In this article, we profile the 30 most affordable online bachelor’s in criminal justice degree programs from private non-profit colleges for 2018.
A bachelor’s in criminal justice opens the door to entry and mid-level careers in criminology, criminal justice, and law. Criminal justice is one of the most common majors for students interested in pursuing a law degree. Today, online criminal justice programs are offered from some of the most reputable institutions in the United States. Small, private universities and non-profit colleges now offer online bachelor’s in criminal justice degree options.
Ranking the Most Affordable Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Online
We looked at 122 private, non-profit colleges and universities listed by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) College Navigator that offer online bachelor’s in criminal justice degrees, or closely related programs. We looked at accredited institutions with an undergraduate tuition of less than $25,000. We then confirmed the school or program had received recognition or ranking with major publications like U.S. News and World Report and listed the programs and schools in order of raw affordability.
Below are our resulting selections for the 30 most affordable online bachelor’s in criminal justice degree programs at private, non-profit colleges and universities.
#30 – Crown College
Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice
Saint Bonifacius, Minnesota
Undergraduate Tuition: $24,700
Crown College offers an online bachelor’s in criminal justice degree program designed for those entering or currently working in the field of criminology or criminal justice. This completely online degree program is ideal for working students and offers small class sizes with access to faculty mentorship. Required courses include criminal justice ethics, introduction to corrections, introduction to criminal justice, juvenile justice, sociology, and the human mosaic. Students must maintain a satisfactory GPA in order to graduate. Crown is both accredited and ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school as the 83rd best regional college in the Midwest.
#29 – Campbellsville University
Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice
Campbellsville, Kentucky
Undergraduate Tuition: $24,596
Campbellsville University offers a bachelor’s in criminal justice online degree program designed for working students who want the convenience of online learning. All classes are delivered online and taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. These courses include criminal justice administration, criminological theory, introduction to the criminal justice system, methods of research, social statistics, and victimology. To apply to the program, students must submit a complete application and official transcripts, and offer official ACT or SAT score reports. The school is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 106th best regional university in the South.
#28 – Bluefield College
Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice
Bluefield, Virginia
Undergraduate Tuition: $24,380
Bluefield College offers accredited online criminal justice programs including the bachelor’s in criminal justice. Classes are delivered entirely online and taught by the same instructors who teach on campus. The program is ideal for working students and those interested in pursuing careers in criminal justice, criminology, or law. Some of the courses offered include corrections, criminal procedure, introduction to criminal justice, psychology of criminal behavior, social research methods, and theories in social deviance. Bluefield is accredited and ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school as the 41st best regional college in the South. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #165 out of more than 1,200 programs.
#27 – Hampton University
Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice
Hampton, Virginia
Undergraduate Tuition: $24,242
Hampton University offers an accredited online degree in criminal justice for undergraduate students wanting to pursue a career in criminal justice or pursue law school. The multidisciplinary program consists of 120 credit hours and includes courses in criminalistics of cybercrime, issues in law enforcement, race and ethic relations, the criminal justice system, and victimology. All classes are taught by the same instructors who teach on campus. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the school as the 21st best regional university in the South and the 47th best value school.
#26 – Kentucky Wesleyan College
Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and Criminology
Owensboro, Kentucky
Undergraduate Tuition: $24,050
Kentucky Wesleyan College offers a bachelor’s in criminal justice online degree program that can be completed 100% online. The curriculum introduces students to the study of criminal behavior, criminal justice systems, and social justice. All classes are delivered online and taught by the same college instructors who teach on campus. Some of the required courses include criminal law, critical issues in policing, introduction to criminal justice, research methods in criminal justice, and statistics in the behavioral sciences. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the school as the 8th best regional college in the South and the 3rd best value school. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #205 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#25 – Limestone College
Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice
Gaffney, South Carolina
Undergraduate Tuition: $23,900
Limestone College offers a criminal justice degree online accredited program that is ideal for working students. Online courses and flexible scheduling make the program great for professional students leading busy lives. All classes may be completed entirely online and include topics in criminal law, introduction to criminal justice, juvenile justice, research methods in criminal justice, and theories of criminal justice. The program lays a strong foundation for those interested in criminal justice jobs like FBI officers, police officers, or security agents. Limestone is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 39th best regional college in the South and the 14th best value school in the nation. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #175 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#24 – Chaminade University
Online Bachelor’s in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Honolulu, Hawaii
Undergraduate Tuition: $23,310
Chaminade University’s online bachelor’s in criminal justice degree program is designed to prepare undergraduate students for entry into a number of career positions in the field of police work and public safety. Classes are presented online and taught by the same university professors who instruct on campus. These courses include behavioral sciences statistics, contemporary issues in criminal justice, criminal law, criminal procedures, juvenile deviancy and juvenile justice, law enforcement, and research methods. Coursework is also designed to prepare students for entry into law school. U.S. News and World Report ranks Chaminade as the 40th best regional university in the West and the 42nd best value school.
