Most Popular Online Criminal Justice Associate Degrees 2025
Our list of popular online criminal justice associate degree programs are based on the number of graduates per program, signaling institutional strength, student trust, and online infrastructure. We also spoke with legal experts who shared how these degrees can lead to hands-on experience, upward mobility, and faster entry into the justice system.
Key Takeaways:
- The University of Phoenix ranks #1 for popularity, with 482 graduates last year earning an online associate of arts in criminal justice.
- Columbia Southern University claims the top spot for median graduate earnings in this field at $56,207, placing it in the top 1% nationally.
For details about our selection process, visit our methodology page.
Most Popular Online Criminal Justice Associate Degrees 2025
Rank | School | Graduates | Annual Tuition | Median Salary | Recommendation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
University of Phoenix | 482 | $11,940 | $42,054 | 80% | |
Southern New Hampshire University Online | 449 | $9,900 | $61,744 | 69% | |
American Public University System | 125 | $10,500 | $46,482 | 79% | |
Columbia Southern University | 98 | $8,100 | $62,396 | 79% | |
Georgia Military College | 65 | $5,070 | N/A | N/A | |
Ocean County College | 62 | $8,250 | $46,885 | 100% | |
Bucks County Community College | 61 | $14,850 | $50,544 | N/A | |
Liberty University | 59 | $11,700 | $46,657 | 75% | |
Bryant & Stratton College Online | 59 | $20,160 | $35,000 | 63% | |
Austin Community College District | 57 | $10,590 | $42,478 | 60% | |
Rowan College at Burlington County | 48 | $7,065 | $49,134 | 100% | |
Berkeley College | 35 | $27,900 | $48,404 | N/A | |
Central Community College | 35 | $4,320 | N/A | 100% | |
Lansing Community College | 34 | $10,800 | $58,809 | 71% | |
Purdue Global | 1 | $11,130 | $43,411 | 74% |
Most Popular Online Criminal Justice Associate Degrees in 2025: A Data-Driven Guide for Aspiring Professionals
With criminal justice careers spanning everything from law enforcement to forensics to homeland security, an online associate degree can offer a crucial first step into the field. Our ranking highlights the 15 most popular online criminal justice associate degrees based on the number of successful program graduates, one of the clearest indicators of program scale, structure, and student follow-through.
These online schools combine popularity with distinctive academic features, high online enrollment, and (in many cases) above-average earnings outcomes for graduates. We want to dive into all of these metrics to get a better look at our top 15 choices for popularity.
Below our analysis, we also discuss the impact of this program with professionals in the field with industry experience.
Why Graduate Volume Matters in Criminal Justice
In a field as practical and people-focused as criminal justice, graduate volume shows that students are finding support, flexibility, and value strong enough to finish what they started. They also tend to build stronger alumni networks, attract more institutional investment, and offer greater opportunities for peer collaboration.
For example:
The University of Phoenix leads with 482 graduates, followed closely by Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) with 449 — figures that reflect mature, well-resourced online infrastructures.
Even schools like Columbia Southern University (98 grads) and Georgia Military College (65 grads) demonstrate that you don’t need to attend a massive university to be part of a thriving academic community.
If you're pursuing an associate degree with an eye toward future credentials or employment, these high-output programs often provide smoother pathways to the next step. That could mean a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or even a job interview.
Online Enrollment: Another Popularity Metric
While graduate volume reflects historical degree success, current online enrollment reveals something just as powerful: continued demand. It’s a sign that institutions are investing in the right infrastructure, content delivery, and student services to meet the needs of today’s learners.
Here's where schools really stand out:
SNHU boasts a staggering 154,212 online students, placing it in the top 1% nationally for online school size.
The University of Phoenix follows closely with 80,605 online learners, while American Public University System supports over 40,000.
Liberty University (39,168 online) and Purdue Global (31,661 online) are also way outperforming most traditional campuses when it comes to digital reach.
When paired with graduate volume, these enrollment numbers tell a compelling story: these programs don’t just enroll students remotely, they get them across the finish line.
Which Associate Programs in Criminal Justice Pay Off?
While these are associate-level programs, and therefore typically lead to entry-level roles, federal graduate salary data reveals key differences that could matter depending on your goals.
Higher earnings aren’t always tied to big-name schools. In fact, online community colleges and regional institutions often lead the way. Top median salaries include:
Columbia Southern University: $56,207
Lansing Community College: $54,864
SNHU: $55,243
Bucks County Community College: $44,184
Liberty University: $44,235
These figures, pulled from U.S. Department of Education data, reflect earnings from program graduates five years after graduation. That’s especially meaningful for students pursuing criminal justice associate degrees, where the ROI is often immediate and the pathway to employment can begin straight after finishing the program.
Graduates may step into entry-level roles such as:
- Police or sheriff’s department cadets
- Correctional officers
- Security supervisors or loss prevention specialists
- Court clerks or bailiff assistants
- Juvenile justice aides
- Dispatchers or public safety communications officers
These roles often require only an associate degree and offer structured career ladders into federal service and law enforcement promotions. And for students planning to transfer to a four-year institution later, early earnings can reduce reliance on student loans, fund continued education, or help support family obligations.
