By TCJS Staff
November 2017
The field of criminal justice is responsible for ensuring control in society, deterring crime, and apprehending and punishing criminals in the form of penalties and imprisonment. The field itself is very broad. In one cursory listing of careers available, 56 titles appeared–from air marshal to youth corrections counselor–and jobs may be found at every level: federal, state, county, and local, in addition to the private sector. In 2016, at least 3 million Americans were employed in the field of criminal justice (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Women in law enforcement and criminal justice are being hired for more and more positions. Because of the wide variety of roles in the field, with an online associates degree in criminal justice, you can expect to find a position to suit your particular set of skills.
Coursework for an online degree will utilize different skills than the ones needed for coursework in a classroom. School websites will offer quick self assessment quizzes, so that the prospective student may see how well he or she might do in an online course to earn an associates degree in criminal justice. Also necessary for distance learning is a hardware component, which, having accessed this article without assistance, you can probably tackle with ease. A final and essential requirement for online learning is to ensure that the school you choose is an authorized provider of educational services in your state of residence. Most online schools will be authorized in most states, but you will want to make sure of this before you officially apply.
In compiling this list of the top 20 best online associates degrees in criminal justice programs, the following factors were considered: tuition value (ten points); the amount of individual attention a school provides (based on their reported student to faculty ratio, ten points); and curriculum relevancy (ten points). An additional five point bonus was awarded whenever national recognition was given for an excellent program or exceptional student services. In the case of a tie on points, schools were ranked in order of decreasing tuition.
Tuition and enrollment numbers in the bullet points above the school review paragraphs are courtesy of the national Center for Education Statistics, a service of the US government. Student to faculty ratios were also pulled from this site. The tuition listed in the bullet point is the out of state yearly tuition they reported. Any per credit hour tuition figure appearing in the school review itself is from that school’s website and may reflect an online discount.
#40 – Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, New Hampshire
Website
Points: 18
Enrollment: 73,177
Tuition: $31,136
Southern New Hampshire University was founded in 1963. With a student to faculty ratio of 30 to 1, their online associate of science in criminal justice is a 60 credit hour program that includes coursework in American policing and correctional systems. Southern New Hampshire University charges an online tuition rate of $320 per credit hour. Active duty service members and eligible spouses are offered a rate of $225 per credit hour. They are accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.
#39 – Columbia College
Columbia, Missouri
Website
Points: 18
Enrollment: 16,413
Tuition: $20,936
Columbia College holds a mutually beneficial affiliation with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). With a student to faculty ratio of 33 to 1, their online associate of science in criminal justice is a 60 credit hour program that includes coursework in police in a democratic society and the judicial process. Columbia College charges a tuition rate of $305 per credit hour for this program. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#38 – Northampton County Area Community College
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Website
Points: 20
Enrollment: 10,067
Tuition: $13,230
Northampton County Area Community College has a strong commitment to keeping education affordable and accessible. With a student to faculty ratio of 20 to 1, their online associate of applied science in criminal justice is a 63-64 credit hour program that includes coursework in social problems and criminology. Northampton County Area Community College charges a flat rate of $4500 for 12-18 credit hours per semester. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
#37 – Colorado Christian University
Lakewood, Colorado
Website
Points: 21
Enrollment: 7,032
Tuition: $29,360
Colorado Christian University is a private, interdenominational school. With a student to faculty ratio of 16 to 1, their online associate of science in criminal justice is a 60 credit hour program that includes coursework in criminal courts and criminal justice ethics. Colorado Christian University offers a full time online tuition rate of $455 per credit hour and a part time online tuition rate of $555 per credit hour. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#36 – Saint Leo University
Saint Leo, Florida
Website
Points: 21
Enrollment: 14,649
Tuition: $21,440
Saint Leo University was founded by the Order of Saint Benedict in 1889. The school ended racial segregation on campus in 1898, when that was illegal in Florida. With a student to faculty ratio of 16 to 1, their online associate of arts in criminal justice is a 60 credit hour program that includes coursework in criminal investigation and substantive criminal law. Saint Leo University offers an online tuition rate of $360 per credit hour. They are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#35 – Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
Website
Points: 21
Enrollment: 75,756
Tuition: $21,292
Liberty University’s motto is “Knowledge Aflame.” With a student to faculty ratio of 19 to 1, their online associate of arts in criminal justice is a 60-63 credit hour program that includes coursework in American government and criminal law. Liberty University offers a part-time online tuition rate of $455 per credit hour and a full time online tuition rate of $390 per credit hour. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#34 – University of Maine at Augusta
Augusta, Maine
Website
Points: 21
Enrollment: 4,416
Tuition: $17,048
University of Maine at Augusta With a student to faculty ratio of 15 to 1, their online associate is a 60 credit hour program that includes coursework in University of Maine at Augusta. Online fees are $285 per credit hour. A Writing Intensive Course is part of the degree work, as is 15 credit hours of residency. They are accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.
