Best Online Criminal Justice Programs in Murray, KY (2026)
Murray, Kentucky has a population of about 17,888. The city’s median household income is $40,348 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 37.0% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited criminal justice programs within 100 miles of Murray. In Kentucky, the top-earning criminal justice-related role is Judge or Magistrate at a median $138,620 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Criminal Justice Schools to Murray
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer criminal justice programs. Distances are calculated from Murray city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murray State University | Murray, KY | 0.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Bethel University | McKenzie, TN | 34.4 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| West Kentucky Community and Technical College | Paducah, KY | 35.8 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| The University of Tennessee-Martin | Martin, TN | 35.8 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Hopkinsville Community College | Hopkinsville, KY | 49.4 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Kentucky schools on the Kentucky criminal justice page.
Criminal Justice Wages Near Murray
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (Kentucky, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Attorney | $102,670 |
| Judge or Magistrate | $138,620 |
| Police Supervisor | $80,080 |
| Detective or Criminal Investigator | $77,440 |
| Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer | $60,230 |
| Correctional Officer | $40,230 |
| Probation Officer | $55,910 |
| Forensic Science Technician | $58,230 |
| Paralegal or Legal Assistant | $49,000 |
| Information Security Analyst | $98,210 |
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.
Murray at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 17,888 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $40,348 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 37.0% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
Other Murray-Area Cities With Criminal Justice Programs
- Paducah, KY – 36.2 mi away (49,027 pop)
- Hopkinsville, KY – 49.1 mi away (32,733 pop)
- Clarksville, TN – 54.3 mi away (179,367 pop)
- Madisonville, KY – 67.5 mi away (24,565 pop)
- Dyersburg, TN – 70.8 mi away (21,313 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited criminal justice programs are near Murray, KY?
Our directory lists 5 criminal justice programs within 100 miles of Murray. The closest is Murray State University in Murray, KY (0.1 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Hopkinsville Community College (49.4 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying criminal justice roles in Kentucky?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying criminal justice-related roles in Kentucky are: Judge or Magistrate ($138,620), Attorney ($102,670), Information Security Analyst ($98,210). Wages for Murray workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Paducah instead of Murray?
Paducah, KY is 36.2 miles from Murray 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 Murray an affordable place to study criminal justice?
Murray’s median household income of $40,348 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Murray while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Kentucky 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 Kentucky
- Main Criminal Justice Degree Guide
- Criminal Justice Programs by State
Back to Best Online Criminal Justice Programs in Kentucky (2026)
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