What Legal Experts Say About Online Criminal Justice Degrees

Attorney
"Most students overlook how easily an online criminal justice associate can plug them into 'non-sworn' roles that sit one desk away from detectives and prosecutors. Think evidence-room technician, digital records clerk, or courthouse case runner. These positions seldom make the course catalog, yet they let new grads handle chain-of-custody logs, read charging documents, and sit through hearings every day. That proximity teaches real-world criminal procedure faster than any textbook module and builds relationships that matter when promotion boards ask about practical exposure.
Most students overlook how easily an online criminal justice associate can plug them into 'non-sworn' roles that sit one desk away from detectives and prosecutors.
Another hidden advantage of starting with the associate online is licensing mobility. Many public-safety agencies in smaller jurisdictions will sponsor recruits for state police academies only after they show a baseline thirty or forty college credits. An online program lets students finish those credits while already employed, avoid relocation costs, and enter the academy as 'pre-service' hires who earn full salary from day one. That route often compresses the timeline to sworn status more than jumping straight into a four-year degree, especially for students balancing family or part-time work.
Finally, employers care less about the delivery format and more about judgment under stress, which rarely appears on a transcript. Online courses that require synchronous mock trials or group case briefings give students a safe arena to practice concise oral reports, active listening, and quick ethical decisions. Graduates who can summarize an incident in sixty seconds, flag civil-rights concerns, and propose a lawful next step tend to move ahead of peers with higher diplomas but weaker communication chops. Those soft-skill reps, not the course medium, are what hiring panels remember when the background checks are done and the badge decisions get made."

Board-certified Criminal Lawyer
"For students wondering where an online criminal-justice associate degree can take them first, the most natural landing spots are probation aide roles, municipal 911 dispatch, and private campus security. These positions hire year-round, recognize the credential, and drop you right into daily contact with case files, incident reports, and sworn officers — experience that later reads well on police-academy or bachelor-program applications.
As for upward mobility, the degree can indeed open doors, but it rarely serves as the final stop. Agencies use it as a hiring threshold for jailer or patrol-officer trainees, then expect you to stack on state certification courses or a bachelor’s within five years for promotion.
Employers’ attitudes toward online study have softened dramatically since COVID pushed most courtroom dockets onto Zoom. Chiefs and sheriffs still prize hands-on internships, but they no longer discount a digital transcript if it comes from a regionally accredited college and the applicant can point to ride-along hours, virtual moot-court exercises, or volunteer victim-assistance work.
The interview edge often goes to candidates who can translate virtual-class projects into real-world outcomes, such as explaining how a simulated evidence-log assignment taught chain-of-custody discipline they now apply at the jail property room. Show them you can convert online theory into on-the-ground practice, and the mode of delivery becomes a footnote, not a hurdle."
EXPERT TIP
"The smart move is to treat the associate as a “clock-starter”: get hired, let tuition-reimbursement benefits pay for the next diploma, and by the time you’re eligible to test for detective or sergeant, you’ll already be working toward that higher credential without extra student-loan pressure."
Final Takeaways
The most popular online criminal justice associate degrees are producing graduates who are finding their footing in law enforcement, public safety, and legal support roles across the country. These online associate programs offer flexibility and represent tested, scalable paths into high-need sectors of the justice system.
Whether your goal is immediate employment, academy eligibility, or a stepping stone to a bachelor’s degree, this credential can be a launchpad. And as our expert voices emphasize, the real power of an associate degree lies in its ability to get you in the room, literally. From evidence lockers to courtroom clerkships, these early-career roles offer access, exposure, and experience that textbooks can’t replicate.
Ultimately, the success of any online program can be measured by how many students it supports from enrollment to employment. These 15 schools stand out for doing exactly that — and for helping learners turn online education into real-world momentum.
We also rank the most affordable online associate degrees in criminal justice based on the lowest tuition rates, helping cost-conscious students find budget-friendly pathways into this field.
Student Reviews of Online Criminal Justice Programs
I can't get my books because I owe $36... I went and sold last semesters book at a store across town for way under cost just to get $35 for them... so I could make a payment... then I go back to my school & they wont take cash. I dont fuck with bank so I dont have checks or a debit card. That's the only forms of payment they accept. So I began calling around & couldn't find no one to help me. So I asked administrators to help & got nothing. One even put me off onto someone else like he didn't give... Read More
Review Date: 1/8/2014
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
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
I like University of Phoenix it is a great school. I would recommend this school to others, the online classes meets my needs and I am able to get things done. I have heard about many students that have have had great success and was able to graduate and earn a good job after earning their degree. Since I have been here at University of Phoenix I feel the same way.
Review Date: 5/28/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I have nothing but wonderful things to say about Bryant and Stratton College. It was the best choice I have ever made when choosing a school. The admissions process was super easy, and while attending, the instructors and assignment completion for each class was made simple for me to understand. Thank you in every way possible!
