2023 Most Affordable Online Associate Degrees in Criminal Justice
An online associate degree in criminal justice prepares students to obtain careers in the criminal justice system or transfer into a four-year program. Most online associate degrees in criminal justice cover three major aspects: (1) corrections, (2) law enforcement, and (3) the courts. At some colleges, students may have to participate in a police academy in order to graduate. It’s crucial to note that while obtaining an associate degree can help students obtain entry-level careers in the criminal justice system, they must get a bachelor's degree if they want to become an FBI agent or a forensic science technician. However, graduates of an online associate in criminal justice may pursue a range of other careers, such as correctional officers, private investigators, and police officers.
View our methodology for details about rankings or learn more about us. You can also check out our overall list of the best online associate degrees for some inspiration.
| Rank | School | Locations | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highland Community College - KS | Highland (KS) | $3,552 | |
| Albany State University | Albany (GA) | $2,850 | |
| Georgia State University - Perimeter College | Decatur (GA) | $2,850 | |
| Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas | De Queen (AR) | $3,385 | |
| Clovis Community College - NM | Clovis (NM) | $3,404 | |
| Middle Georgia State University | Macon (GA) | $3,410 | |
| Southeast Community College | Lincoln (NE) (and 1 other) | $3,936 | |
| Delgado Community College | New Orleans (LA) | $4,152 | |
| Carl Albert State College | Poteau (OK) | $4,200 | |
| Navarro College | Corsicana (TX) (and 2 others) | $4,830 |
Highland Community College - KS Highland (KS) Highland Community College - KS (Highland CC) is a public institution that offers an online Associate in Applied Science in Criminal Justice totaling 60 credit hours. The community college’s acceptance rate is 100%, with a graduation rate of 27%. Full-time students typically take two years to complete this associate program. At Highland CC, online students complete coursework in a synchronous format on Moodle. An associate in criminal justice provides basic knowledge of criminal justice. Sample courses include First Aid & Safety, US Government, and Social Problems. Students must complete law enforcement training during the program. Graduates may pursue careers, like paralegals, fish and game wardens, and fire inspectors.
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Albany State University Albany (GA) Albany State University (ASU) is a public school and a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) offering an online Associate of Science in Criminal Justice that equals 62-65 credit hours. This HBCU accepts 73% of applicants, with 28% graduating. Prospective students can expect to spend two years completing this program if they maintain a full-time course schedule. ASU facilitates asynchronous and synchronous distance learning through the learning management system called, GeorgiaView. The criminal justice program at the associate level prepares students to pursue corrections, law enforcement, and court careers. The program’s courses are Report Writing and Research, American Corrections, and Survey of Economics. Potential career options include bailiffs, police dispatchers, and security officers.
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Georgia State University - Perimeter College Decatur (GA) At Georgia State University - Perimeter College (Perimeter College), a public institution, prospective students can pursue an online Associate of Science in Criminal Justice requiring 60 credit hours. Perimeter College’s acceptance rate is 78%, with a graduation rate of 14%. A full-time student can expect to spend at least two years finishing their degree. Perimeter College’s remote students can access courses via iCollege, and these classes are available in asynchronous and synchronous formats. The pathway program helps students transition into a four-year program in criminal justice or a similar discipline. Some of the program’s courses are Policing in America, Corrections, and American Criminal Courts. All students must comply with their state’s criminal background check requests. Prospective careers may pursue jobs like paralegals, correctional officers, and police officers.
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Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas De Queen (AR) Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas (UA Cossatot) is a public institution offering an online Associate of Science in Criminal Justice totaling 60 credit hours. The community college accepts 100% of applicants, with 36% of students graduating. Students can anticipate the program lasting at least two years with a full course load. At UA Cossatot, online students complete coursework through the popular platform Blackboard. The associate program in criminal justice provides a foundational overview of the criminal justice system. Success Strategies, Criminal Law, and State and Local Government are some sample courses. Graduates may pursue careers like police patrol officers, criminal investigators, and immigration and customs inspectors.
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Clovis Community College - NM Clovis (NM) Clovis Community College - NM (CCC) is a public institution that offers an online Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice equaling 60-63 credit hours. CCC’s acceptance rate is 100%, and it has a 21% graduation rate. Students can also choose to take the Academy-Based program that allows them to participate in the Police Academy. Full-time students generally take around two years to complete this associate degree online. CCC facilitates asynchronous and synchronous courses through the software Canvas. The program is designed for students who desire careers in the criminal justice system. The program’s courses are Juvenile Justice, Criminal Justice Investigations, and Contemporary Social Problems. Potential career options for graduates may include bailiffs, private detectives, and sheriffs.
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