not graduates would choose the school again and recommend it to their pers. These reviews help contextualize the data with firsthand experience on-the-ground. It shows how students experience the instruction, support, and workload in real life.
We've also collected student reviews on criminal justice associate programs below, if you want to read about the programs you're interested in and how they stacked up to student expectations.
Can an Online Associate Degree Actually Lead to a Criminal Justice Job?
Yes, there are many entry-level roles to choose from, such as corrections officer, dispatcher, probation aide, courthouse clerk, and security supervisor. These are perhaps the most common starting points. These roles often provide hands-on experience and eligibility for promotion or academy sponsorship.
And these days, employers focus less on the remote delivery of a degree and more on accreditation, communication skills (and other soft skills), and real-world readiness. It's the graduates who can connect their online criminal justice courses to practical experience in the field who tend to stand out the most.
However, for many, the associate degree in criminal justice serves as a starting credential. Agencies often use it as a hiring threshold, with expectations that employees will later pursue state certifications or a bachelor’s degree (sometimes with tuition reimbursement opportunities). It's a great way to get your feet wet and get the ball rolling.
If affordability is a top consideration for you, you may want to check out our list of the most affordable online criminal justice associate degrees, which is based on tuition rates.
Student Reviews of Online Criminal Justice Programs
I can't get my books because I owe $36... I went and sold last semesters book at a store across town for way under cost just to get $35 for them... so I could make a payment... then I go back to my school & they wont take cash. I dont fuck with bank so I dont have checks or a debit card. That's the only forms of payment they accept. So I began calling around & couldn't find no one to help me. So I asked administrators to help & got nothing. One even put me off onto someone else like he didn't give... Read More
Review Date: 1/8/2014
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
The staff is really helpful everytime I have a question someone is always willing to get the answers.
I enjoy my classes and the instructors are there if I have any questions.
My classes are really interesting and am trying to decide if I want to finish my associates and go for my bachelors.
Review Date: 6/11/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I have had great instructors on my journey. My English class hasn't been all that great. I actually did not like the way the program was set up. For me it was a little hard to follow and it just didn't meet my expectations. I understand I'm just getting back into the swing of things and it's going to take a little while for me to adapt to the classes.
Review Date: 7/16/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I appreciate the support I am able to receive from the University. I transferred from another school and the communication here is much better than what I had before. Anytime I call I am able to speak with someone and my questions are always answered. My school schedule is balanced with my work and home life as well.
Review Date: 12/10/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Im glad I chose the university of phoenix because its a very good school that shows determination dedication motivation and they also never give up on you and want you to do your best and this school also challenges you to reach your goals i would recommend this school to anyone who wants to accomplish their dream goals in the future
Review Date: 11/14/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I think that this is a good college, and some of the staff will work hard for the students, however there are some staff, that will not work as hard, and when they mess up, they will not admit it. I had a financial situation, that kept me out of school for (8) months, and all during that time I was trying to reach out to a certain admissions counselor to no avail. She never answered or returned any of my calls it was only after I wrote to the President of the school, that action was taken, and I... Read More
Review Date: 7/18/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I think that this is a good college, and some of the staff will work hard for the students, however there are some staff, that will not work as hard, and when they mess up, they will not admit it. I had a financial situation, that kept me out of school for (8) months, and all during that time I was trying to reach out to a certain admissions counselor to no avail. She never answered or returned any of my calls it was only after I wrote to the President of the school, that action was taken, and I... Read More
Review Date: 7/18/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I really enjoy this experience at this school. I appreciate how the instructors take the time out out and make sure that the students understand the assignment is each week. I thought that this journey for me would be stressful but I know that I have a great faculty and staff team that are there to make sure any questions and concerns are there to help.
Review Date: 12/22/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I love talking this school it's easy way to take online classes the courses are understanding and the professors listening to you and they'll help you with your assignments good school to take online your peers are interesting and your advisors are always there when you need them
Review Date: 7/15/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
i would suggest giving southern new hampshire university a chance. classes are easy to navigate and they have many resources to help along the way. going to this school has been very helpful and the advisors and finacial advisors are really great with helping you get back on tracck if you are ever behind on tuition or just need advice
Review Date: 6/16/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I like University of Phoenix it is a great school. I would recommend this school to others, the online classes meets my needs and I am able to get things done. I have heard about many students that have have had great success and was able to graduate and earn a good job after earning their degree. Since I have been here at University of Phoenix I feel the same way.
Review Date: 5/28/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
On line school is not cheap and honestly lectures would be beneficial to that platform. I have taken on-line classes in the past with lecture both live and recorded and it makes a big difference in understanding the material. Hope you will consider this in the near future. Otherwise UOP has been a very personable and responsive experience.
Review Date: 4/30/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I was very unsure of myself and the work load prior to enrolling, but this school is the truth and teaches so much and so encouraging and flexible! I can not wait to graduate and pursue my career within Law. Turning in ASSINGMENTS and getting in touch with instructors or other coordinators is simple and reassuring.
Review Date: 4/30/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I absolutely loved AIU. The instructors were so helpful and they will be there for you. I graduated with honors Presidents honor roll and the deans list. I was a 2 year student but it felt like 6 months. I had 3 boys and I still managed to graduate on time.
Review Date: 4/23/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I have nothing but wonderful things to say about Bryant and Stratton College. It was the best choice I have ever made when choosing a school. The admissions process was super easy, and while attending, the instructors and assignment completion for each class was made simple for me to understand. Thank you in every way possible!
Review Date: 2/2/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I'm going to be completely honest here. I first went to the 2nd top community college in the country and got a certificate in medical assisting and became a Registered Medical Assistant(RMA) through American medical technologists. Because healthcare has gotten so corporate now, nobody would hire me because of my lack of experience. It got too frustrating and finally after 3 years of searching for work in the medical field, I enrolled in Penn Foster for Criminal Justice. I am on my second course and... Read More
Review Date: 8/24/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Going back to to school after 25 years was easy at Purdue Global. My student advisor was very helpful and was in constant contact with me, keeping me very well informed of everything that I needed to get done and checking in with me often throughout my time at Purdue Global. All of my professors were very knowledgeable and very helpful with any questions that I had during the courses. Being able to attain my degree online was much easier than I thought that it would be. The hardest part for me was... Read More
Review Date: 4/3/2024
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Purdue University Global was by far the best I have ever dealt with when it comes to helping vets out and getting their benefits. To be honest I dreaded going to school because the hassle of dealing with the VA to get my benefits, but Purdue University Global made it easy as possible and walked me through the hole process over the phone. I can't speak higher of this school and the staff that have helped me along the way and 100% will tell everyone I can to go to this school.
Review Date: 1/24/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
My time at American intercontinental university was great I love meeting the people in my classes. My advisors always called to make sure I was being on time with my assignments and classwork. It's because of them and my family that I have gotten this far. The teachers care about you and your learning experience. I would recommend aiu to anybody because you feel like you are home when you are there.
Review Date: 8/5/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I am very pleased with AIU. The staff is very professional and caring about our success. I started off like many and didn't think I could do it, but my advisors was there to help me along the way. It was very time consuming but worth the wait and I'm honored to say that I'm AIU PROUD
Review Date: 12/16/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No