#33 – Troy University
Troy, Alabama
Website
Points: 21
Enrollment: 17,855
Tuition: $15,484
Troy University is a growing force in online education, offering many degree options at reasonable rates. With a student to faculty ratio of 15 to 1, their online associate of criminal justice requires 36 credit hours in the major and includes coursework in law enforcement and corrections. Troy University offers an online undergraduate tuition rate of $338 per credit hour, regardless of residency. They also offer discounts on tuition for military personnel and eligible family members. They are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#32 – McHenry County College
Crystal Lake, Illinois
Website
Points: 21
Enrollment: 6,371
Tuition: $13,242
McHenry County College is focused on learning with the goal of student success. With a student to faculty ratio of 18:1, their online associate of applied science in criminal justice is a 63 credit hour program that includes coursework in first responder emergency aid and topics in criminal justice. McHenry County College offers an online tuition rate of $104.00 per credit hour, regardless of residency. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#31 – Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion
Marion, Indiana
Website
Points: 22
Enrollment: 3,040
Tuition: $25,346
Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion was founded in 1920 and is a private not for profit university affiliated with the Wesleyan Church. With a student to faculty ratio of 14 to 1, their online associate of science in criminal justice is a 60 credit hour program that includes coursework in modern police problems and homeland security. Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion charges a tuition rate of $289 per credit hour for this program. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#30 – Chaminade University of Honolulu
Honolulu, Hawaii
Website
Points: 22
Enrollment: 2,277
Tuition: $23,310
Chaminade University of Honolulu was founded by the Society of Mary. With a student to faculty ratio of 11 to 1, their online associate of science in criminal justice is a 60 credit hour program that includes coursework in criminal justice systems and introduction to law. Chaminade University of Honolulu charges a standard tuition rate of $450 per credit hour for this program. Military personnel are eligible for a reduced tuition rate. They are accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission.
#29 – Campbellsville University
Campbellsville, Kentucky
Website
Points: 22
Enrollment: 3,675
Tuition: $24,596
Backed by a century of academic achievement, Campbellsville University has more than 30 online degree options. With a student to faculty ratio of 13 to 1, their online associate of science in criminal justice is a 60 credit hour program that includes coursework in court processes and procedures and civil liberties. Campbellsville University offers an online tuition rate of $399 per credit hour for this program. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#28 – Bay State College
Boston, Massachusetts
Website
Points: 22
Enrollment: 889
Tuition: $22,320
Bay State College offers high quality, career-focused studies for today’s serious learners. With a student to faculty ratio of 14 to 1, their online associate in criminal justice is a 60 credit hour program that includes coursework in corrections and juvenile justice. Bay State College offers an online tuition rate of $400 per credit hour. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.
