Completing a criminal justice program often leads graduates to have a rewarding criminal justice career.
The cost of tuition is a valid concern for many prospective students.
Do not let expensive tuition costs keep you from working in the field of criminal justice.
These most affordable criminal justice degree programs provide the required education that people need to start a career or to advance a criminal justice career.
1 Georgia Highlands College
About the School
Georgia Highlands College offers associate degrees and bachelor’s degrees in the traditional classroom setting and online.
The school offers two affordable criminal justice degree options.
Courses Offered
The Georgia Highlands College Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice program consists of 64 to 66 credit hours of study.
Students learn the theories and key concepts of criminal justice.
They gain knowledge of criminal justice policy and learn about the courts, law enforcement, and corrections.
Some courses in the Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice program include Introduction to Criminal Justice, Introduction to Forensic Psychology, The American Police System, and Courts and Criminal Procedures.
The school also offers the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program in an online format.
Students gain a deeper understanding of the key concepts of criminal justice.
They gain an understanding of the complex nature of crime and its relationship to individuals and society.
There is a more focused study of crime and the criminal justice system in the bachelor’s degree program.
Courses in the 100 percent online program include Criminal Law, Criminal Justice Research Methods, Criminal Procedure, and Corrections.
Students choose their electives from options such as Criminal Investigation, Crime and the Media, and Profiling the Serial Offender.
The program prepares students to work in a variety of criminal justice settings or to continue their education.
The tuition, as of September 2023, is $199 per credit hour.
Contact Information
- Address: 3175 Cedartown Highway, Rome, GA, 30161
- Phone: 706-802-5000
- Website: Visit School Website
2 Dalton State College
About the School
Dalton State College offers affordable tuition for all students, including students who enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program.
Tuition in the Fall 2023 term is an affordable $106.80 per credit hour for in-state students and $394.53 for out-of-state students.
Courses Offered
Students who attend Dalton State College have the option of completing the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program on campus or online.
The program prepares students to work at law enforcement agencies, in corrections settings, in the courts, or to work at local, state, or federal agencies.
Learn the communication skills, critical thinking skills, and research skills that are needed to work as a criminal justice professional.
Program courses include Introduction to Law Enforcement, The Judicial Process, Criminology, Ethical Issues in Criminal Justice, and Criminal Law.
Contact Information
- Address: 650 College Dr., Dalton, GA, 30720
- Phone: 706-272-4436
- Website: Visit School Website
3 Middle Tennessee State University
About the School
Middle Tennessee State University prepares students for a career in criminal justice by offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration.
The in-state tuition of $314 per credit hour allows students to get an affordable education.
Courses Offered
The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration program at Middle Tennessee State University provides students with the knowledge and skills that they need to start their criminal justice administration career.
Some students continue their studies to earn a master’s degree.
Courses offered in the 120-credit program include Criminal Theory, Research and Argumentative Writing, and Prevention and Control of Crime.
The school also offers a Master of Criminal Justice degree.
Students have a thesis or a non-thesis option.
The program paves the way for current criminal justice professionals to advance their career opportunities.
Contact Information
- Address: 1301 East Main St., Murfreesboro, TN, 37132
- Phone: 615-898-2300
- Website: Visit School Website
4 University of Colorado Denver
About the School
The University of Colorado Denver offers several affordable criminal justice programs, including the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice program.
Courses Offered
The Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice program at the University of Colorado Denver provides students with the knowledge and skills that they need to enter the workforce as a criminal justice professional or to continue their studies to earn a master’s degree in criminal justice.
Students choose either Law Enforcement or Victims and Victim Services as their concentration area.
The program topics include the complex nature of crime, corrections, victimology, capital punishment, and criminal justice organizations.
Some courses include Criminology and Criminal Justice:
An Overview, Corrections, Law Enforcement, Research Methods, and Courts and Judicial Process.
Contact Information
- Address: 1380 Lawrence Street 500, Denver, CO, 80204
- Phone: 303-315-2228
- Website: Visit School Website
5 Moraine Park Technical College
About the School
The affordable $178.70 Fall 2023 tuition at Moraine Park Technical College is likely one reason that many students consider enrolling in the school’s Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice program.
Courses Offered
Moraine Park Technical College offers a 66-credit hour Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice program that prepares students for entry-level criminal justice positions.
Some students choose to continue their education after graduation.
Courses offered in the program include Corrections and Incarceration, Documentation in Criminal Justice, Culture Competence in Criminal Justice, and Alcohol and Drug Awareness in Criminal Justice.
Contact Information
- Address: 2325 N. National Ave., Fond du Lac, WI, 54936
- Phone: 800-472-4554
- Website: Visit School Website
6 Wayne State College
About the School
Wayne State College has been educating students for more than 100 years, including students in its affordable criminal justice programs.
In-state and out-of-state students pay the same affordable tuition.
Courses Offered
Wayne State College offers students the option of choosing to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice or a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree program.
The 120-credit-hour program prepares students to work in law enforcement, corrections, or in a variety of other settings.
