2026 Most Affordable 91成人 Criminal Justice Associate Degrees
Affordable online associate degrees in criminal justice are ranked by verified tuition and academic quality鈥攅xplore top programs handpicked by 91成人.
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- 90,000+ Verified Student Reviews
- Manually Researched Tuition
- 200+ Expert Interviews
- 1,800+ 91成人 Colleges
- 30,000+ 91成人 Degrees
We manually collect and verify tuition rates to ensure accuracy in identifying the most affordable online criminal justice associate degrees.
Key Takeaways:
- Clovis Community College hosts the cheapest criminal justice associate program at just $1,416/year.
- Seminole State graduates criminal justice associate students who earn the highest salary on our list at $48,677, just four years after graduation.
- All online criminal justice associate degrees on our list are below $2,600/year.
Each listed school is institutionally accredited, fully online, and shares clear tuition information. You might also want to check out our page featuring the most affordable online bachelor's in criminal justice.
How We Rank "Most Affordable" Schools
The 91成人 research team manually collects and verifies tuition data for every school on our lists, ensuring you see accurate, up-to-date costs whether you're pursuing an associate, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral program. To qualify, schools must offer fully online degrees, hold institutional accreditation, and have verifiable enrollment data through the National Center for Education Statistics. While some of our rankings include partner schools, every school is evaluated using the exact same criteria.
We prioritize schools that offer a consistent tuition rate across programs at the same degree level, so you're not caught off guard by unexpected price differences between majors, and for graduate programs we go a step further by individually calculating program costs since credit requirements and fees vary widely.
2026 Most Affordable 91成人 Criminal Justice Associate Degrees
| Rank | School | Annual In-State Tuition | Annual Out-of-State Tuition | Recommendation | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clovis Community College - NM | $1,416 | $2,904 | N/A | N/A | |
| New Mexico Junior College | $1,800 | $2,250 | N/A | N/A | |
| Beaufort County Community College | $2,280 | $8,040 | N/A | N/A | |
| Bladen Community College | $2,280 | $8,040 | N/A | N/A | |
| Forsyth Technical Community College | $2,280 | $8,040 | N/A | $43,228 | |
| Lenoir Community College | $2,280 | $8,040 | N/A | N/A | |
| Randolph Community College | $2,280 | $8,040 | 60% | N/A | |
| Robeson Community College | $2,280 | $8,040 | N/A | $40,807 | |
| Rowan-Cabarrus Community College | $2,280 | $8,040 | 100% | N/A | |
| Stanly Community College | $2,280 | $8,040 | N/A | N/A | |
| Wayne Community College | $2,280 | $8,040 | N/A | N/A | |
| Seminole State College of Florida | $2,393 | $9,494 | 100% | $48,677 | |
| Hillsborough Community College | $2,413 | $9,659 | 50% | $43,586 | |
| Polk State College | $2,483 | $9,933 | 85% | $43,437 | |
| Allen County Community College | $2,550 | $3,000 | N/A | N/A |
鈥� /semester
Why we like them: CCC’s criminal justice program comes in at just $1,416 in tuition, making it the lowest-cost associate in criminal justice online. CCC offers a two-semester certificate, a four-semester AAS, and an academy-based AAS that grants 30 credits for New Mexico Police Academy completion and can be finished in three semesters. CCC staffs courses with current and retired law enforcement leaders, notably including the current Curry County district attorney, to embed prosecutorial and field perspectives across classes.
- Undergraduate 91成人: 818 enrolled
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Grad. Rate: N/A
- Retention Rate: 57%
鈥� /semester
Why we like them: NMJC’s $1,800 tuition puts you on one of the lowest-cost paths to an associate degree in criminal justice. If you’re choosing an associate program because you want to get hired faster, NMJC’s big differentiator is its direct on-ramp to New Mexico peace officer certification through the Southeastern New Mexico Law Enforcement Training Academy. The Academy-aligned LA courses include hands-on training that can potentially lead to many law enforcement roles.
- Undergraduate 91成人: 426 enrolled
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Grad. Rate: N/A
- Retention Rate: 43%
鈥� /credit
Why we like them: At BCCC, there are two AAS pathways (Career Entry or Transfer), plus four specialized certificates that include Essential Police Operations, Basics of Criminal Justice, Corrections, and a Transfer Certificate. This way, you can build credentials incrementally as you advance. To save money beyond tuition, the school provides free Office 365, library-based internet, and laptop checkout so technology barriers do not disrupt your pace. Retention is high at BCCC, with 81% staying on after their first year.