#27 – Westmoreland County Community College
Youngwood, Pennsylvania
Website
Points: 22
Enrollment: 5,554
Tuition: $12,570
Westmoreland County Community College was founded in 1970 and offers numerous degree, diploma and certificate options to prepare students for careers or transfer to four year schools. With a student to faculty ratio of 17 to 1, their online associate of arts is a 62 credit hour program that includes coursework in sociology and juvenile delinquency. Westmoreland County Community College charges an out of state tuition rate of $372 per credit hour. They are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
#26 – University of Maine at Fort Kent
Fort Kent, Maine
Website
Points: 22
Enrollment: 1,904
Tuition: $11,205
The University of Maine at Fort Kent is located at the gateway to Quebec and New Brunswick. With a student to faculty ratio of 19 to 1, their online associate of arts in criminal justice is a 60 credit hour program that includes coursework in constitutional law and principles of investigation. The University of Maine at Fort Kent charges an out of state tuition rate of $365 per credit hour. They are accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.
#25 – Truckee Meadows Community College
Reno, Nevada
Website
Points: 23
Enrollment: 10,873
Tuition: $9,555
Truckee Meadows Community College was founded in 1979. With a student to faculty ratio of 19 to 1, their online associate of arts in criminal justice is a 60 credit hour program that includes coursework in statistics and legal writing. Truckee Meadows Community College offers an out of state distance education tuition rate of $142.50 per credit hour for lower division classes and $233.25 per credit hour for upper division classes. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
#24 – Holyoke Community College
Holyoke, Massachusetts
Website
Points: 23
Enrollment: 5,890
Tuition: $9,446
Holyoke Community College began in 1946 and today their innovative spirit encourages them to center the student in their decision making. With a student to faculty ratio of 16 to 1, their online associate of criminal justice is a 62 credit hour program that includes coursework in criminology and police and society. Holyoke Community College charges an out of state tuition rate of $230 per credit hour, exclusive of fees. They are accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.
#23 – Trident Technical College
Charleston, South Carolina
Website
Points: 23
Enrollment: 13,561
Tuition: $7,837
Trident Technical College offers up to $1,140 in lottery assistance for tuition for South Carolina residents. With a student to faculty ratio of 20 to 1, their online associate of applied science in criminal justice is a 66 credit hour program that includes coursework in ethics and police administration. Trident Technical College charges an out of state tuition rate of $335.01 per credit hour. They are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#22 – Lansing Community College
Lansing, Michigan
Website
Points: 24
Enrollment: 13,583
Tuition: $9,290
Lansing Community College was established in 1957 to serve the growing industrial workforce in the Lansing, Michigan area. With a student to faculty ratio of 12 to 1, their online associate of arts in criminal justice is a 62-67 credit hour program that includes coursework in ethics and criminal procedure. Lansing Community College charges an out of state tuition rate of $309 per credit hour. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#21 – Stanly Community College
Albemarle, North Carolina
Website
Points: 24
Enrollment: 2,514
Tuition: $8,805
Stanly Community College was founded in 1971 and sees their mission as assisting students at the beginning of their educational journey. With a student to faculty ratio of 16 to 1, their online associate of applied science in criminal justice technology is a 65-66 credit hour program that includes coursework in abnormal psychology and substance abuse. Stanly Community College charges a non-resident tuition rate of $268.00 per credit hour. They are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#20 – Central Carolina Community College
Sanford, North Carolina
Website
Points: 24
Enrollment: 5,137
Tuition: $8,688
Central Carolina Community College is totally focused on student success and offers more than 130 programs of study. With a student to faculty ratio of 15:1, their online associate of applied science in criminal justice technology is a 67 credit hour program that includes coursework in psychology and diversity. Central Carolina Community College charges an out of state tuition rate of $268.00 per credit hour. They are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#19 – Fayetteville Technical Community College
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Website
Points: 24
Enrollment: 11,380
Tuition: $8,672
Fayetteville Technical Community College has a mission of community service and economic development. With a student to faculty ratio of 19:1, their online associate of applied science in criminal justice technology is a 65 credit hour program that includes coursework in investigative principles and sociology. Fayetteville Technical Community College charges an out of state tuition rate of $268.00 per credit hour. They are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#18 – Herkimer College
