Affordable Criminal Justice Degrees Online 2025 (Low-Cost Options)

If you are planning to enroll in an online criminal justice administration degree program, you should always consider costs and other financial obligations to understand whether you can afford the program or not. In addition to saving you money on relocation and/or commuting costs, online study can make the cost of a degree program more affordable. In addition, you should also take into account tuition rates, financial aid options, and other factors.

If you are interested in saving money while earning your degree, then, read on to learn about the acceptance rates, costs, and which schools provide the best value for the money. Let’s get started. 

Introduction to Criminal Justice Administration Studies

What exactly are criminal justice studies? A criminal justice degree focuses on law enforcement, the judicial system, juvenile justice, prisons, and criminal law. It is possible to pursue a range of careers in this field, including those related to administration, crime prevention, law enforcement, and defending civil liberties. Your career options may include working in national security at the state or federal level, or promoting the public interest.

Through Criminal Justice Administration, students gain a deeper understanding of the legal system, criminal behavior, policing strategies, case management, and correctional policies. As part of the curriculum, topics such as criminology, public administration, sociology, and law are taught with theoretical foundations and practical applications. Those who earn degrees in this field are prepared to pursue careers in police departments, courts, correctional facilities, homeland security, and other related governmental or nonprofit organizations. 

Who Should Get a Criminal Justice Administration Degree?

A degree in criminal justice administration is best for those individuals who are eager to work in law and ensure the safety and justice in society. How can they do that? Well, system consists of the following:

• Police departments 
• Court systems 
• Correctional facilities 
• Federal agencies (Homeland Security, FBI, Emergency Management)

By working in the administrative role, you can not only help others but also make rules and changes to the current system, which can ensure the benefit of the whole society. Other than that, those who are already working in criminal justice organizations and want to further advance in their career to administrative leadership can pursue a criminal justice administration online degree. Further, the ideal candidates who have

• Strong ethical values, 
• Communication skills, and 
• Interest in public service
• Critical thinking, 
• Conflict resolution, and 
• Decision-making skills needed for high-stakes,

These individuals benefit from the criminal justice administration degree programs. Ultimately, anyone who wants to make a meaningful impact on community safety, criminal reform, and justice policy should consider this degree for their career path.

Affordable Criminal Administration Degree Programs (Online/on-campus Options)

Let’s look at some of the most affordable criminal justice administration degree options in the country:

Associate Degrees  

1. University of Phoenix

A criminal justice associate’s degree at University of Phoenix will provide you with a thorough understanding of criminal justice and corrections. Develop skills that will prepare you to pursue a career in the criminal justice system. Learn about various agencies at the federal, state, and local levels that can help you protect and support your community. 

The best part of all? As a student of criminal justice, you will benefit from the expertise of experienced faculty, including correction officers, parole officers, probation officers, lawyers, judges, chiefs of police, detectives, and administrators, all of whom are willing to share their knowledge with you. In addition, all of the courses in this degree are 100% online, lasting only five weeks, so you will be able to build the leadership skills you need, on your own timetable.

• Program: AS in Criminal Justice
• Cost: $9,480 per year
• Acceptance rate: 100%

2. Miami Dade College

The Associate of Arts degree program in Criminal Justice Administration at Miami Dade College will prepare you for entry-level positions in non-sworn, local, state, and federal agencies as well as the private sector. In addition, you will gain a solid foundation of knowledge that will facilitate your pursuit of higher education. Aside from law and criminal justice coursework, this program offers courses in history, sociology, and political science. Both pre-law students and criminal justice students will find this program to be of interest.

• Program: AA in Criminal Justice
• Cost: $7,093.20 total cost
• Acceptance rate: 100%

3. Valencia College

Valencia University’s Criminal Justice AS degree program provides students with a broad understanding of the history, principles, organization, management, and operations of criminal justice systems on a local, national, and international scale. Upon completion of this program, students will be prepared to work in criminal justice fields such as law enforcement, corrections, private security, and industry security. The program is also beneficial for professionals who wish to enhance their career opportunities or receive incentive benefits. Furthermore, this program may serve as a starting point for a career in law or public service.

