Best Online Criminal Justice Programs in Mason City, IA (2026)
Mason City, Iowa has a population of about 27,135. The city’s median household income is $62,369 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 21.3% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited criminal justice programs within 100 miles of Mason City. In Iowa, the top-earning criminal justice-related role is Information Security Analyst at a median $112,950 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Criminal Justice Schools to Mason City
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer criminal justice programs. Distances are calculated from Mason City city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Iowa Area Community College | Mason City, IA | 3.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Waldorf University | Forest City, IA | 23.8 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Riverland Community College | Austin, MN | 37.8 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Ellsworth Community College | Iowa Falls, IA | 43.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| University of Northern Iowa | Cedar Falls, IA | 57.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Iowa schools on the Iowa criminal justice page.
Criminal Justice Wages Near Mason City
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (Iowa, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Attorney | $107,870 |
| Judge or Magistrate | N/A |
| Police Supervisor | $100,550 |
| Detective or Criminal Investigator | $77,440 |
| Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer | $73,900 |
| Correctional Officer | $51,420 |
| Probation Officer | $78,640 |
| Forensic Science Technician | $63,650 |
| Paralegal or Legal Assistant | $53,280 |
| Information Security Analyst | $112,950 |
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.
Mason City at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 27,135 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $62,369 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 21.3% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
Other Mason City-Area Cities With Criminal Justice Programs
- Austin, MN – 37.9 mi away (25,105 pop)
- Cedar Falls, IA – 57.6 mi away (41,390 pop)
- Waterloo, IA – 62.5 mi away (112,635 pop)
- Owatonna, MN – 65.2 mi away (25,567 pop)
- Fort Dodge, IA – 66.3 mi away (24,359 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited criminal justice programs are near Mason City, IA?
Our directory lists 5 criminal justice programs within 100 miles of Mason City. The closest is North Iowa Area Community College in Mason City, IA (3.6 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is University of Northern Iowa (57.5 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying criminal justice roles in Iowa?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying criminal justice-related roles in Iowa are: Information Security Analyst ($112,950), Attorney ($107,870), Police Supervisor ($100,550). Wages for Mason City workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Austin instead of Mason City?
Austin, MN is 37.9 miles from Mason 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 Mason City an affordable place to study criminal justice?
Mason City’s median household income of $62,369 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Mason City while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Iowa 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 Iowa
- Main Criminal Justice Degree Guide
- Criminal Justice Programs by State
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