Are you inspired to seek more than a desk job? Do you want to serve your community and help people in the criminal justice system who need it most? Would you like to start a rewarding, challenging career with only two years of college? Then one of the cheapest online criminal justice AAS degrees could be right for you.
With this database, you can find the program that fits your specific goals. Whether you have a large budget or need the cheapest program out there, you’ll be able to search through dozens of affordable options. This database includes 73 programs that prepare students for immediate placement in criminal justice careers.
Once complete, students can move into careers in the criminal justice system including police officer, first responder, criminal investigator, corrections officer, and more. (While these programs fulfill formal education requirements, additional on-the-job training may be required.) Students in these programs enjoy some of the best tuition in all of higher education.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost: $11,000
Least Expensive (In-State): Alamance Community College – $5,128
Least Expensive (Nationwide): Highland Community College – $7,740
The 40 Cheapest Online Criminal Justice AAS Programs
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Alamance Community College | (NC) | $5,128.00 $17,416.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
2 | Forsyth Technical Community College | (NC) | $5,196.00 $17,484.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
3 | Montgomery Community College | (NC) | $5,201.00 $18,065.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
4 | Robeson Community College | (NC) | $5,264.00 $17,936.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
5 | Stanly Community College | (NC) | $5,301.00 $17,781.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
6 | Clovis Community College | (NM) | $5,315.00 $9,035.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
7 | Central Carolina Community College | (NC) | $5,336.00 $18,200.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
8 | Guilford Technical Community College | (NC) | $5,385.00 $18,057.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
9 | Davidson-Davie Community College | (NC) | $5,401.00 $18,265.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
10 | Fayetteville Technical Community College | (NC) | $5,430.00 $17,910.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
11 | Rowan-Cabarrus Community College | (NC) | $5,464.00 $18,136.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
12 | Lenoir Community College | (NC) | $5,535.00 $18,783.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
13 | Surry Community College | (NC) | $5,624.00 $18,680.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
14 | Isothermal Community College | (NC) | $5,732.00 $19,172.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
15 | Craven Community College | (NC) | $5,801.00 $18,089.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
16 | Mesa Community College | (AZ) | $5,977.00 $15,493.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
17 | Haywood Community College | (NC) | $5,985.00 $19,809.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
18 | Southwestern Community College - NC | (NC) | $6,276.00 $18,948.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
19 | Yavapai College | (AZ) | $6,283.00 $22,997.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
20 | Central Community College | (NE) | $6,944.00 $9,920.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
21 | Albany Technical College | (GA) | $7,192.00 $13,192.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
22 | Coastal Pines Technical College | (GA) | $7,244.00 $13,244.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
23 | Nash Community College | (NC) | $7,272.00 $21,096.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
24 | Southeast Community College Area | (NE) | $7,381.00 $8,662.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
25 | Ogeechee Technical College | (GA) | $7,580.00 $13,580.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
26 | York County Community College | (ME) | $7,613.00 $13,469.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
27 | Central Maine Community College | (ME) | $7,645.00 $10,573.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
28 | Northeast Community College | (NE) | $7,680.00 $10,260.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
29 | Highland Community College | (KS) | $7,740.00 | All Students |
30 | Central Maine Community College | (ME) | $7,770.00 $10,746.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
31 | Central Texas College | (TX) | $7,800.00 $15,000.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
32 | Southeastern Technical College | (GA) | $7,844.00 $14,144.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
33 | Western Nevada College | (NV) | $7,940.00 $11,405.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
34 | Southern Crescent Technical College | (GA) | $8,130.00 $14,130.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
35 | Hinds Community College | (MS) | $8,200.00 $14,300.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
36 | Arkansas State University-Beebe | (AR) | $8,400.00 $12,900.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
37 | College of Southern Nevada | (NV) | $8,540.00 $12,005.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
38 | Wake Technical Community College | (NC) | $9,344.00 $30,328.00 $9,344.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
39 | Brightpoint Community College | (VA) | $9,877.00 $21,883.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
40 | Bossier Parish Community College | (LA) | $10,418.00 | All Students |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Shoreline Community College | (WA) | $11,063.00 $12,394.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
San Antonio College | (TX) | $11,080.00 | All Students | |
Columbus State Community College | (OH) | $11,276.00 $22,435.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
