We earn commissions from brands listed on this site, which influences how listings are presented.
Advertising Disclosure
www.compareonlinecolleges.com is a free online resource that strives to offer helpful content and comparison features to our visitors. We accept advertising compensation from companies that appear on the site, which impacts the location and order in which brands (and/or their products) are presented, and also impacts the score that is assigned to it. Company listings on this page DO NOT imply endorsement. We do not feature all providers on the market. Except as expressly set forth in our Terms of Use, all representations and warranties regarding the information presented on this page are disclaimed. The information, including pricing, which appears on this site is subject to change at any time.
Close
Best Online Colleges for Criminal Justice 2025
Launch your career with an online associate degree
Start your online associate degree in criminal justice with a top-rated online college today.
Last Updated August 2025
Best Online Colleges for Criminal Justice 2025
Start your online associate degree in criminal justice with a top-rated online college today.
Last Updated August 2025
Best Online Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees 2025
Start your online associate degree in criminal justice with a top-rated online college today.
Last Updated August 2025
1
Our Most Popular
logo image
default
Online
default
Campus
defaultClasses start on09/01/2025
  • 200+ programs that can help lead to high-demand career paths
  • Dedicated academic advisor support from start to graduation
  • Low online tuition, financial aid (if eligible), no undergrad/grad application fee
  • Unique services such as 24 hour tech support, tutoring, and online library
2
logo image
default
Online
defaultClasses start on09/17/2025
  • Earn a respected degree from Purdue, a top innovative public university
  • Get personalized support for career planning, coursework, networking, and more
  • Built for busy adults needing flexible online learning to advance careers
  • Get started sooner—new terms start monthly, with open enrollment
3
logo image
default
Online
defaultStart classes anytime
  • Flexible online degrees with various programs available for all types of students
  • Useful learning resources and study guides
  • Various payment plans available for students to pick from with low tuition costs
  • Programs designed for busy schedules and working individuals
Our Top Choice
logo image
default
Online
default
Campus
defaultClasses start on09/01/2025
  • 200+ programs that can help lead to high-demand career paths
  • Dedicated academic advisor support from start to graduation
  • Low online tuition, financial aid (if eligible), no undergrad/grad application fee
  • Unique services such as 24 hour tech support, tutoring, and online library
5,443,727
people have compared online colleges with
default
Editorial Reviews
squareLogoUrl
Southern New Hampshire University
Read More
squareLogoUrl
Purdue Global
Read More
squareLogoUrl
California Coast
Read More
Our Statistics
Our Statistics
84%
of online undergraduates are employed while studying.
Sources:
https://www.nu.edu/blog/bachelors-degree-statistics/
63%
of students choose online programs for their flexibility.
Sources:
https://www.devlinpeck.com/content/online-learning-statistics
50%
less learning time is required when online learning.
Sources:
https://www.nu.edu/blog/bachelors-degree-statistics/
Must Reads
Read All
10 Reasons Why People Are Studying Online Today
Top 5 Compelling Reasons to Start an Online Degree Today
Studying Online vs. On-Campus: Which is Better?
Online vs. On-Campus

Pursuing an online degree offers a flexible and convenient way for students to advance their education and career prospects while empowering students to study from a diverse range of courses at their own pace from any device. Explore the different benefits that an online degree offers and how it adapts to your studying style.

OnlineCampus

Online Degree in Criminal Justice: What You Need to Know

An online criminal justice degree offers flexible, affordable pathways to roles in law enforcement, forensic science, legal studies, or policy analysis. Many programs are accredited, offer multiple specializations and rolling admissions, and are designed for busy professionals or students seeking the best online criminal justice degree without relocating.

Why Choose an Online Criminal Justice Degree?

Online programs in criminal justice offer unmatched convenience, broader access to top institutions, and potential savings. Here are the main benefits:

  • Convenience and Flexibility: Study remotely, access recorded or asynchronous classes, choose your pace—perfect for those seeking online degrees for criminal justice or a criminal justice online degree.
  • Broader Selection: Compare the best online colleges for criminal justice nationwide—from associate degree in criminal justice to bachelor’s and master’s tracks. You’re no longer limited to just one online college for criminal justice.
  • Affordability: Online programs often cost less than on-campus options—compare cheap criminal justice degree online offerings to find great value.
  • Support Services: Look for schools offering mentoring, digital libraries, rolling admissions, and active student support for criminal justice degree online programs and online criminal justice degrees.