#23 – University of the Cumberlands
Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice
Williamsburg, Kentucky
Undergraduate Tuition: $23,000
University of the Cumberlands offers a criminal justice degree online accredited program that is also affordably designed for working students. The program prepares individuals for entry level careers in law enforcement, police work, and criminal justice. Classes are delivered online and taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. These courses include introduction to criminal justice, juvenile justice system, law enforcement, and research methods. Admission to the program requires a high school diploma or GED equivalent and a GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. The school is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top national university. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #103, and the online graduate criminal justice programs (for those interested) are ranked #11 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#22 – Aurora University
Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice
Aurora, Illinois
Undergraduate Tuition: $22,830
The online criminal justice programs from Aurora University include the bachelor’s in criminal justice. This online program is designed for busy, working students who have life experience working in criminal justice. The program takes approximately four years to complete, and each course runs about eight weeks in length. These online courses include correctional services, criminal law, criminology, introduction to the criminal justice system, policing in America, research methods, and strategic planning and ethics. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank Aurora as a top regional university in the Midwest. The program also offers accreditation and affordability.
#21 – Shorter University
Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice
Rome, Georgia
Undergraduate Tuition: $21,730
Shorter University’s bachelor’s in criminal justice online program is offered as a distance learning degree for busy and working students. This fully online program consists of 120 semester credit hours and includes courses designed to lay a foundation for career-entry into law enforcement, police work, or criminal justice. Courses include correctional systems, ethics in criminal justice, introduction to criminal justice, judicial systems, police systems, and theories in criminal justice. Admission to the program requires a 2.0 cumulative GPA in high school or its equivalent and SAT or ACT scores. U.S. News and World Report ranks Shorter as the 33rd best regional college in the South and the 12th best college for veterans.
#20 – Liberty University
Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice
Lynchburg, Virginia
Undergraduate Tuition: $21,292
Students in search of a criminal justice degree–online accredited program–may find Liberty University’s bachelor’s degree ideal. This 100% online bachelor’s in criminal justice program is designed for busy and working students who desire to build strong leadership and managerial skills tailored toward criminal justice careers. The program is accredited and one of the most affordable on our list. Courses include criminal investigations, criminology, judicial process, juvenile justice, legal and ethical issues in juvenile justice, and public administration. U.S. News and World Report ranks Liberty as a top national university, and both the school and program are accredited. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #148 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#19 – Concordia University
Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Undergraduate Tuition: $21,250
Concordia University offers an accredited online degree in criminal justice program that is ideal for undergraduate students interested in careers as criminal justice professionals. The online bachelor’s in criminal justice offers online classes that run seven weeks in length. All courses are taught by Concordia instructors and include contemporary issues in criminal justice, diversity in criminal justice, information literacy in criminal justice, philosophy of values and ethics, and troubled youth in criminal justice systems. U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 106th best regional university in the Midwest. Also, the online bachelor’s programs, including criminal justice, are ranked #81 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#18 – Columbia College
Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Administration
Columbia, Missouri
Undergraduate Tuition: $20,936
Columbia College offers criminal justice degree online accredited programs designed to prepare students for careers in law enforcement and criminal justice administration. Classes are delivered online and taught by Columbia instructors. These classes include ethics and morality in criminal justice, introduction to criminal justice administration, juvenile justice system and procedures, laws of criminal evidence, management of criminal justice agencies, and police in a democratic society. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank Columbia College as a top regional university in the Midwest. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #103 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#17 – Ashland University
Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice
Ashland, Ohio
Undergraduate Tuition: $20,392
The criminal justice degree online accredited program at Ashland University is designed for working individuals. Classes are delivered 100 percent online and designed to fit schedules of busy and working professionals. Some of the classes taught in the program include criminal law, criminal profiling, ethics in criminal justice, federal and state special agent, terrorism and homeland security, and the role of police in modern society. Courses run seven weeks in length and move at a rigorous pace. The program and school are accredited and ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks Ashland as the 223rd best national university in the country.
