Looking for a world-class degree in a fascinating subject? The cheapest online forensic science degree may be the right choice for your future!
Forensic science is the discipline of solving crimes. Also known as crime science or crime scene investigation, this discipline seeks to use evidence and science-backed principles to solve and reduce criminal behavior. These degrees lead to exciting careers in some of the most fascinating areas. Graduates can go on to solve crimes or recommend enforcement methods that result in crime deterrence and prevention. From police officers to policymakers to forensic scientists, there are many paths for graduates of these programs.
This database includes 18 degrees from 17 accredited colleges and universities. The programs have prices ranging from less than $25,000 to over $117,000, In this article, we will examine some pricing highlights for these forensic degrees online.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost: $51,100
Least Expensive (In-State): Florida International University – $25,498
Least Expensive (Nationwide): SUNY College of Technology at Canton – $33,920
The 9 Cheapest Online Forensic Science Degree Programs
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Florida International University | (FL) | $25,498.00 $75,094.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
2 | Weber State University | (UT) | $25,563.00 $34,920.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
3 | SUNY College of Technology at Canton | (NY) | $28,280.00 $33,920.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
4 | Champlain College | (VT) | $40,350.00 $30,150.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
5 | Glenville State University | (WV) | $41,192.00 $37,678.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
6 | Bay Path University | (MA) | $49,200.00 $42,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
7 | Liberty University | (VA) | $49,292.00 $30,100.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
8 | Columbia College - SC | (SC) | $50,400.00 | All Students |
9 | Saint Leo University | (FL) | $50,940.00 $31,600.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The University of Tennessee - Martin | (TN) | $52,080.00 $56,640.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Regent University | (VA) | $53,000.00 | All Students | |
Truett McConnell University | (GA) | $54,729.00 | All Students | |
Wayland Baptist University | (TX) | $56,669.00 $32,613.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Tiffin University | (OH) | $59,200.00 $31,600.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Utica University | (NY) | $59,855.00 | All Students | |
University of Colorado - Colorado Springs | (CO) | $64,736.00 $74,556.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
University of Providence | (MT) | $117,450.00 $30,090.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
Methodology for the Rankings of the Cheapest Online Forensic Science Degree Programs
These rankings of online forensic science bachelor’s 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 forensic science degree online, 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 online forensic science 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 forensic science degree. We do not include degrees from non-accredited, nationally-accredited, or for-profit schools in our rankings. We also exclude from our rankings online bachelor 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 online forensic science 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 Forensic Science Degree Programs?
Thinking about an online forensics degree? Here are some of the top reasons to enroll in these programs:
- Fascinating work: There’s a reason for all the crime scene investigation movies, shows, and podcasts. While reality is different from entertainment, this is a fascinating subject.
- Important contributions to solving crime: With one of these online forensic science bachelor degrees, you’ll help solve crimes and keep communities safe.
- Skills needed in many sectors: Graduates don’t just work for government agencies. Private companies also need investigation professionals, making this a versatile career choice.
- Good pay and career stability: The salaries and job stability for criminal investigators and forensic scientists can be excellent. (See “Salary and Career Information for Forensic Science Careers” below.)
- Bachelor’s needed for advancement: Many law enforcement occupations do not require a bachelor’s degree. However, to work as a game warden or detective with a federal agency, you’ll likely need a bachelor’s degree, making these programs all the more attractive.
Forensic Science: Program Cost
All aspiring forensic scientists, regardless of their income, need to research the cost of these programs and find a degree that works for their budget. With this database, you can find clear, reliable estimated costs, allowing you to make the best possible decision.
The average price in this database is $51,100. This is a large sum, but most bachelor programs are completed over the course of four years, encompassing eight total semesters. This means the average annual cost is about $12,775, while the typical per-semester bill is roughly $6,388.
Out of 21 forensic science programs in this database, 9 are priced below the average. This includes six degrees with estimated costs below $42,000 and three with prices below $30,000. For all students (in-state and out-of-state), there are two programs with costs between $33,000 and $35,000.
