Want to start your career in the field of Law Enforcement or Criminology? And want to earn associate degree that is fast, cheap and accredited? If yes, then here you can explore the best online criminal justice degree programs that are not only accredited but also affordable, fast, flexible and easy to access.
No matter you are looking for accelerated criminal justice associate degree online or some self-paced format. We will offer you everything that matches your requirement and needs from cheapest tuition cost, FAFSA Approved Online Colleges, Best Online Colleges for Criminal Justice and answers to your questions.
First discuss a little how can an online associate degree in criminal justice is more viable and best option to earn to achieve rewarding career in the areas like:
Benefits of Studying Online:
Choosing a reputable program from online colleges that offer criminal justice ensures your degree is recognized by employers nationwide.
This is the first concern when anyone think about to enroll in any online degree program and the answer is in big YES, Online Criminal Justice Degree is not only accredited but also high recognized by employers around the world.
Types of Accreditation:
Key Accrediting Authorities in the USA:
When you choose online criminology schools accredited by these organizations, you can be confident your degree is credible and accepted.
Though tuition and cost of any online Associate degree in Criminal justice and Criminology varies based on the College you choose the program you are going to enroll and as well the format of the degree program. Here’s a quick comparison of cheap online criminal justice associate degree options:
College | Per-Credit Cost | Total Estimated Tuition | Accreditation | FAFSA Approved | Program Length |
SNHU | $320 | $19,200 | NECHE | ✅ Yes | 18–24 months |
Purdue Global University | $371 | $22,260 | HLC | ✅ Yes | 2 years |
Florida State College at Jacksonville | $105 (in-state) | $6,300 (in-state) | SACSCOC | ✅ Yes | 2 years |
Ashworth College | $79/month | ~$1,900–$2,500 total | DEAC | ❌ No | Self-paced (18–24 mo.) |
Columbia Southern University | $245 | $14,700 | DEAC | ✅ Yes | 2 years |
Tip: If you want to enroll in any USA university it is recommended that you must always check FAFSA eligibility and accreditation before enrolling.
As many of us want to start our career fast and quick, to meet this requirement most of accredited and best online colleges for criminal justice are also offering accelerated criminal justice associate degree online programs so you can meet career goals quick and fast.
✅ Examples:
Pro Tip: Accelerated programs require more intensive study but can save time and tuition.
For your review and make your decision easy we listed some of the best online colleges for criminology and criminal justice below, for more options you can visit our Online Universities Section:
1️⃣ Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
3️⃣ Florida State College at Jacksonville
4️⃣ Ashworth College
5️⃣ Columbia Southern University
What is FAFSA?
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) helps you access grants, scholarships, and low-interest loans.
Apply for FAFSA here: studentaid.gov
Most of the students plan to continue their studies and move towards bachelor’s degree to meet this requirement many online colleges offer credit transfer facility so you can transfer your associate degree credits into a bachelor’s in criminal justice or criminology. This is a cost-effective way to complete your education in stages.
Tip: Always confirm transfer policies before enrolling.
Potential Funding Options:
Tip: Contact your school’s financial aid office to see what you qualify for.
Q: Are these online degrees respected by employers?
A: Yes—regionally accredited programs are widely accepted.
Q: What’s the cheapest online criminology associate degree?
A: Ashworth College offers some of the lowest tuition.
Q: Do FAFSA-approved options exist?
A: Yes, several colleges on this page accept FAFSA.
Q: Can I finish faster?
A: Accelerated programs can be completed in 18 months.
Q: Are there self-paced options?
A: Yes—Ashworth and others offer fully self-paced learning.
Q: Can I transfer credits later?
A: Most schools allow credit transfer to bachelor’s programs.
After completion of your Criminology Associate’s Degree Online, doors of opportunities can open for you in various fields of Criminal Justice which includes:
Furthermore, Online Associate degree in the field of Criminology also opens the doors for you to pursue your education further, such as you can pursue bachelors degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology and with the credit transfer facility your online bachelor's degree online can be complete more quickly and cheaply.
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