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2 Year Degree in Criminal Justice: Top 15 Schools in 2024

January 26, 2024 | Admin

2 Year Degree in Criminal Justice
Best two-year degree programs in criminal justice badge

A career in criminal justice can be exciting and rewarding, probably about as excited as you are to get started. The good news is there are many 2-year programs designed to help students get started and obtain a criminal justice degree. And since we know that you can’t wait to start, then let’s get started with the top 15 programs and schools to get your 2-year degree in criminal justice.

Rank School Location
1Casper CollegeCasper, Wyoming
2Northwest Iowa Community CollegeSheldon, Iowa
3Northeast Community CollegeNorfolk, Nebraska
4Glendale Community CollegeGlendale, California
5Shoreline Community College Shoreline, Washington

Top 15 Schools: 2 Year Degree in Criminal Justice

1

Casper College

  • Casper, Wyoming
  • Points: 97

When students graduate from the Casper College program with their AA in criminal justice, they leave prepared. The criminal justice program at Casper College instills lessons of self-discipline, solid communication, and attention to detail, so students are ready to succeed in their chosen criminal justice careers.

In-state Tuition: $3834 per year
Student/Faculty ratio: 13:1
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2

Northwest Iowa Community College

  • Sheldon, Iowa
  • Points: 95

Among the many new platforms for education, the Northwest Iowa Community College is leading the way with online options for students like those seeking an Associate degree in criminal justice. These options for schooling not only minimize or reduce many COVID-19 concerns, they also allow for more flexibility in class scheduling.

In-state Tuition: $6240 per year
Student/Faculty ratio: 13:1
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3

Northeast Community College

  • Norfolk, Nebraska
  • Points: 95

Students at Northeast Community College who are enrolled in the criminal justice program experience a great education and real-world experience within the criminal justice system. The criminal justice program at Northeast is also created to help promote the long-term goals of each student’s career.

In-state Tuition: $3660 per year
Student/Faculty ratio: 17:1
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4

Glendale Community College

  • Glendale, California
  • Points: 94

The criminal justice program at Glendale Community College is designed around the student and in particular with a focus on their long-term goals in criminal justice. This program also prepares students by giving them a solid foundation in the field of criminal justice that enables them to move into areas such as law enforcement or corrections.

In-state Tuition: $2070 per year
Student/Faculty ratio: 21:1
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5

Shoreline Community College

  • Shoreline, Washington
  • Points: 94

With both campus and online learning options, the Shoreline Community College offers a criminal justice program that is flexible, respected, and that prepares students for careers in criminal justice. With an Associate of Applied Arts and Sciences degree, students open doors to opportunities for law enforcement, corrections, and more.

In-state Tuition: $6744 per year
Student/Faculty ratio: 13:1
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6

Lake Area Technical Institute

  • Watertown, South Dakota
  • Points: 93

From law enforcement roles with state, local, and federal agencies among others, the Associate of Applied Science in Law Enforcement uniquely prepares students for success in the field of criminal justice. The program is typically completed in under two years and covers four semesters.

In-state Tuition: $5514 per year
Student/Faculty ratio: 17:1
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7

Allen County Community College

  • Iola, Kansas
  • Points: 93

The core of the Allen County Community College criminal justice program is based on an education in the fundamentals. This translates into graduates leaving Allen County Community College with a solid foundation in criminal justice, and that translates into fulfilling and successful careers as law enforcement or corrections officers, among others.

In-state Tuition: $3080 per year
Student/Faculty ratio: 21:1
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8

Thomas Edison State University

  • Trenton, New Jersey
  • Points: 92

The criminal justice program at Thomas Edison State University is defined by a focus on educating students in the practical skills that are demanded in the criminal justice field. This program helps students to comprehend written and verbal directives, and prepares them for careers in areas like corrections or law enforcement.

In-state Tuition: $7926 per year
Student/Faculty ratio: 15:1
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9

Truman State University

  • Kirksville, Missouri
  • Points: 91

The Truman State University offers students to opportunity to minor in justice systems and forensic science. These are the types of skills that translate well in the field of criminal justice, and students also have the option of pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Justice Systems if they choose to continue their educational endeavors.

In-state Tuition: $8120 per year
Student/Faculty ratio: 15:1
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10

Bucks County Community College

  • Newtown, Pennsylvania
  • Points: 88

The Bucks County Community College criminal justice program strives to develop students who are educated in the various areas related to their field of study. This helps students who have completed the program to more successfully transition into a range of roles using the skills they acquired through their criminal justice training.

*For a full breakdown of costs, visit https://www.bucks.edu/catalog/info/tuition/expenses/

In-state Tuition: $2,427/semester*
Student/Faculty ratio: 15:1
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11

Northwest Missouri State University

  • Maryville, Missouri
  • Points: 88

The criminal justice program at Northwest Missouri State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminology, but students can also choose to minor in criminal justice as well. There are also many internship opportunities available, so students who have their sights set on a career in criminal justice have every chance to succeed as a result of the education, training, and experience of the Northwest Missouri State University criminal justice program.

In-state Tuition: $8238 per year
Student/Faculty ratio: 21:1
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12

Alfred State College of Technology

  • Alfred, New York
  • Points: 86

The criminal justice program at Alfred State College of Technology strives to prepare students for a number of different careers in the field of criminal justice. From the pursuit of a career in correctional rehabilitation, law enforcement, or probation among others, this two-year associate’s program translates into success.

In-state Tuition: $8852 per year
Student/Faculty ratio: 18:1
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13

Peirce College

  • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • Points: 86

Offering an AS in Criminal Justice, Pierce College affords students both campus and online class options. The program also permits for flexible class schedules as a result of the many online classes. Pierce College also permits the transfer of as many as 30 credits, allowing students to even further expedite the process of obtaining their degree in criminal justice.

In-state Tuition: $15,060 per year
Student/Faculty ratio: 13:1
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14

Castleton University

  • Castleton, Vermont
  • Points: 85

The criminal justice program at Castleton University affords students hands-on experience as second-year students get the opportunity to gain field experience with local agencies and criminal justice professionals. For those looking to continue on with their education in criminal justice, Castleton offers bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice too.

In-state Tuition: $12,470 per year
Student/Faculty ratio: 16:1
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15

Winona State University

  • Winona, Minnesota
  • Points: 83

Along with an integral internship of 12 credit hours, the criminal justice program at Winona State University offers students two options in their pursuit of a 2 year degree in criminal justice, one being Corrections and the other being Law enforcement. Both programs put students on the right track to starting a career in criminal justice.

In-state Tuition: $9666 per year
Student/Faculty ratio: 19:1
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Ranking the Criminal Justice Schools and Programs

The methodology for ranking the schools and programs on the list was based on a simple point system. That system uses the totals of two basic and evenly weighted factors (tuition and student/faculty ratio) to determine the points assigned to each school.

Corrections, Updates, and Oversights

While we make every effort to deliver updated, accurate, and useful information, that data is constantly changing and the statistics used for each school are approximations. If you notice information that is incorrect or that has changed, then we encourage you to let us know.

We strive to keep our information accurate as well as helpful, and we appreciate your assistance in helping us to do that.

Find the program that’s right for you

Whether you’re trying to start your career or make a big change, we can help you find the perfect school to help you reach your goals.

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