We’ve carefully compiled a list of the top ten most affordable online Criminal Justice degree programs for students who want quality education without the high price tag. A Criminal Justice degree teaches you how the legal system works, from law enforcement and courts to corrections and security. It’s designed for people who want to protect communities, uphold justice, or work in roles that keep society safe and fair. Whether you dream of being a police officer, investigator, or working in public service, this program gives you the foundation to start that journey.
Many respected universities now offer online Criminal Justice degrees that are just as credible as traditional on-campus programs. Online learning gives students the flexibility to study at their own pace while balancing work, family, and other responsibilities. However, education can be expensive, and even online programs come with costs, which is why finding an affordable option that still provides strong academic value is important.
To help you make the best decision, we compared universities that offer high-quality online Criminal Justice programs and are known for being budget-friendly. Our list is based on factors like tuition cost, program reputation, flexibility, and student support. If you’re ready to begin a meaningful career in criminal justice but want to save money while doing it, explore the list below to find the right program for you.
Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice Degrees
1. Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw State’s criminal justice degree teaches you how courts, policing, and corrections work while building skills in research, communication, and leadership. The program blends online coursework with options for in-person experiences and practicum support through KSU’s criminal justice faculty.
Estimated undergraduate tuition appears low for in-state students (KSU lists tuition components that typically put in-state tuition in the low thousands annually), but exact costs depend on residency and credits taken; check KSU’s tuition pages for the latest resident vs. nonresident rates.
2. Georgia Military College
Georgia Military College offers an online criminal justice bachelor’s built for working students, covering law enforcement, corrections, juvenile justice, and ethics. The program is priced uniformly for all students, which means no separate out-of-state surcharge; GMC estimates an annual cost of about $8,415 based on typical quarter-hour enrollment.
Courses are competency-focused and flexible, with clear transfer pathways from associate programs and military training. This program is a practical, budget-friendly option if you want a straightforward online path into criminal justice careers.
3. California Coast University
California Coast University delivers a fully self-paced online BS in Criminal Justice covering investigation, homeland security, cybercrime, juvenile justice, and corrections. CCU promotes affordability through low total tuition and interest-free monthly payment plans (examples show plans from $150/month).
The program emphasizes flexibility for working adults and allows students to move at their own pace while getting academic support online. If you need an inexpensive, fully online, self-paced option that still covers core criminal justice topics, CCU is built for that audience.
4. Lamar University
Lamar University’s online B.S. in Criminal Justice is offered at a per-credit price that makes total program cost predictable: the program costs $314 per credit hour (about $10,356 for a standard 120-credit program, with the ability to transfer up to 90 credits).
The curriculum focuses on law, corrections, investigation, and leadership, and the online format includes instructor interaction and career services. With transparent per-credit pricing and strong transfer rules, Lamar is a reliable low-cost choice for students nationwide.
5. Ashworth College
Ashworth College offers a self-paced online bachelor’s program in Criminal Justice designed for flexibility and affordability. Tuition varies with transfer credit and payment plan choices, but Ashworth highlights low total program pricing and interest-free monthly plans; exact totals change with credits accepted.
The curriculum covers criminal law, corrections, investigation, and victim services, and is built for learners who need flexible schedules and simple payment options. Students should prioritize low-cost and flexible pacing rather than traditional campus experiences.
6. Florida International University
FIU Online’s Criminal Justice bachelor’s program covers policing, corrections, criminal law, and research methods, and is part of a major public research university. Tuition for online undergraduate students is published per credit and varies for residents vs. non-residents: current figures show roughly $235.57 per credit (in-state) and higher for out-of-state, making total costs dependent on credit load.
FIU gives students access to university resources and research opportunities while offering an affordable in-state option for Florida residents.
7. Colorado State University Global
CSU Global’s online criminal justice degree uses a flat-rate tuition model of $375 per credit for all undergraduate courses, with no out-of-state premium and no program-level fees. The program stresses career readiness, crime theory, corrections, investigations, and leadership, and accepts large numbers of transfer credits (up to 90), which can reduce your time and cost.
This transparent per-credit pricing and transfer friendliness make CSU-Global a practical and affordable national option.
8. University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida offers one of the most respected and affordable online criminal justice degrees in the country. The program covers criminology, criminal law, law enforcement, and corrections, giving students a broad understanding of how the justice system works.
Florida residents pay around $179 per credit hour, making it a cost-effective choice for in-state learners. UCF’s strong online platform, experienced faculty, and support services make it ideal for students who want a quality education from a large public university without spending too much.
9. Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays State University provides a flexible and affordable criminal justice program completely online. Students study topics like policing, courts, and corrections while learning how to analyze and solve real-world criminal justice problems. The tuition rate is very competitive at about $239 per credit hour, regardless of residency.
That means students from any state can pay the same low price. The program’s flexibility and affordability make it perfect for working adults who want to advance their careers or start fresh in the criminal justice field.
10. University of Wisconsin–Platteville
The University of Wisconsin–Platteville has been offering criminal justice programs for decades and extends that same quality education online. The program focuses on law enforcement, corrections, and forensic investigation while teaching ethics and communication skills.
Tuition costs about $395 per credit, with flexible transfer options for associate degree holders. Students learn from experienced faculty who have worked in the field. With its long history in criminal justice education and reasonable tuition, UW–UW-Platteville is a dependable choice for students looking for quality and affordability.
What Can You Do With a Criminal Justice Degree?
A degree in criminal justice leads to many career paths in law enforcement, investigation, corrections, and public safety. It’s not just about being a police officer; it’s about understanding how the justice system works and how to make it fair, effective, and safe for everyone. Graduates learn to think critically, handle evidence, understand human behavior, and use problem-solving skills to uphold the law and protect communities. Whether you want to work in the courtroom, behind the scenes, or on the field, this degree prepares you for meaningful roles that make a real difference in society.
Some popular jobs for people with a criminal justice degree include:-
- Police Officer
- Correctional Officer
- FBI or Federal Agent
- Private Investigator
- Probation or Parole Officer
- Forensic Science Technician
- Court Clerk or Legal Assistant
- Crime Analyst
- Security Manager
- Homeland Security Specialist
Estimated Salary for Criminal Justice Graduates
Salaries in the criminal justice field vary depending on the role, experience, and location, but the field offers steady growth and good earning potential. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), police officers and detectives earn an average of about $69,000 per year, while forensic science technicians earn around $64,000 annually.
Probation officers make about $61,000, and crime analysts or security managers can earn between $60,000 and $80,000. Those who advance into federal roles or leadership positions can make well over $90,000 per year.
Beyond salary, the job satisfaction rate in criminal justice is high because the work is purposeful, you’re directly helping people, and improving community safety.
Conclusion
Earning a criminal justice degree online gives you flexibility, affordability, and access to quality education without stepping into a classroom. If you’re starting your first career or advancing from your current role, these programs can help you gain the skills needed to work in law enforcement, investigation, and other public service areas.
With the right education and commitment, you can build a stable, fulfilling career that lets you make an impact in your community, while enjoying a strong job market and solid income potential.