Best Online Criminal Justice Programs in Paragould, AR (2026)
Paragould, Arkansas has a population of about 29,940. The city’s median household income is $56,181 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 16.3% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited criminal justice programs within 100 miles of Paragould, with tuition ranging from $7,754 to $22,823 per year. In Arkansas, the top-earning criminal justice-related role is Judge or Magistrate at a median $192,910 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Criminal Justice Schools to Paragould
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer criminal justice programs. Distances are calculated from Paragould city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 17.1 mi | $7,754 - $22,823 | – |
| Williams Baptist University | Walnut Ridge, AR | 24.8 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Black River Technical College | Pocahontas, AR | 27.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Arkansas Northeastern College | Blytheville, AR | 35.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Arkansas State University-Newport | Newport, AR | 47.4 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Arkansas schools on the Arkansas criminal justice page.
Criminal Justice Wages Near Paragould
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (Arkansas, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Attorney | $86,970 |
| Judge or Magistrate | $192,910 |
| Police Supervisor | $63,350 |
| Detective or Criminal Investigator | $53,460 |
| Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer | $48,090 |
| Correctional Officer | $40,330 |
| Probation Officer | $48,970 |
| Forensic Science Technician | $46,210 |
| Paralegal or Legal Assistant | $46,940 |
| Information Security Analyst | $93,560 |
Source: BLS, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wage data at the metro (MSA) and state level – not by individual city.
Paragould at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 29,940 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $56,181 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 16.3% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
Other Paragould-Area Cities With Criminal Justice Programs
- Jonesboro, AR – 18.7 mi away (72,838 pop)
- Poplar Bluff, MO – 49.2 mi away (20,714 pop)
- Atoka, TN – 59.9 mi away (20,478 pop)
- Dyersburg, TN – 63.5 mi away (21,313 pop)
- West Memphis, AR – 64.9 mi away (25,284 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited criminal justice programs are near Paragould, AR?
Our directory lists 5 criminal justice programs within 100 miles of Paragould. The closest is Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, AR (17.1 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Arkansas State University-Newport (47.4 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying criminal justice roles in Arkansas?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying criminal justice-related roles in Arkansas are: Judge or Magistrate ($192,910), Information Security Analyst ($93,560), Attorney ($86,970). Wages for Paragould workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Jonesboro instead of Paragould?
Jonesboro, AR is 18.7 miles from Paragould and has its own set of local criminal justice programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Paragould an affordable place to study criminal justice?
Paragould’s median household income of $56,181 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Paragould while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Arkansas public universities often offer reduced in-state online tuition.
How do I verify a program is accredited?
Confirm institutional accreditation via the U.S. Department of Education database (U.S. Dept. of Education database), and check for any program-specific accreditation listed by the school.
Related Resources
- Online Criminal Justice Programs in Arkansas
- Main Criminal Justice Degree Guide
- Criminal Justice Programs by State
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