An online law enforcement degree provides students with foundational knowledge in policing, criminal justice, and investigative procedures, preparing them for careers in law enforcement, corrections, and security. With many affordable programs available, choosing the right degree involves more than just comparing tuition 鈥� it鈥檚 about assessing career outcomes, student satisfaction, and program flexibility.
Key Takeaways:
- Best for Low Cost: Union Commonwealth University and Columbia Southern University offer some of the lowest tuition rates at $6,750 and $8,100, respectively.
- Best for Salary: Southern New Hampshire University ($62,737) and University of Maryland Global Campus ($59,490) rank among the top programs for post-graduate salaries.
- Best for Specialized Training: Columbia Southern, Waldorf University, and Bellevue offer niche concentrations in Arson Investigation, Forensic Psychology, and Intelligence Studies.
We manually verify tuition costs to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate information. For an in-depth look at our ranking criteria and data sources, visit our methodology page.
2025 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degrees in Law Enforcement
| Rank | School | Location | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Union Commonwealth University | Barbourville (KY) | $6,750 | |
| Columbia Southern University | Orange Beach (AL) | $8,100 | |
| SUNY College of Technology at Canton | Canton (NY) | $8,480 | |
| Trine University Online | Fort Wayne (IN) | $8,970 | |
| Regent University Online | Virginia Beach (VA) | $9,480 | |
| Southern New Hampshire University Online | Manchester (NH) | $9,900 | |
| Waldorf University | Forest City (IA) | $9,900 | |
| Western Illinois University | Macomb (IL) | $10,095 | |
| Purdue Global | Indianapolis (IN) | $11,130 | |
| University of Maine at Augusta | Augusta (ME) | $11,700 | |
| Liberty University | Lynchburg (VA) | $11,700 | |
| Culver-Stockton College | Canton (MO) | $11,850 | |
| Franklin University | Columbus (OH) | $11,940 | |
| Nelson University | Waxahachie (TX) | $12,900 | |
| Bellevue University | Bellevue (NE) | $13,470 | |
| The University of Tennessee - Martin | Martin (TN) | $14,520 | |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | Adelphi (MD) | $14,970 | |
| UMass Global | Multiple Locations | $15,000 | |
| California Baptist University | Riverside (CA) | $15,600 | |
| University of Arizona | Tucson (AZ) (and 1 other) | $15,750 | |
| Arizona State University, Online | Tempe (AZ) (and 4 others) | $17,220 | |
| Park University | Parkville (MO) | $17,250 | |
| Middle Tennessee State University | Murfreesboro (TN) | $17,760 |
Affordable Online Law Enforcement Degrees: A Data-Driven Comparison
The best online degrees offer a combination of affordability, strong career outcomes, and unique academic features that cater to students鈥� needs. Our list above focuses on tuition as a primary factor but you also want to consider earning potential, student support, and specialized program features.
Let鈥檚 take a closer look at what makes each of these online law enforcement degrees stand out.
Affordability vs. Earning Potential: Finding the Sweet Spot
For those entering law enforcement, balancing education costs with future earnings is critical. Many law enforcement careers 鈥� whether in policing, corrections, or federal agencies 鈥� offer structured salary tiers based on education and experience. The right degree can qualify graduates for promotions, specialized roles, and higher-paying positions, but overpaying for a degree with weak job placement could mean unnecessary debt without career benefits.
Union Commonwealth University (UCU) offers the most affordable option at $6,750 in tuition, but with no clear earnings data, career outcomes remain uncertain. While a generous average financial aid package of $23,168 at UCU helps offset costs, the university鈥檚 low 33% graduation rate raises concerns.
However, Columbia Southern, ranked second at $8,100 in tuition, stands out for its strong salary potential. Law enforcement graduates earning a median of $60,062 鈥� placing it in the top 5% nationally for earners in this field. Something to keep in mind though is its 28:1 student-to-faculty ratio, which suggests larger class sizes.
For those willing to consider higher-cost programs with strong returns, Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU; $9,900) leads in earnings at $62,737, ranking in the top 3%, while the University of Maryland Global Campus (UM Global; $14,970) ranks in the 94th percentile for salary outcomes at $59,490.
These figures highlight that some higher-cost programs can provide high-value career mobility.
For law enforcement professionals looking to advance 鈥� whether moving from patrol to leadership or transitioning to federal agencies 鈥� selecting a program that balances affordability with strong salary outcomes can accelerate career growth, improve pay, and open doors to specialized fields like investigations or homeland security.
Looking at similar online programs? Check out our list of the most affordable online homeland security degrees or the best online criminal justice programs.