Herkimer, New York
Website
Points: 24
Enrollment: 2,645
Tuition: $8,010
Herkimer College has been named one of the top 150 community colleges in the country by the Aspen Institute. Their mascot is General Herkimer. With a student to faculty ratio of 16 to 1, their online associate of applied science in criminal justice is a 64 credit hour program including coursework in abnormal psychology and American government. Herkimer College charges an out of state tuition rate of $278 per credit hour. They are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
#17 – Iowa Central Community College
Fort Dodge, Iowa
Points: 24
Enrollment: 5,712
Tuition: $7,815
Iowa Central Community College With a student to faculty ratio of 19 to 1, their online associate is a 67 credit hour program that includes coursework in Iowa Central Community College lists the per credit hour fee as $315. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#16 – North Central State College
Mansfield, Ohio
Website
Points: 24
Enrollment: 3,094
Tuition: $7,181
North Central State College offers more than 70 associate degree and certificate options. With a student to faculty ratio of 15 to 1, their online associate in peace officer is a credit hour fast track program that includes coursework in psychology and family violence. This program requires a certificate of completion from any Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy or a certificate from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Training Academy. North Central State College They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#15 – South Texas College
McAllen, Texas
Website
Points: 24
Enrollment: 33,700
Tuition: $4,560
South Texas College was established by an act of the state legislature in 1993. They started with just over a thousand students and they have awarded more than 40,000 degrees and certificates. With a student to faculty ratio of 24 to 1, their online associate of arts in criminal ,justice is a 60 credit hour program including coursework in the federal government and Texas government. South Texas College charges a non-Texas resident tuition rate of $200 per credit hour. They are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#14 – Surry Community College
Dobson, North Carolina
Website
Points: 25
Enrollment: 3,379
Tuition: $8,684
Founded in 1964, Surry Community College lives their mission of promoting personal growth and community development. With a student to faculty ratio of 14 to 1, their online associate in criminal justice technology is a 68 credit hour program that includes coursework in psychology and civil liability. Surry Community College charges a maximum full time, out of state tuition rate of $4,288. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#13 – Haywood Community College
Clyde, North Carolina
Website
Points: 25
Enrollment: 1,794
Tuition: $8,682
Haywood Community College offers more than a dozen associates degrees and certificates 100% online. With a student to faculty ratio of 13:1, their online associate of applied science in criminal justice technology is a 72-73 credit hour program that includes coursework in computer crime investigation and victimology. Haywood Community College charges a non-resident tuition rate of $4,288 for 16 or more credit hours. They are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#12 – Florida Institute of Technology
Melbourne, Florida
Website
Points: 26
Enrollment: 6,451
Tuition: $40,446
Florida Institute of Technology is located on Florida’s Space Coast and houses the Buzz Aldrin Space Institute. With a student to faculty ratio of 13 to 1, their online associate of arts in criminal justice is a 61 credit hour program that includes coursework in statistics and criminal investigations. Florida Institute of Technology offers an online tuition rate of $510 per credit hour. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#11 – Montgomery Community College
Troy, North Carolina
Points: 26
Enrollment: 763
Tuition: $8,681
Montgomery Community College is dedicated to student support during their education. The school was founded in 1967. With a student to faculty ratio of 7:1, their online associate in criminal justice technology is a 66-68 credit hour program that includes coursework in criminology and civic liability. Montgomery Community College charges a non-North Carolina resident tuition rate of $268.00 per credit hour. They are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#10 – Forsyth Technical Community College
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Website
Points: 26
Enrollment: 7,890
Tuition: $6,838
Forsyth Technical Community College has a program in nanotechnology and a program in race car technology. With a student to faculty ratio of 12:1, their online associate of applied science in criminal justice technology is a 64 credit hour program that includes coursework in law enforcement operations and ethics and community relations. Forsyth Technical Community College charges a non-resident tuition rate of $268.00 per credit hour. They are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#9 – Craven Community College
New Bern, North Carolina
Website
Points: 26
Enrollment: 2,883
Tuition: $6,661
