Best Online Criminal Justice Programs in Topeka, KS (2026)
Topeka, Kansas has a population of about 126,103. The city’s median household income is $55,902 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 29.1% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited criminal justice programs within 100 miles of Topeka, with tuition ranging from $9,578 to $20,949 per year. In the Topeka, KS metro area, the top-earning criminal justice-related role is Judge or Magistrate at a median $148,910 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Criminal Justice Schools to Topeka
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer criminal justice programs. Distances are calculated from Topeka city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washburn University | Topeka, KS | 0.3 mi | $9,578 - $20,949 | – |
| Rasmussen University-Kansas | Topeka, KS | 2.4 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| MidAmerica Nazarene University | Olathe, KS | 50.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Kansas City Kansas Community College | Kansas City, KS | 51.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Johnson County Community College | Overland Park, KS | 52.4 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Kansas schools on the Kansas criminal justice page.
Criminal Justice Wages Near Topeka
Topeka is part of the Topeka, KS metro area (BLS area code 45820). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Kansas statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attorney | $95,260 | Topeka, KS | $107,275 |
| Judge or Magistrate | $148,910 | Topeka, KS | $167,691 |
| Police Supervisor | $93,640 | Topeka, KS | $105,450 |
| Detective or Criminal Investigator | $54,020 | Topeka, KS | $60,833 |
| Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer | $57,990 | Topeka, KS | $65,304 |
| Correctional Officer | $50,920 | Topeka, KS | $57,342 |
| Probation Officer | $57,430 | Topeka, KS | $64,673 |
| Forensic Science Technician | $75,150 | KS statewide | $84,628 |
| Paralegal or Legal Assistant | $47,750 | Topeka, KS | $53,773 |
| Information Security Analyst | $94,990 | Topeka, KS | $106,971 |
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.
Topeka at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $55,902 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 29.1% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 88.8 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
Other Topeka-Area Cities With Criminal Justice Programs
- Lawrence, KS – 23.7 mi away (95,800 pop)
- Gardner, KS – 43.8 mi away (21,110 pop)
- Leavenworth, KS – 45.8 mi away (46,445 pop)
- Shawnee, KS – 47.7 mi away (65,194 pop)
- Olathe, KS – 48.2 mi away (135,473 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited criminal justice programs are near Topeka, KS?
Our directory lists 5 criminal justice programs within 100 miles of Topeka. The closest is Washburn University in Topeka, KS (0.3 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Johnson County Community College (52.4 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying criminal justice roles near Topeka?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying criminal justice-related roles near Topeka are: Judge or Magistrate ($148,910), Attorney ($95,260), Information Security Analyst ($94,990). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Kansas statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Lawrence instead of Topeka?
Lawrence, KS is 23.7 miles from Topeka 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 Topeka an affordable place to study criminal justice?
Topeka’s median household income of $55,902 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Topeka while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Kansas 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 Kansas
- Main Criminal Justice Degree Guide
- Criminal Justice Programs by State
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