Affordable, Cheap and Fast Criminology Associate’s Degree Online

 

Want to start your career in the field of criminal justice? Then most affordable cheap and fast option is to earn accredited criminology associate's degree online. 

 

Before going in any details, we feel happy to answer some questions, which many professionals want to clear before enrolling in associate degree in criminal justice online: 

 

Why Choose a Criminology Associate’s Degree Online? 

By selecting an online option to earn your criminology associate’s degree you will open the doors of facilities which are not available in traditional on-campus degree programs of criminal justice. 

 

  • Flexibility  
  • Affordability 
  • Accessibility 

 

Is an Online Associate Degree in Criminal Justice Accredited and Accepted by Employers?  

Yes! As many accredited online colleges offering most affordable and accredited Online Assoicate Degree in Criminal Justice which is widely recognized by employers worldwide.  

 

Furthermore, you can check the accreditation of the degree program from the following authorities online: 

 

To verify the accreditation of an online associate degree in criminal justice, you can check with recognized accrediting authorities in the USA and internationally. 

 

Accrediting Authorities in the USA 
  • Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)chea.org  
  • U.S. Department of Education (USDE)ed.gov  
  • Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)deac.org 

 

Regional Accreditation Agencies (for university accreditation)

 

  • Higher Learning Commission (HLC)hlcommission.org 
  • Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)msche.org 
  • Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)sacscoc.org 
  • WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)wscuc.org 
  • New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)neche.org 
  • Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)nwccu.org 

 

International Accreditation Authorities 
  1. European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education (EQAR)eqar.eu
  2. UK Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA)qaa.ac.uk  
  3. Australian Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA)teqsa.gov.au  
  4. Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU)acu.ac.uk  
  5. International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE)inqaahe.org  

 

It is advisable to make sure that online associate degree in criminal justice you are going to enroll is accredited, always verify the institution’s accreditation status on these official websites.  

 

Can I Transfer My Credit Hours for Further Education or Enrolling in Bachelor's Programs in Criminology?  

Most associate degree criminology affordable and accredited programs provide facility of credit transfers, offering opportunity to students of criminology to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the field of criminal justice easily later.  

 

Many best universities offer smooth transition of credit transfer into four-year degree program. 

 

Is an Associate’s Degree Online in the Field of Criminal Justice Affordable and Cheap?  

Absolutely! You can find plenty of cheap online criminal justice associate degree programs offering same quality education which is available at traditional on campus degree programs but at affordable and cheap tuition rates.  

 

In addition, the option of earning online associate degree also cut-down some other expenses like commuting, housing cost, travelling and other on-campus expenses. Providing students to earn their associate degree online within their budget. 

 

Can I Earn My Associate's Online in Criminal Justice with a Fast-Track Option?  

Yes! Many of the best online criminal justice associate’s degree programs also comes with fast-track options, providing students the get their associate degree in criminology online within 18 months. 

 

These Accelerated programs associate degree programs are tailored for those students who are looking to start their career quickly or want to continue their education and get their bachelors in criminal justice. 

 

Are There Any Accredited and Good Online Schools for an Associate’s in Criminology?  

Yes! There are many top colleges offering high-quality criminology associate’s degree online programs. Some well-known universities include: 

  • Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) – Known for its affordable and accredited online associate degree in criminal justice online 
  • Purdue Global University – also offers most affordable and cheap online criminal justice associate degree with career-focused coursework. 
  • Florida State College at Jacksonville – is also offering one of the cheapest online criminal justice associate degree programs with financial aid options. 
  • Ashworth College – renowned name offering self-paced, affordable online criminology programs that cater to working students. 

 

For more accredited universities offering online criminal justice and criminology degrees, please check our University Section for a complete list of options. 

 

Are There Any Scholarship Programs Available If I Enroll in a Criminology Degree Program Online?  

Yes! Almost all the top online colleges are offering scholarship programs for students of criminology associate’s degree online.  

 

These Scholarship programs are usually based on academic performance, financial need and professional background. In addition, you can apply for different Govt. Funded programs like FAFSA and many more 

 

Can I Access or Enroll in Any University Offering an Accredited Criminal Justice Program Worldwide?  

Yes! Almost all the top online colleges accept students from anywhere in the world regardless of their nationality, so same apply on accredited criminal justice associate degree programs online. 

 

Furthermore, these international universities also offer the same curriculum which they offer in their on-campus programs. 

 

Many international universities accept online students and provide the same curriculum as their on-campus programs. 

 

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Best and Affordable Online Colleges for Criminology Offering Fast and Cheap Online Criminal Justice Associate Degree Programs:

There are several best and accredited Online Colleges for Criminology who are offering online criminal justice associate degree program that are cheap and fast way to earn you  

Some of the Top Online Colleges for Criminology offering fast and cheap Online Criminal Justice Associate Degree are: 

 

  • Purdue University Global (USA) – Offers a fully online Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice. 
    Tuition: ~$371 per credit. 
    Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC). 

    Southern New Hampshire University (USA) – Provides an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice with flexible online learning. 
    Tuition: ~$330 per credit. 
    Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). 

    New England College (USA) – Features an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice, designed for career-focused students. 
    Tuition: ~$1,345 per course. 
    Accreditation: NECHE. 

    Federation University Australia (Australia) – Offers an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice, focusing on law enforcement and corrections. 
    Tuition: ~$25,400 AUD per year. 
    Accreditation: Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA). 

