Top 10 Best Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs

What makes the grade when it comes to choosing the top 10 programs for an online criminal justice degree? All the schools on our list are well-established and have been offering distance learning for several years.

Featured Bachelor’s Programs
1. Ashford University - BA - Social and Criminal Justice
2. American InterContinental University - BS - Criminal Justice
3. Post University - BS - Criminal Justice

Featured Master’s Programs
1. Grand Canyon University - MS - Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement
2. St. Leo University - MS - Criminal Justice - Forensics
3. Virginia College - MS - Criminal Justice

Our Online Criminal Justice Degree Rankings

These online criminal justice degree programs give adult learners the flexibility to study at a time which is convenient for them and the course offerings to complete a degree give students a well-rounded education.

#1 Portland State University

Executive Summary
PSU is one of the top schools in the nation, according to US News & World Report. Its Division of Criminology and Criminal Justice has been offering a high-quality education to students interested in a career in law enforcement since the 1940s.
Tuition
The base tuition rate for in-state students is $136.80 per credit hour. Out of state students pay a base rate of $475 per credit hour. An 86-credit degree will cost $18,714-$40,850.
Unique Features
The online Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice program gives students a well-rounded education in this field. All students complete a number of core courses before choosing electives which reflect their interests and career goals.

#2 Rasmussen College

Executive Summary
Rasmussen is a regionally-accredited university which has been offering online degree programs for over a decade. This school offers the curriculum to distance learners as students taking classes on campus.

>>[Click here for free information on Rasmussen College's Online Criminal Justice Degree Programs]<<

Tuition
Tuition costs vary by location.
Unique Features
Classes in this accredited online criminal justice degree program are taught by instructors who specialize in online learning. Students can access their online classes at any time.
Concentrations‘
Client Services/Corrections
Criminal Offenders
Homeland Security
Investigation/Law Enforcement

#3 Kaplan University

online criminal justice degrees Executive Summary
Kaplan University is an accredited school which is a member of the Association of Private Sector Colleges and Universities.

>>[Click here for free information on Kaplan University's Criminal Justice Programs]<<

Tuition
A Bachelor’s degree from Kaplan will cost $66,780.00 ($371 per credit hour).
Unique Features
Kaplan offers students the opportunity to check out an online class for five weeks before paying for it. Prospective students can make sure this type of learning experience is right for them.

#4 Penn State

Executive Summary
The Penn State program is certified by the Academy of Criminal Justice Services. The University has been offering distance education programs to students for over a century.
Tuition
This program costs $495-$532 per credit. A 120-credit degree works out to $59,400-$63,840.
Unique Features
Students enrolled in this program have the flexibility to log in to their online classroom at any time of the day or night to get assignments and contact their instructors and fellow students.

#5 Post University

Executive Summary
Post University is one of the Top 20 online schools in the country according to Online Education Database (OEDb).

>>[Click here for free information on Post University's Criminal Justice Programs]<<

Tuition
This program costs $490 per credit hour, which brings the cost of completing a degree to $58,800.
Unique Features
Post’s online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice courses run in eight-week increments. Class sizes at this online criminal justice school are small, which allows students to get to know each other and facilitates interaction between learners.

#6 St. Leo University

Executive Summary
This school is accredited by accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. St. Leo University is a leading online education institution.

>>[Click here for free information on St. Leo University Criminal Justice Programs]<<

Tuition
Undergraduate tuition at St. Leo costs $470 per credit hour, or $57,810 for a 123-credit degree.
Unique Features
The curriculum for the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice degree gives students a broad base of knowledge in liberal arts. Students may be awarded college credit by exam.
Concentrations
Criminalistics
General
Homeland Security

#7 Virginia College

Executive Summary
Virginia College is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. The College is focused on offering a career-focused program to students.

>>[Click here for free information on Virginia College's Criminal Justice Programs]<<

Tuition
The cost of textbooks is included in the $69,300.00 tuition charged to enroll in this program.
Unique Features
Students have the flexibility to do their coursework at any time of the day or night that fits their schedule.

#8 Southern New Hampshire University

Executive Summary
SNHU has been offering online education programs since 1996. A very impressive 95 percent of students attending this school find jobs on graduation.

>>[Click here for free information on Southern New Hampshire University's Criminal Justice Programs]<<

Tuition
With tuition at $609 per credit hour or $1,827 per course, it isn’t the cheapest online criminal justice degree program. Total tuition costs for the degree come in at $40,194.
Unique Features
The Bachelor of Science in Crime and Criminology curriculum gives students an overview of the U.S. justice system. Students take courses in criminal law, corrections and legal research as part of the requirements to complete a degree.

#9 Hodges University

Executive Summary
Hodges University has been offering degree programs for 15 years. This school is a private, non-profit institution which is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition
Students attending Hodges University online pay $470 per credit hour.

>>[Click here for free information on Hodges University's Criminal Justice Programs]<<

Unique Features
Classes are small so that students can get personalized attention from their instructors. The curriculum for this program includes several courses in liberal arts, as well as core subjects in criminal justice.

#10 Grand Canyon University

Executive Summary
Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. This private Christian school has been recognized by Technology & Learning magazine and Fortune Small Business for the quality of its online programs.

>>[Click here for free information on Grand Canyon University's Criminal Justice Programs]<<

Tuition
Online courses from Grand Canyon U cost $450 per credit. A total of 120 credits is required to complete the degree and costs $54,000.
Unique Features
The Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies program includes courses in university foundations, religion, criminal law and procedure, terrorism, criminal justice and more.