Students learn the practical knowledge and skills that are necessary for a successful criminal justice career.
Some courses in the criminal justice program include Introduction to Criminal Justice, Police and Society, Report Writing for Criminal Justice Professionals, and Correctional Institutions.
Students also complete the Senior Seminar.
Sample elective courses include Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security, and Gangs and Organized Crime.
Contact Information
- Address: 1111 Main St., Wayne, NE, 68787
- Phone: 866-WSC-CATS
- Website: Visit School Website
7 Metropolitan State University
About the School
Metropolitan State University was recently declared in the top 1.6 percent of schools that elevate low-income graduates into the middle class within five years after graduation.
The school offers more than 75 degree programs with affordable tuition, including the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice program.
Courses Offered
The Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice program at Metropolitan State University provides students with a deep understanding of the causes and consequences of crime.
The program topics also include forensic science, restorative justice, and contemporary issues in the criminal justice system.
The program includes coursework and hands-on instruction.
Courses in the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice program include Foundations in Criminal Justice, The Criminal Court System, Criminology and Public Policy, Diversity in Criminal Justice, and Ethics and Professionalism in Criminal Justice.
Students complete one Community Engagement course and a Capstone Project.
Contact Information
- Address: 700 East Seventh St., Saint Paul, MN, 55106
- Phone: 651-793-1302
- Website: Visit School Website
8 University of the Cumberlands
About the School
The University of the Cumberlands is one of the most affordable colleges in the State of Kentucky.
The school offers many affordable degree programs including the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Degree program.
Courses Offered
The University of the Cumberlands offers an accredited Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program for students who want a career in law enforcement, or corrections, or who want to further their studies to earn a master’s degree.
Students work in state and local law enforcement agencies and correctional facilities.
Many students choose to pursue a career at the federal level, working in agencies such as the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, the DEA, or as a Customs Enforcement Officer.
Courses include Society and Criminal Law, Policing, Corrections, Probation and Parole, White Collar Crime, and Juvenile Justice. Students also complete an internship.
The school explains that students who earn a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice complete the same curriculum offered in the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Curriculum and then add a world language through the intermediate level.
The school also offers a Master’s in Criminal Justice program for students who want to continue their studies.
Contact Information
- Address: 6178 College Station Drive, Williamsburg, KY 40769
- Phone: 606-539-4240
- Website: Visit School Website
9 Western Carolina University
About the School
Western Carolina University attracts students from around the world because of its unrivaled learning environment, its affordability, and nationally ranked programs, including the Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program.
Courses Offered
The Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program at Western Carolina University is also offered in the traditional on-campus format.
The affordable program consists of 122 or 123 credits over eight semesters.
Students complete courses such as Criminal Law, Juvenile Justice, Investigative Principles, Professional Research and Reporting, and Issues in Criminal Justice.
Some other courses include Theories in Crime, Organized Crime, and Court Procedures and Evidence.
Contact Information
- Address: 1 University Dr., Cullowhee, NC. 28723
- Phone: 828-227-7211
- Website: Visit School Website
10 Fort Hays State University
About the School
Fort Hays State University opened its doors in 1902.
The accredited school offers certificate and degree programs in the traditional on-campus format and in an online format.
One of the online options is the Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program.
Courses Offered
Fort Hays State University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice program in an entirely online format.
The program focuses on the main theories of criminal justice.
Students gain the knowledge and skills to start their career or advance their career in criminal justice after graduating from the program.
Courses in the program include Administration of Justice Systems, Law Enforcement in the Community, Technical and Report Writing in Criminal Justice, and Comparative Justice Systems.
Students choose their electives from options such as Digital and Cybercrime, Crime Analysis, and Victimology.
The school also offers a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice program and a Master’s in Criminal Justice program.
Contact Information
- Address: 600 Park Street, Hays, KS 67601
- Phone: 785-628-3478
- Website: Visit School Website
Schools Summary Table
It’s fantastic to see a variety of options that cater to different budgets. Affordability and quality education should always go hand in hand.
Criminal justice careers are essential for maintaining law and order. Making education more affordable ensures a diverse range of individuals can contribute to this field.
These programs demonstrate that quality education doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. It’s a testament to the institutions that prioritize accessible education.
I appreciate the effort to highlight affordable programs. Pursuing a criminal justice degree without breaking the bank is important to many aspiring professionals.
This is a great list! As a veteran, I’m always on the lookout for programs that are affordable and offer support for military members. It’s good to know that there are budget-friendly options for transitioning into the criminal justice field.
I’m considering switching careers into criminal justice, but going back to school seemed overwhelming financially. Seeing affordable programs like these gives me hope that I can make the switch without draining my savings!
This list is exactly what I’ve been looking for! I’m trying to keep my education costs low, and it’s nice to see there are quality criminal justice programs that won’t break the bank.
As a parent helping my child look for schools, this post is a huge relief. Affordability is key, and it’s reassuring to know they can get a good degree without piling up debt!
I graduated from one of the schools on this list, and I can confirm it was affordable without sacrificing the quality of education. I’m now working in the field and don’t have to take on tons of student debt.