Affordable, Fast & Accredited Online Associate Degrees in Criminal Justice and Criminology
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.
Why Choose an Online Associate Degree in Criminal Justice?
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:
- Law Enforcement
- Corrections
- Homeland Security
- Private Security
- Court Administration
Benefits of Studying Online:
- Study on your schedule—evenings, weekends, or whenever you’re free
Lower tuition compared to on-campus programs
Fast-track options to graduate sooner. - The ability to transfer credits into a bachelor’s program later
- Enroll and Earn from any accredited and best university for Criminal Justice in the world.
Choosing a reputable program from online colleges that offer criminal justice ensures your degree is recognized by employers nationwide.
Is an Online Criminal Justice Associate Degree Accredited and Employer-Recognized?
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:
- Regional Accreditation: Most respected by universities and employers
- National Accreditation: Common among career-focused schools
- Programmatic Accreditation: Specific to criminal justice programs
Key Accrediting Authorities in the USA:
- Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA): chea.org
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC): hlcommission.org
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE): msche.org
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC): sacscoc.org
- WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC): wscuc.org
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE): neche.org
- Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC): deac.org
When you choose online criminology schools accredited by these organizations, you can be confident your degree is credible and accepted.
Tuition Costs, Fees & Financial Aid Options
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.
Accelerated & Self-Paced Options
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:
- SNHU: Complete in 18 months if you take full loads.
- Ashworth College: Self-paced—study anytime, anywhere.
- Florida State College at Jacksonville: Fast-track options available for motivated students.
Pro Tip: Accelerated programs require more intensive study but can save time and tuition.
Top Online Colleges That Offer Criminal Justice and Criminology Degrees
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)
- Affordable tuition
- Regionally accredited by NECHE
- Offers accelerated pathways
- FAFSA-approved
- Career-focused curriculum
- Accredited by HLC
- Comprehensive support services
3️⃣ Florida State College at Jacksonville
- Among the cheapest online criminal justice associate degree programs
- Regional accreditation
- Ideal for Florida residents
4️⃣ Ashworth College
- Extremely affordable monthly payment plan
- DEAC accredited
- Self-paced, flexible learning
5️⃣ Columbia Southern University
- 100% online
- Affordable tuition
- FAFSA-approved
FAFSA-Approved Online Colleges
What is FAFSA?
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) helps you access grants, scholarships, and low-interest loans.
FAFSA Approved Online Colleges Offering Associate Degree in Criminal Justice:
- SNHU
- Purdue Global
- Florida State College at Jacksonville
- Columbia Southern University
Apply for FAFSA here: studentaid.gov
Can I Transfer Credits Toward a Bachelor’s Degree?
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.
Scholarships and Grants for Online Criminal Justice Students
Potential Funding Options:
- Federal Pell Grant (need-based)
- State-specific grants
- College-specific scholarships (e.g., SNHU scholarships)
- Criminal justice association scholarships
Tip: Contact your school’s financial aid office to see what you qualify for.
FAQs About Online Criminal Justice Associate Degrees
Accreditation & Recognition
Q: Are these online degrees respected by employers?
A: Yes—regionally accredited programs are widely accepted.
Cost & Financial Aid
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.
Duration & Flexibility
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.
Enrollment & Transfer
Q: Can I transfer credits later?
A: Most schools allow credit transfer to bachelor’s programs.
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.
