Best Online Criminal Justice Programs in Ottawa, IL (2026)
Ottawa, Illinois has a population of about 18,714. The city’s median household income is $73,011 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 21.9% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited criminal justice programs within 100 miles of Ottawa, with tuition ranging from $3,432 to $14,661 per year. In Illinois, the top-earning criminal justice-related role is Attorney at a median $157,320 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Criminal Justice Schools to Ottawa
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer criminal justice programs. Distances are calculated from Ottawa city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois Valley Community College | Oglesby, IL | 14.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Joliet Junior College | Joliet, IL | 35.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Waubonsee Community College | Sugar Grove, IL | 36.1 mi | $3,432 - $14,661 | – |
| Aurora University | Aurora, IL | 37.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| University of St Francis | Joliet, IL | 39.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Illinois schools on the Illinois criminal justice page.
Criminal Justice Wages Near Ottawa
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (Illinois, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Attorney | $157,320 |
| Judge or Magistrate | N/A |
| Police Supervisor | $136,440 |
| Detective or Criminal Investigator | $89,740 |
| Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer | $101,530 |
| Correctional Officer | $78,750 |
| Probation Officer | $70,350 |
| Forensic Science Technician | $117,590 |
| Paralegal or Legal Assistant | $62,290 |
| Information Security Analyst | $114,300 |
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.
Ottawa at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 18,714 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $73,011 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 21.9% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
Other Ottawa-Area Cities With Criminal Justice Programs
- Peru, IL – 15.7 mi away (30,795 pop)
- Braidwood, IL – 32.1 mi away (22,563 pop)
- Oswego, IL – 34.3 mi away (34,571 pop)
- Plainfield, IL – 36.4 mi away (42,933 pop)
- Joliet, IL – 37.2 mi away (148,262 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited criminal justice programs are near Ottawa, IL?
Our directory lists 5 criminal justice programs within 100 miles of Ottawa. The closest is Illinois Valley Community College in Oglesby, IL (14.3 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is University of St Francis (39.9 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying criminal justice roles in Illinois?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying criminal justice-related roles in Illinois are: Attorney ($157,320), Police Supervisor ($136,440), Forensic Science Technician ($117,590). Wages for Ottawa workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Peru instead of Ottawa?
Peru, IL is 15.7 miles from Ottawa 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 Ottawa an affordable place to study criminal justice?
Ottawa’s median household income of $73,011 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Ottawa while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Illinois 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 Illinois
- Main Criminal Justice Degree Guide
- Criminal Justice Programs by State
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