Law Enforcement Degree vs. Specialization: What鈥檚 the Best Path for You?
If you're considering a career in law enforcement, you might wonder whether to pursue a bachelor鈥檚 in law enforcement (or criminal justice) or a different major with a specialization in Law Enforcement. Each path has its advantages, depending on your career goals, prior experience, and long-term ambitions.
Straightforward Law Enforcement Degrees: The Most Direct Path
A bachelor鈥檚 in law enforcement or criminal justice provides a broad foundation for careers in policing, corrections, and investigative work. These degrees typically include courses that delve into criminal law, ethics, policing strategies, corrections, and criminology.
Programs like UCU鈥檚 Bachelor of Science in Law Enforcement or SUNY Canton鈥檚 Law Enforcement Leadership degree are designed to prepare students for traditional careers in law enforcement, such as police officers, probation officers, or federal agents.
Specializations: Tailoring Your Degree for a Niche Career
Some universities offer criminal justice degrees with specializations, allowing students to focus on specific areas. For example:
- Columbia Southern offers an Arson Investigation specialization, ideal for those interested in fire-related crime analysis.
- Waldorf University鈥檚 criminal justice degree with a concentration in Forensic Psychology provides training in behavioral analysis, useful for detective work or federal investigations.
- Franklin University offers a Public Safety Management & Leadership degree, focusing on Emergency Management and Law Enforcement Administration.
Specializations are a great way to narrow your expertise and increase your chances of securing jobs in specialized fields. However, they may be less flexible if you decide to switch careers later.
Alternative Majors with a Law Enforcement Focus
Some students opt for degrees outside of criminal justice but with a law enforcement emphasis, such as:
- Intelligence & Security Studies (Bellevue University or University of Arizona): Ideal for those considering intelligence analysis, national security, or counterterrorism roles.
- Government with an Intelligence Specialization (Liberty University): A great option for students looking at policymaking or federal security jobs.
These alternative majors allow for more career mobility. So, if you're interested in a broader career path, consider an intelligence, psychology, or public safety degree with law enforcement-related coursework.
Career-Focused Online Law Enforcement Programs
Several top-ranked law enforcement programs emphasize hands-on learning and career preparation.
- Western Illinois University (#8) partners with over 1,400 law enforcement agencies, offering students extensive internships and fieldwork opportunities.
- Culver-Stockton College (#12) integrates experiential learning through courses in interviewing, interrogation, and crime scene investigation.
- Arizona State University (#21) provides an accelerated master鈥檚 option, allowing students to earn an advanced degree in just one additional year.
- Nelson University (#14) uniquely combines police academy certification with its degree, enabling graduates to earn both a BAAS and a peace officer certificate.
EXPERT TIP
These career-focused features provide prospective students with practical experience, faster pathways to advanced credentials, and industry connections that can improve job readiness and employment prospects in law enforcement.
High Online Enrollment and Military Support
For law enforcement professionals balancing demanding schedules, choosing an online program with strong support is essential. Schools like SNHU (#6) and UMGC (#17) offer scalable resources for online learners, while Liberty (#11) and Arizona (#20) cater to military-affiliated students, a potential advantage for those with service backgrounds.
For prospective law enforcement students (especially active-duty personnel, veterans, or those balancing shift work), choosing a school with strong online infrastructure and military support can ensure flexibility, career resources, and a smoother path to degree completion.
This graph highlights the online enrollment numbers and military student populations at top institutions offering law enforcement programs.
SNHU and UMGC stand out with the highest online enrollments, demonstrating their experience in serving large, diverse student bodies. Liberty and Arizona State also rank highly, particularly in supporting military-affiliated students.
Insights from Online Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Students
We have collected hundreds of firsthand experiences through student reviews. These offer valuable perspectives on the realities of online law enforcement and criminal justice programs.
Columbia Southern stands out for its structured, rigorous coursework, with graduates like Anthony D. Richardson, a graduate working for the U.S. Department of Justice. He shared that his master鈥檚 degree in criminal justice directly contributed to a career promotion in special investigations: "Upon receiving a master鈥檚 degree in criminal justice, I am sure it assisted in furthering my career. Shortly thereafter, I received a promotion in the area of Special Investigations." This underscores how CSU's online law enforcement programs align with career growth. If a master's is what you're ultimately aiming for, this could be a good place to start your bachelor's.