#16 – Faulkner University
Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice
Montgomery, Alabama
Undergraduate Tuition: $20,130
Faulkner University’s online bachelor’s in criminal justice degree program is specifically designed for individuals seeking a strong foundation in criminal justice. The program’s objective is to prepare students to enter criminal justice careers. Classes are delivered online or in a hybrid format and include criminal behavior analysis, cultural diversity, first line supervision, interview and interrogation, private security, and research methods. Admission to the program requires a high school diploma or GED with a minimum GPA of 2.0. SAT or ACT scores may also be required. U.S. News and World Report ranks Faulkner as the 106th best regional university in the South. Also, for those interested in pursuing graduate studies, the online graduate criminal justice programs are ranked #20 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#15 – Keiser University
Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Undergraduate Tuition: $21,008
Keiser University is a regionally accredited private career university that provides educational programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels for a diverse student body in traditional, nontraditional and online delivery formats. The main campus is located in Fort Lauderdale, with campuses located throughout the State of Florida and internationally. Through quality teaching, learning, and research, the university is committed to provide students with opportunities to develop the knowledge, understanding, and skills necessary for successful employment. Committed to a “students first” philosophy, Keiser University prepares graduates for careers in business, criminal justice, health care, technology, hospitality, education, and career-focused general studies.
#14 – Judson College
Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice
Marion, Alabama
Undergraduate Tuition: $17,376
Judson College’s online degree in criminal justice is designed for working students with a desire to earn a bachelor’s degree via distance learning format. The rigorous, fast-paced program offers three tracks for students to tailor their degree toward areas of interest. These tracks include the academic profession path, the law enforcement professional path, or the legal professional path. Classes are delivered entirely online and taught by the same professors who instruct on campus. Judson is an accredited school with programs recognized by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school as a top national university.
#13 – Thomas University
Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice
Thomasville, Georgia
Undergraduate Tuition: $16,940
Thomas University’s bachelor’s in criminal justice online program offers diverse curriculum and classes delivered entirely online. This four-year program is designed for working students with little to no free time during traditional classroom hours. The convenient online delivery makes it plausible for individuals to earn a bachelor’s while meeting job and family obligations. Courses include corrections in America, criminal procedure, introduction to criminal justice, juvenile justice, policing in America, and standards and practices in criminal justice. Thomas University is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the South and offers one of the most affordable programs on our list.
#12 – Central Christian College
Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice
McPherson, Kansas
Undergraduate Tuition: $16,850
Central Christian College offers a criminal justice degree online accredited program designed for working students. This 100% online program offers courses that run only six weeks in length and can be completed at an accelerated pace. Asynchronous courses allow students to log on at a time that is convenient to them and their schedules. These courses include criminology, crisis management, juvenile justice, terrorism and counterterrorism, and victimology. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the school as a top regional college in the Midwest. The school is accredited and offers one of the most affordable online bachelor’s in criminal justice programs on our list.
#11 – City University of Seattle
Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice
Seattle, Washington
Undergraduate Tuition: $16,748
City University of Seattle offers an accredited online degree in criminal justice for those seeking a bachelor’s via distance learning delivery mode. Classes are presented online and taught by the same City University professors who instruct on campus. These courses include criminal investigation, criminal procedural law, introduction to criminal justice systems, justice and ethics, management and leadership, organizational analysis, and planning and policy analysis. The program also offers three pathways to the degree so that students may tailor their classes toward career goals and interests. These pathways include corporate security and investigation, cyber forensic investigation, and justice administration. U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as a top regional university in the West. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #45 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#10 – Claflin University
Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice
Orangeburg, South Carolina
Undergraduate Tuition: $16,158
Claflin University’s online degree in criminal justice programs include the bachelor’s in criminal justice. This undergraduate degree is designed as both an online and on-campus program. Students have the option of taking courses online that fit with busy schedules. The program focuses on comprehensive liberal arts education and an overview of the six major fields of criminal justice: administration and management, corrections, court procedures, criminal investigation, criminal justice research, and law enforcement. The program is ideally designed for individuals interested in careers in court administration, law enforcement, private security, and social services. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank Claflin as a top national liberal arts college.
#9 – Hodges University
Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice
Naples, Florida
Undergraduate Tuition: $13,700
Hodges University’s online degree in criminal justice is a bachelor’s program offered through the Nichols School of Professional Studies. This program may be completed entirely online by taking classes from the same instructors who lead on-campus courses at Hodges. These courses include criminal justice management, criminal investigation, juvenile justice and delinquency, professionalism and ethics in criminal justice, victims of crime, and white collar crime. While most bachelor’s programs run four years in length, the Hodges online bachelor’s in criminal justice takes approximately three and one-half years when enrolled as a full-time student. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the school as a top regional university in the South.
#8 – Brandman University
Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice
Irvine, California
Undergraduate Tuition: $12,300
Brandman University’s bachelor’s in criminal justice online degree program explores the complex profiles of those who commit crimes and prepares students for careers in criminal justice administration, law, and law enforcement. The program may be completed entirely online or in a hybrid format. Classes are taught by the same Brandman instructors who teach on campus. These courses include correctional systems, foundations of law, introduction to the administration of criminal justice, management in criminal justice organizations, police and society, social research design, and social theory. Several concentrations are offered to help students tailor their degree toward areas of interest like corrections, leadership, homeland security, and victim advocacy. U.S. News and World Report ranks Brandman as a top regional university in the West.