Cost can climb quickly with certain programs. Two of thse forensic science programs have estimated costs over $100,000. The most expensive is the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice / Forensic Investigation from the University of Providence, which has a total price of $117,450.
College can be expensive, but with transfer credits and financial support the cost of a bachelor’s degree can be much more affordable.
Who Offers the Most Affordable Forensic Science Degrees?
With a range of forensic science degrees in this database, students can be selective and choose the program that best suits their needs. If you are looking for an affordable price, here are the three cheapest online forensic science degree programs from leading accredited colleges and universities.
#1. Florida International University
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Crime Science
Cost: $25,498 (In-state, Florida)
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
With an in-state cost below $25,500, this is the most affordable online forensics degree you can find, as long as you live in Florida. Out-of-state students, unfortunately, pay over $75,000 for the bachelor’s degree, which is roughly $23,000 above the database average.
Whether you are an in- or out-of-state learner, you’ll receive a high-quality education in crime science and forensics. Students learn about the complexities of crime, as well as the best practices for prevention and the top methods for controlling criminal behavior. In addition to core curriculum (a standard for all bachelor degrees), students complete coursework in crime mapping, forensic science, forensic evidence collection, cybersecurity, crime scene investigation, and more.
Florida International University has been offering online education for decades. The school uses an innovative platform that offers numerous degrees, which are available completely online.
#2. Weber State University
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice / Crime Science Investigation
Cost: $25,563 (In-state, Utah)
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Weber State University, located in Utah, gives both in- and out-of-state residents the chance to become a forensic scientist at an affordable price. The cost for Utah residents is $25,563, only about $70 more than the cheapest online forensic science degree. Also, the out-of-state cost is less than $35,000, roughly $17,000 less than the database average.
This program emphasizes the important skills required to work in evidence collection, documentation, and preservation. Graduates are prepared for work as crime scene investigators, field evidence technicians, forensic lab workers, and more. From fingerprint analysis to understanding constitutional rights, students become well-rounded law enforcement and crime scene investigation professionals.
Weber State has an innovative learning platform dedicated to emerging technologies and the practice of teaching. There is also a full support system that provides technical and educational guidance.
#3. SUNY College of Technology at Canton
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Crime Analysis
Cost: $28,280 (In-state, New York)
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
While the cost for New York residents is $28,280, the out-of-state cost is still only $33,920, making this the most affordable bachelor’s degree for anyone not living in Florida or Utah. (Assuming you are not a military veteran, who can find even lower costs.)
This course is dedicated to data analytics and geographic information, using these disciplines as tools to prevent and reduce criminal behavior while solving cases. For the most part, students are trained to identify crime problems and formulate actionable prevention strategies.
SUNY (State University of New York) Canton has created over 450 online courses delivered through 23 degrees. Each course was developed using established practices for teaching and online learning, and all courses are also reviewed by faculty peers to ensure quality.
Online Forensic Science Degrees: Program Types
Cost is important, but you should also consider the bachelor’s degree program type and concentration to ensure you complete the right education for your future.
One of the most important aspects is the type of degree. In this database, you’ll find bachelor of arts and bachelor of science online programs. While they share parallels, there are important differences as well. In general, a bachelor of arts is a broad, well-rounded education that focuses on the theory and philosophy of crime and forensic science. Students may complete coursework in cultural perspectives, literature, economics, government, religion, and history, in addition to coursework related to forensic science.
A bachelor of science degree, on the other hand, is more focused on the specific scientific aspects of the discipline. It will train students in the collection and organization of evidence, and it will also keep a deep focus on forensic science and crime scene investigation. Core curriculum and general studies will be required, but these programs are more direct and narrow, while a bachelor of arts is broad and diverse.
When selecting from the most affordable online forensic science degrees, you can also select concentrations that include:
- Crime science investigations
- Criminalistics
- Computer forensics
- Digital forensics
- Economic crime investigations
- Field forensics
- Financial investigations
- Forensic investigations
- Fraud prevention
- Incident response
Accreditation for Online Forensic Science Programs
With an average price of $51,900, online forensic science programs require a large investment. They also require plenty of time and energy. How can you be certain that the forensics degree online will meet your needs for academic quality? Firstly, you can start by making sure the program comes from an accredited institution.