Other universities also receive strong praise for their online law enforcement programs. Waldorf earns high marks for its dedicated faculty and Christian foundation, which some students find especially supportive. Park University is recognized for its military-friendly policies and accessible staff. William Rios (2014), a graduate of the criminal justice security program, was so pleased with his experience that he continued into the MBA program: "Completed my bachelor's in Criminal Justice Security from Park... Loved Park experience so much I enrolled in the MBA program."
Final Thoughts: My Top 3 Picks for Online Law Enforcement Programs Based on Data
After reviewing tuition costs alongside earnings potential, program features, and student satisfaction, three schools stand out as the best choices for law enforcement students who want to stay within a budget:
SNHU
Best for Career ROI
- Tuition: $9,900
- Median Graduate Salary: $62,737 (graduates are in the top 3% of earners in this field)
- Popularity: 135,584 online students
- Military-Friendly: 18,729 military students
馃挕Why it鈥檚 a top choice: SNHU offers one of the highest post-graduate salaries at an affordable tuition rate. Its massive online infrastructure ensures strong student support, and its flexibility allows working professionals and military students to earn their degrees efficiently.
Columbia Southern University (CSU)
Best for Specialized Training
- Tuition: $8,100 (Very affordable)
- Median Graduate Salary: $60,062 (top 5%)
- Specialization: Arson Investigation
- Student Satisfaction: 78% recommendation rate
馃挕Why it鈥檚 a top choice: CSU provides a low-cost, high-value education, particularly for students interested in fire and arson investigation. The ability to transfer up to 90 credits makes it an excellent option for those with prior law enforcement training.
The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)
Best for Transfer Students & Law Enforcement Professionals
- Tuition: $14,970
- Median Graduate Salary: $59,490 (top 6%)
- Military Enrollment: 14,147
- Popularity: 41,446 online students
- Flexible Transfer Policy: Accepts up to 90 credits
馃挕Why it鈥檚 a top choice: UMGC caters to experienced law enforcement professionals, allowing them to transfer prior credits and complete a bachelor鈥檚 degree faster. It鈥檚 also a great fit for military students, offering strong financial aid and GI Bill support.
No matter which path you choose, these affordable online programs offer strong value, affordability, and career growth opportunities for law enforcement professionals.
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Online Law Enforcement Bachelor's Degrees You May Be Interested In
Student Reviews of Online Law Enforcement Programs
I attended the University of Phoenix and completed the Associates Degree Program. Overall, I would rate the Associates Degree program as acceptable, although it too was expensive.
Financial aid department is actually pretty good, and very helpful. I never had any trouble with obtaining financial aid.
Academic advisers are also helpful, however, I believe they call a little too often. There might be some people who need that to keep them motivated, but I was not one of them. I maintained a great GPA... Read More
My biggest complaints with the UOP are the astronomical costs associated with the degree programs. The Bachelor degree program charges around $550/credit hour and you need 120 credit hours, so that equates out to around 66,000 dollars for an online education (I am not sure how this website determined that tuition was only 9,000).
The second biggest complaint is the over-reliance on learning teams in the Bachelor Degree program (this is not an issue in the Associates Degree program). The learning team assignments equal 30-40% of your grade in each class. The main problem is that there is an overwhelming amount of incompetent and lazy team members who put forth next to not effort and do not complete their fair share of the workload. I am not a hard person to please but it is incredibly frustrating to have 3-4 team members who do not participate in any group or assignment discussions and then turn in sloppy work that will ultimately bring your own grade down, unless you are willing to re-do all of their work on top of your own (which you are forced to do unless you are ok with getting bad grades).
Review Date: 5/2/2013
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: Yes
Okay so I attend Ashford University and have for two years now. Since my start of the school I have had to repeat my needs and requirements of what i wanted from them as per my scheduling of classes, veteran affairs, and financial aid needs.
For the military I am allotted Tuition Assistance which requires me to be full time to get everything paid for and my Gi bill/kicker. I have explained that to my advisor too many times, and i am pretty sure it happened every few months. Basically i need to have... Read More
As for financial aid it has been a year and a half and i still have not received my stipend, and they seemed to try to hold on to it or use it for other means than to give it to me. So i ended up using some of it towards two classes due to the fact that two classes that go 5 weeks long with a maximum 4,500 TA basically ends with more than half the year left and no classes.
Overall it has cost me alot of time, wasted energy, i have had to repeat myself i swear probably almost a 1,000 times to them, and i have lost a lot of money and almost went into collections due to not knowing I had a balance for VA.
Review Date: 4/21/2013
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Going to college was one of the best decisions I ever made. I learned to be independent and made friends from all over while living in the dorms. It not only helped me in my career but for success in life in general.
Review Date: 8/19/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes