Best Online Criminal Justice Programs in Waterbury, CT (2026)
Waterbury, Connecticut has a population of about 114,356. The city’s median household income is $51,642 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 17.0% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited criminal justice programs within 100 miles of Waterbury. In Connecticut, the top-earning criminal justice-related role is Judge or Magistrate at a median $211,420 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Criminal Justice Schools to Waterbury
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer criminal justice programs. Distances are calculated from Waterbury city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Post University | Waterbury, CT | 2.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Quinnipiac University | Hamden, CT | 12.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Charter Oak State College | New Britain, CT | 15.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Albertus Magnus College | New Haven, CT | 16.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Central Connecticut State University | New Britain, CT | 16.8 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Connecticut schools on the Connecticut criminal justice page.
Criminal Justice Wages Near Waterbury
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (Connecticut, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Attorney | $159,240 |
| Judge or Magistrate | $211,420 |
| Police Supervisor | $110,460 |
| Detective or Criminal Investigator | $95,420 |
| Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer | $82,820 |
| Correctional Officer | $62,690 |
| Probation Officer | $94,600 |
| Forensic Science Technician | $84,920 |
| Paralegal or Legal Assistant | $63,260 |
| Information Security Analyst | $130,500 |
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.
Waterbury at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,356 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $51,642 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 17.0% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
Other Waterbury-Area Cities With Criminal Justice Programs
- Naugatuck, CT – 4.9 mi away (31,392 pop)
- Bristol, CT – 9.8 mi away (60,147 pop)
- Meriden, CT – 12.6 mi away (59,622 pop)
- New Britain, CT – 15.2 mi away (72,558 pop)
- New Haven, CT – 18.0 mi away (563,460 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited criminal justice programs are near Waterbury, CT?
Our directory lists 5 criminal justice programs within 100 miles of Waterbury. The closest is Post University in Waterbury, CT (2.9 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Central Connecticut State University (16.8 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying criminal justice roles in Connecticut?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying criminal justice-related roles in Connecticut are: Judge or Magistrate ($211,420), Attorney ($159,240), Information Security Analyst ($130,500). Wages for Waterbury workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Naugatuck instead of Waterbury?
Naugatuck, CT is 4.9 miles from Waterbury 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 Waterbury an affordable place to study criminal justice?
Waterbury’s median household income of $51,642 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Waterbury while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Connecticut 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 Connecticut
- Main Criminal Justice Degree Guide
- Criminal Justice Programs by State
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