Schools receive accreditation from independent groups that review colleges and universities. In detail, they inspect coursework, graduate success, faculty credentials, and other factors that indicate a quality school. If the college meets exact standards, then it becomes accredited.
Most accreditation is granted by regional groups such as the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Degrees can also be accredited by program-specific bodies, although this is less common with forensic science degrees. Many degrees do not have programmatic accreditation. As long as the degree comes from a school that has regional institutional accreditation, it will meet a high standard for academic quality and educational consistency.
Forensic Science Bachelor Degree: Typical Admission Requirements
As online bachelor degrees, these programs have fairly light requirements, at least when compared to an advanced degree like a master’s. For many online forensic science degrees, the only significant requirement is a high school diploma or GED. However, some may require specific coursework, especially science classes. For instance, the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice / Criminalistics from Saint Leo University requires specific high school coursework, including four years of English, three years of mathematics, two years of science, and two years of foreign language with a C average.
To enroll in a forensic science degree online, you’ll need to submit official high school transcripts, standardized test scores, and also a complete application. Each school is different, so once you decide on a forensics degree online, you can easily contact the admissions office or review their online admissions policy.
Licensing, Training, or Experience Requirements
Many law enforcement careers require, or can be enhanced by, licenses and certifications. Additionally, some have training or experience requirements, which you must complete before you can solve crimes on your own.
Forensic science technicians, for instance, need on-the-job training before they can work on cases unaided. Usually, a new forensic science technician will work under the supervision of an experienced investigator for less than a year. Employers, including government bodies and private companies, may request proficiency exams as well.
Detectives have similar requirements. These investigators, like other police officers, must complete academy training in addition to criminal investigation and forensic education.
Forensic science experts working for the private sector may need licensing or certification depending on the state and the employer. Some states, for instance, require licensing for insurance investigators, while many employers only hire certified specialists.
With so many options, it’s hard to determine whether licensing will be needed. However, graduates can assume that licensing, training, certification, or experience (or a combination) will be needed before they can become an investigator or forensic professional.
Salary and Career Information for Forensic Science
Occupation | Minimum Education | Expected Growth (2022-2032) | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Information Security Analyst | Bachelor | 32% | $112,000 |
| Examiner or Investigator | High School | -3% | $73,230 |
| Police Officer or Detective | Varies (High School to Bachelor) | 3% | $69,160 |
| Forensic Science Technician | Bachelor | 13% | $63,740 |
| Private Investigator | High School | 6% | $52,120 |
| All Occupations | N/A | 3% | $46,310 |
There are plenty of potential careers for graduates of these online forensic science degrees, and many bring excellent salaries supported by a stable industry. Forensic science technicians are a great example. The median salary for this career is $63,740, which is roughly $17,000 more than the median for all occupations.
A particularly attractive career is that of information security analyst. This career has a median salary of $112,000 while the top 10% earn over $174,000. Overall, the expected growth rate for this profession is 32%, more than 10 times the national growth rate. Online programs, such as the Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity from Bay Path University or the Bachelor of Science in Computer Forensics & Digital Investigations from Champlain College, are particularly clear paths to this excellent career.
Employment for forensic experts seems to be evenly distributed, in general, across the country. In fact, this is a pattern with most law enforcement careers. The state with the highest concentration of forensic science technicians is Arizona, which has 0.28 technicians per 1,000 jobs. Second goes to Nevada and New Mexico, which have 0.22 per 1,000.
With an online forensic science bachelor degree, graduates are on the path to strong salaries, a stable career, and some of the most interesting work in the entire job market.
How Do I Choose a Good Online Forensic Science Program?
With so many online forensic science degrees, making the right choice can seem difficult. But with diligent preparation and a specific process, you can quickly find the best program for your future.
Start by researching all programs for cost and make sure they fit your budget. Once you have identified a few programs that work for your financial needs, you can research the delivery methods, including online or hybrid learning. Different programs have flexible attendance or required hours, so research the schedule as well.
Fortunately, you can utilize the simple, easy-to-use resources from GetEducated.com to make the best choice for your future!