West Virginia Northern Community College | (WV) | $11,414.00 $32,215.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Tidewater Community College | (VA) | $11,618.00 $23,824.00 $13,052.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military | |
Trident Technical College | (SC) | $12,270.00 $21,498.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
North Central State College | (OH) | $12,489.00 $24,943.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Herkimer County Community College | (NY) | $12,560.00 $13,160.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Hudson Valley Community College | (NY) | $12,728.00 $23,440.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Kentucky Community and Technical College System | (KY) | $13,054.00 | All Students | |
Chemeketa Community College | (OR) | $13,332.00 $29,406.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Northeast Iowa Community College | (IA) | $13,440.00 $15,180.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Des Moines Area Community College | (IA) | $13,760.00 $25,600.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
SUNY College of Technology at Canton | (NY) | $14,140.00 $16,960.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Minnesota State College Southeast | (MN) | $14,297.00 | All Students | |
Volunteer State Community College | (TN) | $14,784.00 $16,440.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Kent State University | (OH) | $15,240.00 $15,840.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Prince George's Community College | (MD) | $15,460.00 $21,580.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Rio Salado College | (AZ) | $15,493.00 $13,785.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Tompkins Cortland Community College | (NY) | $15,646.00 | All Students | |
North Central Missouri College | (MO) | $16,380.00 | All Students | |
Iowa Central Community College | (IA) | $16,500.00 $22,230.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Georgia Military College | (GA) | $16,744.00 | All Students | |
Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College | (SC) | $16,896.00 | All Students | |
Community College of Denver | (CO) | $17,804.00 $27,146.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Austin Community College District | (TX) | $18,240.00 $22,260.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Lehigh Carbon Community College | (PA) | $18,600.00 $26,640.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Midlands Technical College | (SC) | $20,406.00 $40,804.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Montgomery College | (MD) | $20,796.00 $28,500.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Bethel University - TN | (TN) | $21,050.00 $16,850.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Northampton County Area Community College | (PA) | $21,995.00 $29,495.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Thomas Edison State University | (NJ) | $25,438.00 $32,998.00 $15,298.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military | |
Baker College | (MI) | $26,800.00 $15,700.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
Methodology for Rankings of the Cheapest Online Criminal Justice AAS Programs
These rankings of online job-ready associate degree in criminal justice programs are based on our spring 2024 review of degrees. In order to calculate the total cost, we use a variety of factors including minimum required credit hours, tuition rates, and general fees. At the time of collection, the information was valid and specific to the individual program. Profiles for the same degrees found in the directory on our site may, on occasion, reflect a different cost based on editorial update schedules.
The published cost is an estimated total price for the entire degree, but actual costs will vary by student. For example, if you have transfer credits, your cost may be lower. Prerequisite courses, textbook fees, licensing requirements, financial aid, and numerous other factors can impact the price of an affordable AAS criminal justice online degree.
We strive to create the most honest, accurate ranking system possible. Therefore, we do not accept payments from schools to be included or removed from our rankings. The rankings are open to any regionally-accredited public or nonprofit college or university that offers an online criminal justice degree. We do not include degrees from non-accredited, nationally-accredited, or for-profit schools in our rankings. We also exclude from our rankings degrees that are available less than 80% online and those that are only available to students in five states or fewer.
Program Note: In order to qualify for a ranking, the associate degree in criminal justice program must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table. Degrees labeled with superscript 14 indicate that options for this program have changed since publication.
Why Choose One of the Cheapest Online Criminal Justice AAS Degrees?
To be successful in criminal justice, you need to be passionate and genuinely interested in helping people. Here are some of the main reasons people choose to complete these online criminal justice programs:
- Join professional ranks in two years: In just four semesters, you can complete an associate degree and be fully prepared to work in the criminal justice system.
- Make a difference in your community: Police officers and other law enforcement professionals are some of the most important people in our community. With one of these degrees, you’ll have a chance to make a significant difference every day.
- Strong benefits, pay, and job stability: We certainly can’t say that a career in criminal justice will be stress-free, but you’ll work in an industry that brings strong incomes and benefits while offering numerous opportunities in all regions.
Associate Degree in Criminal Justice: Online Program Cost
This database consists of 73 online criminal justice degrees from 72 different schools. With such a large selection, there is also a wide range of estimated costs. The programs range from just over $5,000 to more than $26,000, so aspiring criminal justice majors should have little trouble finding the program that fits their needs and budget.