Craven Community College is a learning community dedicated to providing high-quality educational opportunities. With a student to faculty ratio of 14:1, their online associate of applied science in criminal justice is a 64 credit hour program that includes coursework in criminal law and investigative principles. Craven Community College charges a non-North Carolina resident tuition rate of $268.00 per credit hour. They are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#8 – Fox Valley Technical College
Appleton, Wisconsin
Website
Points: 26
Enrollment: 10,890
Tuition: $6,391
94% of Wisconsin Technical College System graduates, of which Fox Valley Technical College is a part, are employed 6 months after graduation. With a student to faculty ratio of 12 to 1, their online associate of applied science in criminal justice is a 63 credit hour program that includes coursework in criminal justice ethics and crime prevention principles. Fox Valley Technical College offers an online tuition rate of $159.90 per credit hour, regardless of residency. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#7 – Lanier Technical College
Oakwood, Georgia
Website
Points: 26
Enrollment: 3,626
Tuition: $5,839
Lanier Technical College is a workforce development engine for their region of the state and now the world, through the internet. With a student to faculty ratio of 13 to 1, their online associate in criminal justice is a 60 credit hour program that includes coursework in juvenile justice and homeland security. Lanier Technical College charges an out of state tuition rate of $178 per credit hour plus fees. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#6 – Albany Technical College
Albany, Georgia
Website
Points: 26
Enrollment: 3,251
Tuition: $4,794
Albany Technical College, a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, was founded in 1961. With a student to faculty ratio of 15 to 1, their online associate in law enforcement technology is a 60 credit hour program that includes coursework in criminal procedure and juvenile justice. Albany Technical College charges an out of state tuition rate of $189 per credit hour. They are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#5 – Northeast Community College
Norfolk, Nebraska
Points: 26
Enrollment: 5,075
Tuition: $4,365
Northeast Community College made the top 10 in the Aspen Prize competition for community college excellence. With a student to faculty ratio of 17 to 1, their online associate of applied science in criminal justice is a 60 credit hour program that includes coursework in corrections and criminal law. Northeast Community College charges a non-resident tuition rate of $132 per credit hour. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#4 – Metropolitan Community College
Omaha, Nebraska
Website
Points:26
Enrollment: 14,788
Tuition: $4,208
Metropolitan Community College was created by the Nebraska legislature in 1974. With a student to faculty ratio of 15:1, their online associate of applied science in applied science in law enforcement is a 99 quarter credit hour program that includes coursework in criminal investigation and rules of evidence. Within the school of Criminal Justice, the four areas of degree work include Corrections, Law Enforcement, General Studies/Academic Transfer, and Health Data and Information Management. Metropolitan Community College charges a non-Nebraska resident tuition rate of $91.50 per credit hour. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#3 – New Mexico Junior College
Hobbs, New Mexico
Website
Points: 26
Enrollment: 2,408
Tuition: $1,896
New Mexico Junior College With a student to faculty ratio of 16 to 1, their online associate of applied science in criminal justice is a minimum 65 credit hour program that includes coursework in evidence collection and presentation and investigative techniques. New Mexico Junior College charges an out of state fee of $64 per hour through 11 hours, with a maximum of $768 for 12 hours or more. They are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
#2 – Southeastern Technical College
Vidalia, Georgia
Website
Points: 27
Enrollment: 1,563
Tuition: $4,920
Education at Southeastern Technical College comes with a warranty. If, in the two years after graduation, your employer finds you were not educated for your position as you should have been, they will retrain you in the deficient area at no charge to you or your employer. With a student to faculty ratio of 11 to 1, their online associate in criminal justice technology is a 63 credit hour program that includes coursework in corrections and criminal procedure. Southeastern Technical College’s out of state rate of tuition plus fees is $3,019 per 15 credit hours. They are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.
#1 – West Hills Community College
Coalinga, California
Website
Points: 27
Enrollment: 3,584
Tuition: $4,320
West Hills Community College was founded in 1932 to serve the San Joaquin Valley. With a student to faculty ratio of 14 to 1, their online associate of arts in administrative justice with a concentration in law enforcement requires 18 credit hours in the major and includes coursework in criminal law and criminal evidence. West Hills Community College charges a non resident tuition rate of $211 per credit hour. They are accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.
This concludes the list of the top 40 best associates in criminal justice online.