Is a Criminal Justice Program Expensive?

If a criminal justice career is what you are considering, among the very first questions you would probably want to get an answer to is, “How much will it cost?” Education is indeed an investment in your future, but of course, you need to know the costs before you decide on anything.

Criminal justice courses vary in cost, depending on which school you choose and whether they are online or in-class. Let’s examine the price of a criminal justice program and whether it is worth investing in.
 

How Much Does a Criminal Justice Program Cost?

The cost of any given criminal justice program will vary greatly depending on the type of school, the length of the Program, and the degree level pursued. For example, an associate’s degree in criminal justice at a community college will be cheaper than a bachelor’s degree.

Online Programs: On average, online programs typically range from $10,000 to $30,000. The total cost will, however, depend on the institution one attends and the time it might take to complete the program. The flexibility online programs offer makes them more affordable, primarily if you work while attending school.

Four-Year Colleges and Universities: This can be even pricier if you want a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. The average tuition charged for attendance at a public four-year college on an annual basis was around $9,400 a year for in-state students and about $23,000 a year for out-of-state students. Private institutions usually charge even higher tuition, with an average of over $42,282 annually.

Factors That Affect How Much a Criminal Justice Program Costs?

The following factors determine the total cost of a particular criminal justice program:

1. Type of School: Public universities are generally more economical than private colleges. Community colleges are the least expensive, followed by public universities, while private colleges can be the most costly.
2. Location: Tuition for in-state students attending public college is often less than that of out-of-state students. The cost may be considerably higher if you are looking at schools outside your home state.
3. Online vs. In-Person: Online programs are generally cheaper because they require less expenses than on-campus programs. Moreover, students save on housing, commuting, and other costs while studying at home.
4. Financial Aid: Most schools offer various financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, and loans, to help students pay tuition.
   

Is a Criminal Justice Program Worth the Investment?

Although the cost of a criminal justice program may weigh on a person’s mind, it could be argued that some return on investment relates to this crime-fighting occupation. There are several options for making money in criminal justice, most of which offer emotionally rewarding and possibly financially stable opportunities. Most jobs in this field include competitive salaries, benefits, and job security.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual wage for police officers and detectives was $67,290 in 2020. This is also expected to see a 7% growth in the next decade; thus, there will be enough job opportunities in this field.

A criminal justice degree provides contingent job opportunities, from law enforcement to probation officers, corrections officers, forensic science technicians, and paralegals. Most of these jobs are salaried positions with potential benefits such as health care and retirement plans.

Ways to Manage the Cost of a Criminal Justice Program

Suppose a Criminal Justice Program sounds overwhelming because of the costs involved. In that case, there are several ways to make it slightly more affordable:

1. Apply for Financial Aid: Most students qualify for financial aid in one form or another. Financial aid comes from federal grants, scholarships, and work-study programs. These grants and scholarships do not have to be paid back and give the most value.

2. Consider Online Programs: Online programs are more flexible and inexpensive than traditional on-campus programs. Many online schools charge competitively, with the advantage of saving money on commuting, housing, and other living expenses.

3. Community College is a Great Place to Start: If you want to save money, start your education there. You can acquire an associate degree for much less money than at a four-year school and then transfer to a university to complete your bachelor’s degree.

4. Employer Tuition Reimbursement Programs: Some employers offer tuition reimbursement or assistance programs for employees who wish to pursue further education. If you already work in some related field, check with your employer to see if they provide any financial assistance toward continuing your education.

Conclusion

Yes, it is expensive, but there are many ways to make a criminal justice program more affordable, and the potential return on investment makes it well worth it for many students. By planning carefully, using financial aid, and making intelligent choices about where to study, you can keep the cost of your education manageable and set yourself up for a rewarding career in criminal justice.
If you want a career in criminal justice, you need a comprehensive and credible program at Northwest Career College. Our Criminal Justice Program will give you the training and support required to succeed in this exciting field.