Best Online Criminal Justice Programs in Lake City, FL (2026)
Lake City, Florida has a population of about 12,404. The city’s median household income is $51,175 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 25.4% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited criminal justice programs within 100 miles of Lake City, with tuition ranging from $2,563 to $14,353 per year. In Florida, the top-earning criminal justice-related role is Attorney at a median $127,810 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Criminal Justice Schools to Lake City
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer criminal justice programs. Distances are calculated from Lake City city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida Gateway College | Lake City, FL | 3.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Santa Fe College | Gainesville, FL | 37.4 mi | $2,563 - $14,353 | – |
| North Florida College | Madison, FL | 50.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Trinity Baptist College | Jacksonville, FL | 51.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Edward Waters University | Jacksonville, FL | 58.4 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Florida schools on the Florida criminal justice page.
Criminal Justice Wages Near Lake City
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (Florida, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Attorney | $127,810 |
| Judge or Magistrate | N/A |
| Police Supervisor | $101,340 |
| Detective or Criminal Investigator | $78,290 |
| Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer | $76,190 |
| Correctional Officer | $48,260 |
| Probation Officer | $50,540 |
| Forensic Science Technician | $61,070 |
| Paralegal or Legal Assistant | $60,280 |
| Information Security Analyst | $105,990 |
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.
Lake City at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 12,404 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $51,175 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 25.4% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
Other Lake City-Area Cities With Criminal Justice Programs
- Gainesville, FL – 39.5 mi away (198,702 pop)
- Jacksonville, FL – 58.8 mi away (1,141,459 pop)
- Valdosta, GA – 59.2 mi away (79,844 pop)
- Palatka, FL – 69.8 mi away (23,740 pop)
- Waycross, GA – 72.7 mi away (24,741 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited criminal justice programs are near Lake City, FL?
Our directory lists 5 criminal justice programs within 100 miles of Lake City. The closest is Florida Gateway College in Lake City, FL (3.1 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Edward Waters University (58.4 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying criminal justice roles in Florida?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying criminal justice-related roles in Florida are: Attorney ($127,810), Information Security Analyst ($105,990), Police Supervisor ($101,340). Wages for Lake City workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Gainesville instead of Lake City?
Gainesville, FL is 39.5 miles from Lake City 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 Lake City an affordable place to study criminal justice?
Lake City’s median household income of $51,175 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Lake City while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Florida 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 Florida
- Main Criminal Justice Degree Guide
- Criminal Justice Programs by State
Back to Best Online Criminal Justice Programs in Florida (2026)
Return to Best Online Criminal Justice Programs in Florida (2026)