The most affordable program comes from Alamance Community College in North Carolina. The Associate in Applied Science in Criminal Justice Technology has an estimated cost of $5,128 for in-state students, although out-of-state students pay over $17,000. If you simply look at in-state prices, there are 39 programs below $10,000 and 17 programs below $6,000.
The average cost in this database is $11,000. Assuming a two-year track, the typical student will pay roughly $5,500 per year to complete the degree.
Although associate programs have a well-earned reputation for affordability, the cost can go much higher. 13 programs are priced above $16,000; six of these programs cost more than $20,000. Two are over $25,000. The most expensive is the Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice from Baker College, which costs $26,800 for in- and out-of-state students.
Total cost will change depending on the school, program, transfer credits, and other factors. Overall, the most affordable AAS criminal justice online will come from in-state community colleges. If you need the cheapest price, start with these schools.
Who Offers the Cheapest Online Criminal Justice AAS Degree?
With 73 programs in this database, students have plenty of options. But if you need the cheapest online criminal justice AAS, these three programs offer the lowest prices to in-state students. All are part of the extensive North Carolina community college system. We’ll also look at a fourth option, which offers the same price to all students regardless of location, making it the cheapest option for out-of-state online students.
#1. Alamance Community College
Degree: Associate in Applied Science in Criminal Justice Technology
Cost: $5,128 (In-state, North Carolina)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Alamance Community College provides the lowest price for an associate degree in criminal justice. With a price of only $5,128, this program allows students to become criminal justice professionals without a major tuition bill. Students learn about the role of criminal justice within a society, and learn investigative principles, constitutional law, juvenile justice, and more.
Students in this program learn from a well-established online institution. The school offers online degrees in various subjects, including education, criminal justice, business technology, and information technology.
#2. Forsyth Technical Community College
Degree: Associate in Applied Science in Criminal Justice Technology
Cost: $5,196 (In-state, North Carolina)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
If you want to learn about forensic science, criminal investigation, and law enforcement, all at an affordable price, this associate degree program provides a wonderful opportunity. The program features coursework in criminal thinking, evidence collection, courtroom process, and other subjects that create the foundation for a career in law enforcement and the criminal justice system.
The school is known for affordable in-state prices on high-quality degrees, although out-of-state students pay over $17,000 for the program. The school has a thriving online presence, with thorough support for students from all walks of life.
#3. Montgomery Community College
Degree: Associate in Applied Science in Criminal Justice Technology
Cost: $5,201 (In-state, North Carolina)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
With a committed faculty and supportive online learning environment, Montgomery Community College in Maryland helps shape the next generation of criminal justice professionals. This associate degree prepares graduates for criminal justice work in numerous areas, including federal, state, and local levels.
Montgomery Community College makes online learning affordable, convenient, and accessible. Students in online courses receive support with online counseling, advising, and library resources. Online students also have access to tutoring from leading education professionals.
Special Note: Highland Community College (Most Affordable Out-of-State)
Degree: Associate in Applied Science in Criminal Justice
Cost: $7,740 (All students)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
If you need an affordable price for an associate degree in criminal justice but can’t find a great option in your state, this may be the ideal online criminal justice AAS. This program from Highland Community College is 100% online and available for less than $8,000, making it the perfect choice for students on a budget.
The associate degree in criminal justice program leads to career opportunities in numerous areas, including federal law enforcement, juvenile delinquency programs, and private security firms. It allows for a seamless transition into the workforce, creating an ideal option for students who want to begin their criminal justice career as soon as possible.
Criminal Justice Degree Program Types
Other databases on our website include a diverse array of degree types. You may find associate of arts degrees next to associate of science degrees. There could be various concentrations, as well as unique tracks for job specializations or continued education.
This database of online programs is more focused. It consists almost exclusively of associate of applied science programs, which are the typical platform for job-ready associate degrees. While there are a few different specializations, all the associate degree programs emphasize criminal justice skills.
An associate of applied science is a two-year program that focuses on career preparation. With one of these degrees, you can enter the workforce right away, although criminal justice careers often have additional training requirements. Usually, they include fewer general education classes and instead have more technical and career-specific coursework. Instead of taking “Western Civilizations,” for instance, you may take “Practicum in Criminal Justice.” There will be fewer humanities and fine arts courses in these programs as well.