#7 – Florida Institute of Technology
Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice
Melbourne, Florida
Undergraduate Tuition: $12,240
Florida Institute of Technology offers an accredited online degree in criminal justice designed for individuals interested in earning a BA degree online. This program is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and offers classes entirely online. There is also a specialty option for those interested in a career in homeland security. Courses are taught by the same Florida Tech instructors who lead classes on campus. These courses include criminal investigations, criminal justice and media, criminology, homeland security and terrorism, introduction to psychology, research and computer literacy, research methods in applied psychology, and violent crime. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the school as a top national institution. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #68 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#6 – Franklin University
Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Administration
Columbus, Ohio
Undergraduate Tuition: $11,881
Franklin University’s bachelor’s in criminal justice online degree program offers broad-based learning tools and cutting edge research that extends beyond the classroom to provide students with a solid foundation in criminal justice. This 100% online program offers classes in criminal justice leadership, criminology theory and crime control, ethical decision making, juvenile justice and corrections, and law enforcement. Students gain access to professional associations and organizations while enrolled in the program, including the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, Midwestern Criminal Justice Association, and The American Society of Criminology. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the school as a top regional college.
#5 – Averett University
Online Bachelor’s in Sociology and Criminal Justice
Danville, Virginia
Undergraduate Tuition: $10,325
Averett University’s online criminal justice programs include the bachelor’s in sociology and criminal justice. This online, interdisciplinary degree program is designed to prepare individuals to serve the community in areas of criminal justice administration, law, police work, and social services. Several concentrations are offered to help students hone their degree toward areas of interest like criminal law and prosecutions, human services, and the U.S. court system. The program is open to applicants with a high school diploma or equivalent and a GPA of at least 2.0. U.S. News and World Report ranks Averett as the 17th best regional college in the South and the 9th best value school. This private university offers one of the most affordable online bachelor’s in criminal justice programs on our list.
#4 – Indiana Wesleyan University
Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice
Marion, Indiana
Undergraduate Tuition: $9,791
Indiana Wesleyan University offers an online bachelor’s in criminal justice degree program designed with the working student in mind. The program consists of 42 credit hours of coursework which may be completed entirely online. Courses include constitutional law and civil liberties, criminal law, cybercrime, diversity in criminal justice, ethics in criminal justice, forensics, research methods and analysis in criminal justice, and restorative justice. To be admitted to the program, applicants must hold a high school diploma and submit official transcripts from all previously attended schools or colleges. The institution is accredited and ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News ranks the school as the 29th best regional university in the Midwest and 64th best value institution.
#3 – Bellevue University
Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice
Bellevue, Nebraska
Undergraduate Tuition: $7,365
Bellevue University’s online bachelor’s in criminal justice program is designed to help develop student depth of knowledge in areas of corrections, criminal justice system, and law enforcement. The program also serves as preparation for entry into Bellevue’s master’s in justice administration and crime management degree program. All courses are delivered online and include criminal behavior and victimology, criminal justice organizations and strategic management, criminal procedure and public policy, justice and contemporary social issues, professional responsibility and ethics in criminal justice, and theory and practice of criminal justice. A total of 127 credits are required with 40 credits in the criminal justice major. U.S. News and World Report ranks Bellevue as a top regional university in the Midwest. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #92 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#2 – Amridge University
Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice
Montgomery, Alabama
Undergraduate Tuition: $7,180
One of the most affordable online criminal justice programs on our list is offered by Amridge University. The program is designed to prepare undergraduate students for entry-level careers in criminal justice, criminal law, human relations, and law enforcement. Admission to the program requires students have a high school diploma or equivalent and have earned at least a 2.0 GPA. All courses are delivered online and taught by university professors. These courses include criminal evidence, criminal law, criminal procedures, interview and interrogation, introduction to public safety and security, management intervention, and psychological profiling. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank Amridge as the 106th best regional university in the South. The online bachelor’s programs are also ranked.
#1 – Central Methodist University
Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice
Fayette, Missouri
Undergraduate Tuition: $5,400
Central Methodist University offers the most affordable online bachelor’s in criminal justice program on our list of private, non-profit colleges. This program may be completed entirely online and focuses on classes that prepare students for entry into criminal justice, law, and policing careers. To be admitted to the program, students must be accepted to the university. A valid high school diploma or equivalent is required. Once accepted, all classes may be completed online. These courses include criminal law, criminal procedures, introduction to criminal justice, research design and data analytics, and social deviance. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank Central Methodist as a top regional college in the Midwest. Also, the most recent edition of Best Colleges lists the institution as the 37th best value school in the country.
BDP Staff
November 2017