• Program link: AS in Criminal Justice
• Cost: $6,000 total cost 
• Acceptance rate: 100%

4. Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech’s Criminal Justice program allows you to make a tangible impact on your community while studying and working in the field. A student may choose from the following areas of study that are most aligned with their goals:

• Police and law enforcement
• Probation and corrections
• Court services
• Public, private & business security
• Investigations, cyber security, and forensics
• Youth Services

The criminal justice field offers many career opportunities, so whether you wish to advocate for domestic violence victims or work in a police department, there will be a career path for you. With Ivy Tech’s Criminal Justice program, you can continue your education or pursue a career, depending on what program you choose.

• Program link: AAS in Criminal Justice
• Cost: $10,703 total cost
• Acceptance rate: 100%

5. Allen County Community College

With Allen’s associate degree in criminal justice, students are prepared to transfer to a university or attend an academy by providing a solid foundation in criminal justice and related social sciences. As a result of earning a degree, students may choose to pursue a career as a police officer, a private security officer, or work as an administrator of the law enforcement and corrections facilities. There are a number of outcomes for this program including the ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with diverse populations and to demonstrate ethics, integrity, teamwork, and professionalism. 

• Program link: AS in Criminal Justice Studies 
• Cost: $5,700 total cost
• Acceptance rate: 100%

Bachelor Degrees 

1. Franklin University 

With Franklin University’s BS in criminal justice online degree program, you can keep up with the changing requirements of this exciting and growing field. If you want to move into the field of criminal justice administration or advance your current position, Franklin can help you get there. Their online program will prepare you for maintaining social order by providing you with knowledge about law enforcement, corrections, probation, parole, juvenile justice, delinquency, and juvenile corrections, criminology theory, crime control, and administration of the criminal justice system.

• Program link: BS in Criminal Justice
• Cost: $12,338 per year
• Acceptance rate: 100%

2. Strayer University

Strayer’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration program teaches you the skills of communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking that can be used to detect and deter criminal behavior. The Strayer university course catalog offers courses such as Crime Prevention Strategies, Comparative Criminal Justice, and Advanced Law Enforcement, which give you a deep understanding of crime prevention, identification, detection, and punishment.

• Program link: BS in Criminal Justice Administration
• Cost: $61,000 total cost
• Acceptance rate: 100%

3. Devry University

The BS in Criminal Justice Administration at Devry University teaches you to understand crime and pursue justice using a multidisciplinary approach. Devry online courses include subjects such as criminal law and criminal investigation, ethics, and terrorism investigation. You’ll have the opportunity to learn from experienced instructors and under their guidance you will develop necessary skills to tackle tough situations related to crime. 

• Program link: BS in Criminal Justice
• Cost: $17,088 total cost
• Acceptance rate: 46%

4. Columbia Southern University

The online Bachelor of Science in criminal justice administration program offered by Columbia Southern University is suitable for both entry-level and experienced professionals seeking careers in criminal justice administration. Students in this degree program gain theoretical and practical knowledge, skills, and practices related to the administration of criminal justice. Students enrolled in this program will be equipped with the knowledge and skills required to make rational decisions and respond to the daily challenges they will face in law enforcement, courts, and corrections. In this program, graduates are encouraged to remain actively engaged in service to law enforcement, courts, and corrections initiatives, while enhancing their professional development.

• Program link: BS in Criminal Justice Administration
• Cost: $32,400 total cost
• Acceptance rate: 100%

5. California State University, Dominguez Hills

California State University’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration provides students with a high quality education that enables them to evaluate policing, courts, and corrections research and policy. This curriculum prepares students to work in a multitude of fields, including community service, justice and civic engagement, governance and ethical leadership fields. Students in the Department of Public Administration & Public Policy are required to complete two lower division courses, a set of upper division core courses common to all Criminal Justice Administration students, and four elective courses.

• Program link: BS in Criminal Justice Administration
• Cost: $7,622 per year
• Acceptance rate: 88%

Master Degrees 

1. University of Massachusetts Lowell

There are over 18,000 students enrolled at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, a public research university. Several online programs are offered by UML, including a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Administration.  There are classes in a lot of subjects in this program. To graduate, students have to take 11 courses. In addition to classes on domestic terrorism and violent extremism, there are classes on threat assessment and risk management, as well as child maltreatment response. The minimum requirements for admission are a bachelor’s degree, two letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. The application process does not require GRE scores.