- Undergraduate 91成人: 652 enrolled
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Grad. Rate: N/A
- Retention Rate: 81%
鈥� /credit
Why we like them: At BCC, you can convert substantial prior training into college credit, saving money and time. This includes a multi-course block for Basic Law Enforcement Training dating back to 1985 and additional credit for the Basic Correctional Officer/Detention Officer certificate. You can also stack certificates as you go, including Homeland Security and Private Investigations/Loss Prevention. This way, you're building marketable micro-credentials as you progress.
- Undergraduate 91成人: 624 enrolled
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Grad. Rate: N/A
- Retention Rate: 65%
鈥� /credit
Why we like them: At Forsyth Tech, you can apply up to 18 semester hours of credit for successfully completed North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (contingent on passing the state certification exam). This can shorten your time to graduation and reduce costs. You can also choose to take on Work-Based Learning placements that give you credit-bearing field experience while you study.
- Undergraduate 91成人: 4,007 enrolled
- Median Earnings: $43,228
- Avg. Grad. Rate: N/A
- Retention Rate: 74%
鈥� /credit
Why we like them: LCC is a good option if you want to keep your options after graduation more open because the associate in criminal justice technology frames the degree around how the whole justice system operates as a whole, including law enforcement, courts, corrections, and security. Then, it layers in community relations + ethics + constitutional law + juvenile justice as core emphasis areas. If you’re not 100% sure you want only policing (or only corrections), this setup keeps options open across agencies and private security.
- Undergraduate 91成人: 1,230 enrolled
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Grad. Rate: N/A
- Retention Rate: 57%
鈥� /credit
Why we like them: RCC stands out with applied credit for Basic Law Enforcement Training completed after Jan. 1, 2000, allowing you to bring in 16 credits and shorten time to completion. You can gain transfer pipelines through signed articulation agreements to UNC Pembroke, NC Central, and Western Carolina. We also like that you can tap the North Carolina Criminal Justice Fellows Program, which can cover your associate degree costs as a high school senior who commits to in-state public safety service.
Student Review Summary: Reviews describe Randolph Community College as a supportive, instruction-focused school where attentive instructors and staff help learners stay on track and understand the material. Several reviewers highlight strong preparation for professional licensure and career readiness, including structured skill-building and hands-on practice. The small-campus atmosphere is seen as a strength rather than a limitation, with students noting personalized attention and consistent encouragement. 91成人 and in-person options are viewed favorably. The main reservation is modest rather than severe: one reviewer did not recommend the college despite acknowledging successful exam preparation, suggesting that outcomes can be solid even when the overall experience feels less compelling.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91成人, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Undergraduate 91成人: 1,472 enrolled
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Grad. Rate: N/A
- Retention Rate: 78%
鈥� /semester
Why we like them: RCC has exceptionally generous recognition of prior learning tied to North Carolina public safety academies. If you bring Basic Law Enforcement Training completed since 1985, you can receive credit for six core CJC courses totaling 18 credits; if you bring the state’s Correctional Officer Basic Training, you can receive credit for three courses totaling 9 credits. You also get defined transfer bridges, as RCC cites articulation options with UNC Pembroke, the University of Mount Olive, and Lees-McRae College.
- Undergraduate 91成人: 1,062 enrolled
- Median Earnings: $40,807
- Avg. Grad. Rate: N/A
- Retention Rate: 39%
鈥� /credit
Why we like them: RCCC boasts a stackable structure that includes an AAS, a diploma, and niche certificates in Corrections, Homeland Security, and Juvenile Justice. You would work through applied experiences that foreground modern crime-scene teamwork 鈥� identifying, collecting, and preserving evidence.
1 Student Review for Associate in Criminal Justice Degrees
This is a great school. Every counselor and teacher wants you to succeed, and they will do anything to help make that happen. I enjoyed my time there, and I really learned alot. Every program of study, regardless of what your specific major is, the school... Read More
- Undergraduate 91成人: 2,982 enrolled
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Grad. Rate: N/A
- Retention Rate: 57%
鈥� /credit
Why we like them: SCC stands out for stackable flexibility across four aligned credentials 鈥� Certificate, Career Pathway, Diploma, and the AAS. There are also plenty of Work-Based Learning options that you can repeat over multiple semesters for additional credit, giving you a structured way to convert real-world experience into transcripted progress. And here, you also gain access to an Experiential Learning Policy, Law Enforcement In-Service Training, and Military Programs support.