    University of New South Wales (UNSW) (Australia) – Provides a Diploma in Criminology & Criminal Justice, serving as a pathway to a bachelor’s degree. 
    Tuition: ~$38,000 AUD per year. 
    Accreditation: TEQSA. 

     

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Cheap & Recognized Tuition Fees for 2025–2026

This is the common fact that cost of an online associate degree in criminal justice varies by college to college. For your convenience we tried to mention approximate tuition fees for 2025–2026 include:

 

  • Purdue University Global – $2,500 per term
  • Penn State World Campus – $632 per credit
  • New England College – $12,150 per year
  • Federation University Australia – $16,992 per year
  • Australian College of Applied Professions (ACAP) – $2,750 per unit (~$22,000 per year)
  • University of Southern Queensland – Varies (check university website)
  • University of New South Wales (UNSW) – $31,200 per year
  • Deakin University – $24,400 per year
  • Charles Sturt University – $28,000 per year
  • RMIT University – $27,500 per year

 

To get more up-to-date tuition fees, you can check our Universities section or can visit the respective university websites.

Frequently Asked Questions About Onlne Associated Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice

 

What is an Online Associate in Criminology? 

Normally, An Associate Degree in Criminology or Criminal Justice is an undergraduate degree program which can be completed in 2 Years if you choose fully-study option. These degree programs are designed to cover the subjects like crime, criminal behavior, law enforcement and justice system in addition most of the accredited online schools for criminal justice also combine courses like sociology, psychology, and criminal law to provide students better understanding about why crimes happen and response of society to them. 

Associate Degree in Criminal Justice or Criminology is the best option for individuals who wants to start their career in the field of criminal justice as well want to move forward with bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or criminology. 

 

Can I get an Associate in Criminology degree online? 

Yes OfCourse, plenty of options available for you to earn an Associate Degree in Criminology Online with affordability and flexibility offered by best online colleges and universities for Criminal Justice around the world. 

 

Why Online Option to Earn Associate Degree in Criminology is better? 

 

  • Affordability: Cost is one of the major benefits for opting online option to earn Associate Degree in Criminal Justice. As Tuition Cost is far cheap for Online Assoicate Degree in Criminology Programs than on campus-traditional programs. 
  • Flexible Learning: Flexibility is another benefit, as you can schedule your studies as per your convenience, making it perfect choice for working and busy professionals and adults. 
  • Accessibility: You can enroll in any accredited and reputed online college for criminology from any part of the world. 
  • Accredited Programs: Accreditation is no more an issue for online degree programs as many reputed colleges and universities for criminology are offering degree programs that are accredited from related authorities. 
  • Curriculum: Same Curriculum is offered that are offered in the traditional on campus degree programs 
  • Transfer Opportunities: Most of the online colleges and universities also transfer the credit transfer facility so you can transfer your credits towards your bachelor's degree later. 

 

Are there free online associate degree programs in criminology? 

It is really difficult to find fully free online associate degree programs in criminology or criminal justice, but still there some universities that are offering tuition free or low-cost inexpensive associate degree programs in criminal justice online. 

  • University of the People (UoPeople): 

Though University of the People (UoPeople) is not offering an Associate Degree in Criminology or Criminal Justice, but it is providing tuition free, online associates degree programs in the areas like Health Science, Business Administration and Computer Sciences that may align with Criminal Justice Career Pathways. 

  • Tuition: $0 (tuition-free model) 
  • Application Fee: $60 (one-time) 
  • Assessment Fee: $120 per course 
  • Total Estimated Cost: Around $2,460 for the entire degree (if no scholarships are applied 
  • Financial Aid: UoPeople offers scholarships to students who cannot afford the fees. 

 

Free or Low-Cost Public Colleges (like Ocean County College): 

There are other options also available as some of the Community Colleges in United States of America (USA) like Ocean County College also offering tuition free program with the help of state initiatives and grants for residents. But please note these programs may require FAFSA and also may not 100% Online facility available for all programs. 

Scholarships & Grants for an Affordable and Cheap Online Associate Degree in Criminology

To minimize the financial burden of your online criminal justice associate degree program and make it more affordable and cheaper, different scholarships and grants programs are available for 2025 and 2026. These programs include:

  • Purdue University Global – Need-based and merit scholarships
  • Penn State World Campus – Financial aid options
  • New England College – Academic scholarships
  • Federation University Australia – International student grants
  • University of New South Wales (UNSW) – Various funding programs
  • Deakin University – Equity-based and merit scholarships
  • Charles Sturt University – International student scholarships
  • RMIT University – Need-based scholarships for online students

These Scholarship and funding programs offer an opportunity to earn your online criminal justice associate degree cheaper.

Fast & Easy Enrollment Requirements of Online Associate Degree in Criminal Justice 2025-2026

Though the admission criteria for every institution is different, but below are some general requirements  for enrolling in fast and affordable criminology associate's degree online include:

  • High School Diploma or Equivalent
  • Application Form
  • Official Transcripts
  • English Proficiency Tests (For non-native English speakers)
  • Statement of Purpose (Some Universities)

Many Universities make their admission process quick and easy to the students can enroll and begin their online associate degree in criminology faster.

Career Opportunities with a Criminology Associate's Degree Online

After completion of your Criminology Associate’s Degree Online, doors of opportunities can open for you in various fields of Criminal Justice which includes:

 

  • Law Enforcement – Police officers, security officers, and detectives.
  • Corrections – Prison officers, parole officers, and probation officers.
  • Legal Assistance – Court clerks, legal assistants, and research assistants.
  • Private Security – Corporate security, cybercrime analysts, and surveillance officers.

 

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.