Review Date: 2/2/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Going back to to school after 25 years was easy at Purdue Global. My student advisor was very helpful and was in constant contact with me, keeping me very well informed of everything that I needed to get done and checking in with me often throughout my time at Purdue Global. All of my professors were very knowledgeable and very helpful with any questions that I had during the courses. Being able to attain my degree online was much easier than I thought that it would be. The hardest part for me was... Read More
Review Date: 4/3/2024
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
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
Purdue University Global was by far the best I have ever dealt with when it comes to helping vets out and getting their benefits. To be honest I dreaded going to school because the hassle of dealing with the VA to get my benefits, but Purdue University Global made it easy as possible and walked me through the hole process over the phone. I can't speak higher of this school and the staff that have helped me along the way and 100% will tell everyone I can to go to this school.
Review Date: 1/24/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The courses in and of themselves are not bad. Some were the "mandatory" ones that proved to be a waste of time, but all colleges put people through that nonsense. The main issues were with some of the instructors. Major ego problems meaning "I'M the teacher, and YOU'RE the student" BS. A couple in particular that I butted heads with would be well-served to realize that even though you "think" you know better than your students, that is not always the case. One in particular whom I had added into... Read More
Review Date: 6/21/2018
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I am working on an AAS degree, having completed two terms (2 classes each), in my third term now (3 classes) and have two more terms (3 classes each) to go to graduate, I will say that I am impressed with Purdue University Global. I was able to transfer all but one credit from a previous college attempt years ago. I am maintaining a 4.0 GPA and it takes study, hard work, and time management. All the instructors or professors that I have had work with students who have life interfere with their school... Read More
Review Date: 10/21/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Fantastic college! The material was not a brush over and you have to work to earn your degree here. The instructors were always available and helpful with the material. I attended here as an active duty member so the online attendance was a must! Without a doubt I would recommend them!
Review Date: 5/2/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I have nothing but good things to say about this college. Like most of you, I was skeptical about the national accreditation and reputation of the school. What I've learned over the past two years of completing my degree, is that the weight of your degree isn't in the degree itself, it's in your own professional demeanor. If I present myself professionally, confident, and knowledgeable in my interviews, employers don't care much about the fact that I have the degree except to check off that I have... Read More
Review Date: 2/16/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The school has really good teachers and the academics is tough,but the professors are easy to reach, if you have any questions about a subject. The staff is very friendly and will call you to check on you, to see how you are doing in that particular class . The online blackboard is accessible to all students and I can work at my own pace.
Review Date: 7/9/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Herzing University is a great school so far. My only concerns is being able to find employment after graduation.
Review Date: 8/4/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Instructors are good however financial aid is horrible. I have been here for 2 semesters and for both they placed a hold on my account even after submitting correct paperwork it took roughly 60 days for anyone to do anything. I will not recommend this school to you keep searching for a better school and also read in papers its a ponzi scheme as well and they were selling off but wasnt notified at the time of enrollment but the school failed to tell me this as well. very sneaky and very very unprofessional!... Read More
Review Date: 8/4/2014
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Iowa Central is a great college to attend online and they do make one work for their grade. My passing grades came from hard work and dedication to the program. A person has to want to make it work, not expect a free degree without working for it. The instructors were extremely friendly and helpful most of the time. Iowa Central's financial aid office gave direct answers and was helpful when their was a question regarding student loans. I am proud that I finished with Iowa Central and glad to be... Read More
Review Date: 3/11/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Columbia Southern university is a great school. I waited nine years to get back into college I was more worried about making money then owning money to the government. The school really helped me slide back into the groove. What I found amazing was the access I had to real people such as advisors and instructors to the ease of getting online to complete the work. I been working full time as a law enforcement officer and sorry to say completed some discussion boards in between dispatch calls. One... Read More
Review Date: 11/23/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I will begin with the facts first.... Colorado technical university IS a Accredited school...all you have to do is look it up.. it's not hard to research. Never take anyone else's word for it.. Do your research.
I'm currently attending CTU and wouldn't dream of going anywhere else. I contacted St. Louis university here in Missouri to see if my credits would be transferable. And guess what they where !!!! I received my Associates in Criminal Justice in 2011 and I'm currently enrolled in their Bachelors... Read More
They have real professors and instructors that take their job seriously. And most of them have also graduated or have attended CTU. If your ready to start your online education from a Accredited school contact CTU... You will be so happy you did,.. I promise you.
Review Date: 12/2/2012
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I attended Ashworth College in 2012 and graudated in 2014 with an Associates in Criminal Justice. Ashworth College allowed me to grow in the Law Enforcement Field. Because of Ashworth , i am earning over a six figure salary. Ashworth is a Nationally Accredited insititution, it is not a fake school and you can achieve success by going to Ashworth College. However, you must know your limitations. If you have the ambition of joining an IVY league school after Asworth than Ashworth may not be the right... Read More
Review Date: 5/27/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No