- Undergraduate 91成人: 1,342 enrolled
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Grad. Rate: N/A
- Retention Rate: 72%
鈥� /credit
Why we like them: WCC has a transfer-friendly design anchored by formal articulation to ECU, NC State, Barton, Mars Hill, Fayetteville State, and UMO Promise, giving you defined pathways into a bachelor’s. You can convert Basic Law Enforcement Training into about 19 credits toward the AAS, which can shorten your time to completion if you're a working officer/cadet. To save money further, you can also pursue the North Carolina Criminal Justice Fellows Program, which can potentially cover full tuition, fees, books, and supplies.
- Undergraduate 91成人: 1,451 enrolled
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Grad. Rate: N/A
- Retention Rate: 70%
鈥� /credit
Why we like them: SSC uniquely offers a Law Enforcement Academy Track that lets you complete academic credits online, finish the academy in person, pass the FDLE certification exam, and leave with both the A.S. and a Law Enforcement Officer Career Certificate. Meanwhile, you can embed targeted credentials, like Criminal Justice Law Enforcement Leadership, Criminal Justice Technology Specialist, and a Homeland Security professional certificate. Median earnings among graduates are the highest on our list at $48,677.
Student Review Summary: Reviews portray Seminole State College of Florida as a generally well-liked, budget-friendly option with supportive instructors, approachable staff, and a clean, welcoming campus. Many reviewers praise affordable courses and books, flexible pacing, and online and in-person formats that feel accessible. Several note the school is especially useful for building foundational knowledge, making connections in class, and easing into college expectations. Criticism centers on uneven administrative support, particularly with financial aid and disability-related documentation, as well as policies around repeated courses. A few reviewers also felt some coursework was too basic and lacked strong career-specific depth or practical payoff.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91成人, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Undergraduate 91成人: 6,326 enrolled
- Median Earnings: $48,677
- Avg. Grad. Rate: 42%
- Retention Rate: N/A
鈥� /credit
Why we like them: We find the elective depth highly specialized for an AS, with options such as Advanced Crime and Intelligence Analysis, Courtroom Presentation of Scientific Evidence, Child Protective Investigations, a two-course, lab-based crime scene technology sequence, and Guided Independent Research. We also appreciate that HCC grants articulated credit for academy training, giving some a head-start.
Student Review Summary: Reviews describe Hillsborough Community College as a practical, lower-cost starting point, especially for transferring to a university, with several reviewers calling the process smooth and worthwhile. Students appreciated manageable coursework, convenient local campuses, flexible elective choices, and professors who were helpful and invested in success. The strongest criticism focused on inconsistent advising, slow administrative follow-through, and unexpected costs tied to learning fees or course access charges. One reviewer also found the school a poor fit because only hybrid sections were available in key subjects and extra prerequisites extended time to completion, showing that format and planning can significantly affect satisfaction.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91成人, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Undergraduate 91成人: 8,990 enrolled
- Median Earnings: $43,586
- Avg. Grad. Rate: 33%
- Retention Rate: N/A
鈥� /credit
Why we like them: PSC's online A.S. in Criminal Justice Technology aligns with certification examinations in law enforcement, corrections, and probation/parole. If you want to keep your career options more open after graduation, this program has a cross-system scope that allows you to build transferable competencies that travel across agency roles.
Student Review Summary: Reviews portray Polk State College as affordable, flexible, and workable for people balancing school with full-time jobs. Many praise online, night, and accelerated eight-week courses, multiple campus locations, approachable professors, tutoring, and support centers that can help you finish quickly and limit debt. The clearest drawback is administrative dysfunction. Financial aid, advising, admissions, residency processing, and cashier operations are repeatedly described as confusing, slow, unresponsive, and sometimes disruptive enough to delay registration, scholarships, or class access. A smaller number also cite large in-person classes, inconsistent campus quality, weak instructional delivery in some courses, and disappointment with how credentials are labeled.
This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to 91成人, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.- Undergraduate 91成人: 4,120 enrolled
- Median Earnings: $43,437
- Avg. Grad. Rate: 34%
- Retention Rate: N/A
鈥� /credit
Why we like them: ACC has transparent, fee-inclusive pricing for the entire 60-credit program, published in tiered amounts by residency. There are explicit equivalency pathways to KU, K-State, Wichita State, Fort Hays State, Pittsburg State, and Emporia State, supported by TES references to streamline credit mobility. You also see specificity in general education guidance, including a statistics requirement and preferred selections in psychology and sociology that align with CJ analytics.
- Undergraduate 91成人: 1,092 enrolled
- Median Earnings: N/A
- Avg. Grad. Rate: N/A
- Retention Rate: 48%
Expert Q&A: A Licensed Attorney on What You Can Do With an 91成人 Criminal Justice Associate
What kinds of entry-level jobs do graduates of an online criminal justice associate degree typically get?