• Program link: MA in Criminal Justice
• Cost: $14,590 total cost
• Acceptance rate: 86%

2. Liberty University

The online master’s degree in criminal justice degree program in public administration offered by LU can assist you in developing strong leadership and management skills. The MSCJ online program is designed to provide you with a well-rounded education that will prepare you to enter the workforce with confidence. Those who have worked in criminal justice for a number of years and want to move into management should consider this degree. With LU’s Criminal Justice Master’s degree online, you can develop the skills and credentials you require in this field. You can complete this degree almost entirely online while maintaining your career, family, and community connections. A MSCJ in Public Administration can help you further your career goals while keeping your current responsibilities and passions.

• Program link: MS in Criminal Justice – Public Administration
• Cost: $20,340 total cost
• Acceptance rate: 99%

3. Tiffin University

Students interested in entering leadership roles within the criminal justice industry are recommended to pursue a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration degree. The program covers human resources management, justice administration issues of today, legal and ethical challenges, strategies for managing human resources, building training programs, and more. This program is designed for law enforcement officers and police executives who want to advance in their careers through continuing education. Students are taught by faculty who have extensive experience in the criminal justice field.

• Program link: MS in Criminal Justice Administration
• Cost: $22,500 total cost
• Acceptance rate: 83%

4. Florida International University

FIU is one of the largest public universities in the United States, enrolling over 55,000 students every year. The Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Florida International University offers an online Master of Science in Criminal Justice. There are 12 courses in the program. It is required that students study Policy Analysis in Criminal Justice, Transnational Crime and National Security, and Data Analysis in Criminal Justice. It is possible for students to take electives related to criminal justice as well.

• Program link: MS in Criminal Justice
• Cost: $19,578 total cost
• Acceptance rate: 86%

5. Bowling Green State University

Bowling Green State University offers a Master of Science in Criminal Justice online program from its campus in Bowling Green, Ohio. There are 11 courses in BGSU’s MS in Criminal Science, which are taught over the course of seven weeks. An MSCJ can be completed in less than two years if a student takes one course every seven weeks. Students in the program will take classes like Criminal Justice Processes and Institutions, Data Analysis & Interpretation, and the Organization & Management of Justice. Both working professionals and people who want to become doctors can benefit from the program. 

• Program link: MS in Criminal Justice
• Cost: $15,612 total cost
• Acceptance rate: 79%

What Do You Need to Enroll in a Criminal Administration Degree Program?

To enroll in a Criminal Justice Administration degree program, you’ll typically need a high school diploma or equivalent (like a GED). Some universities may ask for standardized test scores, such as the SAT or ACT, though this varies by institution. For instance, National University requires applicants to complete at least 180 quarter units, including general education and upper-division courses, for their Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration program. Many programs also request a personal statement explaining your interest in criminal justice, and some may ask for letters of recommendation. If English isn’t your first language, you might need to take an English proficiency test like the TOEFL or IELTS.​

It’s also important to note that some programs may require a background check, especially if they include internships or fieldwork in law enforcement settings.​ Before applying, check the specific requirements of the university you’re interested in, as they can vary. Most applications are submitted online through the school’s website.

Jobs That Require a Criminal Justice Administration Degree

Here are some popular criminal justice administration degree jobs you can pursue. 

 

Job Title	Description
Police Officer	Protects communities, responds to emergencies, and enforces laws.
Probation Officer	Works with people who are on probation instead of serving jail time.
Corrections Officer	Supervises inmates in prisons or jails and keeps order.
Court Clerk	Manages court documents and helps judges and lawyers during court sessions.
Paralegal	Assists lawyers with legal research and preparing documents for court cases.
Crime Analyst	Studies crime data to help police departments solve and prevent crimes.
Juvenile Caseworker	Supports young people involved in the justice system with counseling and rehab.
Law Enforcement Manager	Supervises teams of police officers or public safety workers.
Border Patrol Agent	Protects borders and checks people entering the country.

 

How Long Does It Take to Complete the Degree?

A criminal justice administration degree usually takes about four years to complete if you study full-time. If you choose an associate degree, it can be completed in two years. Some people finish faster with online programs or part-time options, depending on their schedule and course load.

Conclusion 

A criminal justice administration degree opens the door to many rewarding careers in law, safety, and public service. With flexible options and simple entry requirements, it’s a great path for those who want to make a real difference in their community and work in a respected professional field.