Types of Online Criminal Justice Degrees and Concentrations

Explore the range of available degrees and specialization options.

Degree levels:

  • Associate Degree in Criminal Justice – an accelerated entry point.
  • Bachelor’s (BA/BSc) – standard 120-credit track.
  • Master’s (MA/MS in Criminal Justice) – advanced study and leadership preparation.

Specialization tracks:

  • Law Enforcement
  • Forensic Science
  • Homeland Security & Emergency Management
  • Legal Studies
  • Constitutional Criminal Law

Our Top 3 Online Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees

Our Top Choice

In a Nutshell

SNHU has more than 200 programs ranging from accounting and finance to technology and social sciences, and you can earn an Associate, Bachelor’s, or Master’s Degree from SNHU. The school is known for being affordable and flexible.

Features

  • 200+ programs that can help lead to high-demand career paths
  • Dedicated academic advisor support from start to graduation
  • Low online tuition, financial aid (if eligible), no undergrad/grad application fee
  • Unique services such as 24 hour tech support, tutoring, and online library

Pros

  • Helpful advisors and student resources
  • Affordable tuition & financial aid packages/scholarships
  • Easy to transfer credits

Cons

  • Can be difficult to follow tech-focused programs online
  • Not a lot of break time between sessions

In a Nutshell

Purdue Global provides an accessible online route to gain qualifications that can further your career. Ideal for busy people who want to study remotely, Purdue Global still offers a high level of student support, both academically and in helping you make progress at work. With a free three-week trial, you can test it out with no commitment. And there are plenty of options for financial aid, including experiential credits.

Features

  • Earn a respected degree from Purdue, a top innovative public university
  • Get personalized support for career planning, coursework, networking, and more
  • Built for busy adults needing flexible online learning to advance careers
  • Get started sooner—new terms start monthly, with open enrollment

Pros

  • Qualifications from Associate’s to doctoral degrees
  • Range of options for financial aid and assistance
  • Free three-week trial period

Cons

  • Courses only in professional subjects
  • No dedicated internship program

In a Nutshell

California Coast University takes online learning to a new level. A 100% digital university, California Coast has invested a lot of time and effort into making remote learning successful for anyone. From the useful study guides and low-cost textbooks to the flexible timeframes, rolling admissions, and degree advisors, California Coast certainly gives students plenty of resources to help them thrive. The extremely low costs of tuition and helpful student aid opportunities just seal the deal with this online degree opportunity.

Features

  • Flexible online degrees with various programs available for all types of students
  • Useful learning resources and study guides
  • Various payment plans available for students to pick from with low tuition costs
  • Programs designed for busy schedules and working individuals

Pros

  • Rolling admissions
  • Affordable tuition and no credit checks
  • Helpful student resources

Cons

  • You need discipline to complete coursework on your own
  • No single courses available
  • Proctor needed for final exam

How to Evaluate Online Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees

  1. Accreditation: Verify regional or specialized accreditation so your criminal justice online degree is respected by employers.
  2. Flexibility and Format: Do programs offer asynchronous learning, rolling admissions, or accelerated terms?
  3. Program Variety: Ensure the school offers your desired track—BA, BS, MS, or concentrations like forensic science.
  4. Support & Resources: Check availability of online tutoring, library access, mentorship, and career services.
  5. Cost and Financial Aid: Compare tuition among the best colleges to get a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, and explore FAFSA, scholarships, or budget options.

Your Next Step: Getting Started with Your Online Criminal Justice Degree

  • Identify your goals (e.g., law enforcement, forensics, policy).
  • Shortlist programs that meet your needs for cost, schedule, accreditation, and specialization.
  • Apply with confidence—many programs support rolling admissions—and begin your journey today with an accredited online college for criminal justice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges & Universities
What careers can I pursue with an online criminal justice degree?
Graduates can pursue roles such as police officer, probation officer, correctional officer, forensic analyst, or crime scene investigator. These positions are available in various sectors, including law enforcement, corrections, and forensic science.

AI was used in the creation of this content, along with human validation and proofreading.