This type of associate degree is common in technical and scientific careers. Accounting, technology, and healthcare professionals are some other fields where professionals often hold AAS degrees.
While less expansive than other databases, there are still two specializations that you may consider:
- Administration of Justice
- Criminal Justice Technology
Accreditation for Criminal Justice Associate Programs
Although an AAS in criminal justice is one of the most affordable options in higher education, you still expect value, quality, and consistency from your education. How can you be certain that your associate degree will meet a high standard? One of the ways is to look for accreditation.
Accreditation is a process of verifying degrees for academic quality. Independent bodies, which have been approved by the U.S. Department of Education, complete accreditation reviews, providing greater reassurance to students and education professionals.
The most common type of accreditation is regional institutional accreditation. This form covers the entire school. To receive institutional accreditation, schools need to meet a high standard for classwork, faculty, graduate success, and other benchmarks. This type of accreditation is issued by regional groups, so it’s often referred to as “regional” accreditation.
All the online programs in this database come from schools that have regional institutional accreditation. This is one of the primary requirements for inclusion on our rankings of associate degree programs.
Admissions Requirements for an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice
An associate degree is considered the entry point to college education. While each school has its own unique requirements, different associate degree programs have different admission standards for prospective students. Most applicants with a decent academic background will be able to enroll in a criminal justice AAS program.
The most fundamental requirement for admission to an associate degree is a high school diploma or equivalency. While you can apply before graduating, you will likely need to complete your high school diploma and provide official high school transcripts before taking the first course, although some community colleges do have robust dual-enrollment programs for current high schoolers.
To complete the application process, you must submit various documents, starting with your official high school transcripts. If you have college experience, you’ll need to submit transcripts from these courses as well.
Some community colleges may request placement testing. Essentially, you will have to complete a test to gauge your proficiency with certain subjects, which will then be used to determine which classes you should take. These are rarely used for admission decisions, merely to decide which classes you should take. (For example, the test may determine if you need introductory math classes or if you’re ready for advanced algebra.)
If you have a decent academic background, you should easily find an affordable AAS criminal justice online that accepts your application.
Licensing, Training, or Experience Requirements for Criminal Justice Careers
While these online associate degree programs fulfill educational requirements for numerous criminal justice positions, there may be additional training or experience requirements. Here are some of the basic requirements for typical criminal justice careers:
Police Officer
Police departments require officers to complete a police academy, which includes classroom instruction on criminal laws, civil rights, and police ethics. Recruits in these programs also receive training in patrol, self-defense, weaponry, first aid, and emergency response.
Correctional Officer
Correctional officers, who guard people in jails and prisons, often complete state certification in public safety, corrections, and the judicial process. Training requirements vary by state, but most complete training in self-defense, regulations, and security.
Criminal Justice Salary and Career Information
Occupation | Expected Growth | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Police and Detectives | 3% | $69,160 |
| Probation Officers | 3% | $59,860 |
| Correctional Officers | -7% | $49,610 |
| Private Investigators | 6% | $49,540 |
| All Occupations | 3% | $46,310 |
To thrive in a law enforcement career, you need to have motivations beyond mere salary. However, you can expect a strong income in this profession. Police officers, for example, have a median salary of $69,160 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, while the top 10% earn over $117,100 annually.
Criminal justice is a strong sector with excellent job security. There are over 808,000 police and detectives in the U.S., and this number will grow by 3% between 2022 and 2032, resulting in actual job growth of more than 832,000 jobs.
This is an important career field, and while it brings challenges, those who pursue careers in it can anticipate a good lifestyle with strong pay, reliable stability, and excellent benefits. Officers can seek further education for promotions into criminal investigation work or positions in police administration
How Do I Choose a Program to Work in the Criminal Justice System?
With support from GetEducated.com, you can find an affordable AAS criminal justice online that fits your unique needs. These degrees help you become an essential contributor to your local community and can lead to an engaging and interesting career in law enforcement or criminal justice administration.
To find the right online associate degree programs, start by using this database for reliable cost information. You can find detailed estimates on both in- and out-of-state degrees. All the programs come from accredited organizations, creating even greater reliability.If any degrees seem interesting, review the program for class schedule and delivery method. All the programs in this database are at least 80% online; many are 100%. However, there may be in-person requirements, so you need to review classes before enrolling.
If you need more information, the resources from GetEducated.com are available whenever you need them!