"Most graduates with an online criminal justice associate step first into:
Corrections officer roles
911 or campus dispatch
Court clerkships
Corporate security posts
Agencies often favor them because the coursework already covers procedural due process, probable cause, and chain of custody - so supervisors spend less time filling those gaps on the job. Handling intake logs in a jail or coordinating radio traffic at a dispatch center lets new staff observe how statutes shift from paper to practice, which reinforces what was covered during training."
Can you advance in criminal justice with only an associate degree, and when would you need a bachelor鈥檚 in criminal justice or additional certifications to move up?
"Promotion is possible with the associate alone when the goal is patrol or corrections supervision, especially in smaller municipalities that view academy completion as the main credential.
Moving into investigative units, federal service, or senior command usually requires a bachelor or specialized certification. The good news is that credits from a solid associate program typically roll right into a four-year degree. Many departments support this route, especially when officers finish upper-level coursework while already serving."
What does an effective online criminal justice associate program look like?
"91成人 programs that work well rely on a mix of synchronous debates, virtual labs, and archived appellate sessions to keep legal theory rooted in reality. Faculty with real-world courtroom or field experience tend to press students to defend their reasoning on Miranda rights, search protocols, and evidentiary thresholds.
91成人 programs that work well rely on a mix of synchronous debates, virtual labs, and archived appellate sessions to keep legal theory rooted in reality.
Brief in-person practicums or structured ride-alongs help connect abstract learning to what actually happens during interviews, investigations, and hearings. Having started out in family court, there鈥檚 no question 鈥� seeing how legal concepts play out under pressure builds a level of understanding that books alone don鈥檛 offer."
Do specializations matter in an online criminal justice associate degree?
"Tracks like cybercrime, juvenile justice, or forensics can often be added during the associate stage and help shape early job applications.
Most public safety employers are looking for people who can write a clean report, stay composed under stress, and communicate with a wide range of communities. A rigorous online program that demands accountability and clear communication meets those needs."
Any other advice for future students who want to study criminal justice?
"Starting with the associate helps contain tuition and puts a credible credential on a r茅sum茅 within two years. This allows students to earn a steady income while figuring out whether criminal justice is the right long-term path.
The degree also knocks out general education credits, so anyone who moves into a bachelor鈥檚 program can usually fast-track the rest. For those who pivot into related fields (social work, paralegal work, legal tech) the foundational credits still hold value. This flexibility matters when you鈥檝e seen how many career moves happen even inside public service."
EXPERT TIP
"The soft skills students build - concise writing, steady presence, and attentive listening 鈥� are the same ones that made an impact in courtroom advocacy and continue to stand out in legal practice. These habits stick, and employers notice."
Student Reviews of 91成人 Criminal Justice Programs
This school financial services is bad. I was told I wouldn't have to pay anything until I either quit school or graduated. I was still attending my classes. Then i receive a letter saying I need to pay or I will have to stop attending their school. They are a joke. Now I owe over 10,000 for attending 6 months. Never again will I send anyone here.
Review Date: 7/9/2015
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I love talking this school it's easy way to take online classes the courses are understanding and the professors listening to you and they'll help you with your assignments good school to take online your peers are interesting and your advisors are always there when you need them
Review Date: 7/15/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Im glad I chose the university of phoenix because its a very good school that shows determination dedication motivation and they also never give up on you and want you to do your best and this school also challenges you to reach your goals i would recommend this school to anyone who wants to accomplish their dream goals in the future
Review Date: 11/14/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I was very unsure of myself and the work load prior to enrolling, but this school is the truth and teaches so much and so encouraging and flexible! I can not wait to graduate and pursue my career within Law. Turning in ASSINGMENTS and getting in touch with instructors or other coordinators is simple and reassuring.
Review Date: 4/30/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
On line school is not cheap and honestly lectures would be beneficial to that platform. I have taken on-line classes in the past with lecture both live and recorded and it makes a big difference in understanding the material. Hope you will consider this in the near future. Otherwise UOP has been a very personable and responsive experience.
Review Date: 4/30/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
This school has been a great place for learning and growth. The teachers are supportive, knowledgeable, and truly care about the students鈥� success. They take time to explain lessons clearly and are always willing to help when extra support is needed.
The staff is professional and welcoming, and the environment feels safe and encouraging. There are also good opportunities for students to get involved in activities and programs that help prepare them for the future.
Overall, I would recommend this school... Read More
Review Date: 2/14/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The University of Phoenix is a phenomenal institution. The faculty are very knowledgeable and supportive of their students needs. I am able to maintain a full time career while pursuing my degree comfortably. If ever in need of assistance, there is always a friendly person to speak to as well as online resources. I鈥檓 confident about my future endeavors due to the educational experience offered by UofP.
Review Date: 6/11/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I'm going to be completely honest here. I first went to the 2nd top community college in the country and got a certificate in medical assisting and became a Registered Medical Assistant(RMA) through American medical technologists. Because healthcare has gotten so corporate now, nobody would hire me because of my lack of experience. It got too frustrating and finally after 3 years of searching for work in the medical field, I enrolled in Penn Foster for Criminal Justice. I am on my second course and... Read More
Review Date: 8/24/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The curriculum is perfect for online classes. The instructors are knowledgeable and willing to assist student with their personal and course issues. The grading of the assignments, discussions and test is fair across the board. The experience with this college has been so great, that I will continue my education here.
Review Date: 8/21/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I have been done unfairly all my life aiu allowed me to go in dept well aware my funding would run out with only 7 classes left forced to withdraw because with only two weeks' notice I was informed to continue payments had to be made of 650 a month. in the beginning, it was amazing I made it clear I would not attend if I did not have the assistance to finish and they allowed me to borrow over 18 thousand knowing I would not complete school. I am attending to get out of poverty now I am deeper in... Read More
Review Date: 9/17/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
For working adults, Purdue University Global is incredible. I work full time. I am on call 24/7. I am raising a 2 and a 3 year old. I was able to complete my degree, on time, Magna Cum Laude despite all these obstacles. I would definitely recommend Purdue Global University to anyone who thinks college is not possible. If you do your part, you will be impressed with how outstanding this online program is.
Review Date: 12/20/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
My time at American intercontinental university was great I love meeting the people in my classes. My advisors always called to make sure I was being on time with my assignments and classwork. It's because of them and my family that I have gotten this far. The teachers care about you and your learning experience. I would recommend aiu to anybody because you feel like you are home when you are there.
Review Date: 8/5/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
This school is amazing and I will be continuing my education and obtaining my Bachelors Degree majoring in Juvenile Justice. The professors were very polite and welcoming. Choosing Purdue was a great choice that I don鈥檛 regret making that decision. I will recommend this school to others.
Review Date: 2/18/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
From the advisor Department (Carol too) & The other staff(Amanda) that was absolutely patient with me Ty.With that I uploaded my picture to make my profile more personal & From the Professor S to my peers it was a disaster,I was ignored & given a bad grade!I write & speak to people for a living & I don鈥檛 understand this.I鈥檝e been upset for hours.I watched her interact with everyone except me.If this isn鈥檛 Biased behavior I don鈥檛 know what is..Don鈥檛 think for a second that bias/racism stops behind... Read More
Review Date: 7/12/2021
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
My enrollment at Purdue came at a low point in my life. But because of enrollment and now Graduating, Purdue Global gave me the self confidence I needed to want to continue on with my life. The self worth can not be put in words. The program was easy to understand and the support I received from the Professors and the Student Support is something to be said, like no other. Thanks Purdue for everything! Lovie Carroll
Review Date: 7/21/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I am a 100% rated vet with PTSD and TBI, Grantham university could care less unless its CYA, they are not looking out for vets which means they probably aren't to concerned with active duty. I have been through numerous student advisors who theyre main objective is having their bases covered. I have yet to receive anything from them saying even half way decent job the only time your hear from them is if you fail a class and they start worrying about money.
Review Date: 5/19/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I was previously enrolled in another university before attending Strayer. It was also online and there just wasn't the amount of help and engagement I wanted from a university. Strayer excelled I'm that area. The professors were excellent and always aiming to help you ASAP. The ease of the online campus and getting around was also a plus. I had to sadly withdraw due to work and life but if I could go back to finish my last two years, it would be back to Strayer.
Review Date: 3/12/2026
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I am having issues with financial aid i only have one class left but having difficulty getting funding had to take a few weeks off medical reasons and not they say I have no funds must pay for my final class out of my own pocket. In dont understand this they say I have now more funds available for me. HELP
Review Date: 6/16/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I decided to go with Rasmussen because they are regionally accredited and provide online. They care about you here unlike other colleges I've talked to. Teachers are very easy to get a hold of and are knowledgeable in that field. Also they don't treat you like a student they treat you like family. At least that's how I feel. So far I feel I've made one of the best choices in my life.
Review Date: 7/27/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
This is good for one like me works three jobs and school same time . This is a good school they work with you . It took me 4 years or so to pay them off but I did it. Im retried law enforcement and still in the military part time . As long you pay this school on time your ok.
Review Date: 3/21/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes