Best Online Criminal Justice Programs in Willmar, MN (2026)
Willmar, Minnesota has a population of about 21,136. The city’s median household income is $63,368 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 24.5% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited criminal justice programs within 100 miles of Willmar, with tuition ranging from $6,213 to $18,962 per year. In Minnesota, the top-earning criminal justice-related role is Judge or Magistrate at a median $182,790 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Criminal Justice Schools to Willmar
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer criminal justice programs. Distances are calculated from Willmar city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ridgewater College | Willmar, MN | 1.4 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Minnesota West Community and Technical College | Granite Falls, MN | 33.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Rasmussen University-Minnesota | St. Cloud, MN | 50.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Saint Cloud State University | Saint Cloud, MN | 52.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Alexandria Technical & Community College | Alexandria, MN | 54.0 mi | $6,213 - $18,962 | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Minnesota schools on the Minnesota criminal justice page.
Criminal Justice Wages Near Willmar
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (Minnesota, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Attorney | $137,720 |
| Judge or Magistrate | $182,790 |
| Police Supervisor | $100,680 |
| Detective or Criminal Investigator | $82,330 |
| Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer | $83,310 |
| Correctional Officer | $64,670 |
| Probation Officer | $79,510 |
| Forensic Science Technician | $68,790 |
| Paralegal or Legal Assistant | $67,320 |
| Information Security Analyst | $128,830 |
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.
Willmar at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 21,136 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $63,368 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 24.5% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
Other Willmar-Area Cities With Criminal Justice Programs
- Saint Cloud, MN – 51.5 mi away (113,649 pop)
- Alexandria, MN – 54.3 mi away (20,814 pop)
- Monticello, MN – 62.4 mi away (26,875 pop)
- Chaska, MN – 73.8 mi away (26,016 pop)
- Elk River, MN – 73.9 mi away (24,364 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited criminal justice programs are near Willmar, MN?
Our directory lists 5 criminal justice programs within 100 miles of Willmar. The closest is Ridgewater College in Willmar, MN (1.4 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Alexandria Technical & Community College (54.0 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying criminal justice roles in Minnesota?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying criminal justice-related roles in Minnesota are: Judge or Magistrate ($182,790), Attorney ($137,720), Information Security Analyst ($128,830). Wages for Willmar workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Saint Cloud instead of Willmar?
Saint Cloud, MN is 51.5 miles from Willmar 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 Willmar an affordable place to study criminal justice?
Willmar’s median household income of $63,368 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Willmar while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Minnesota 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 Minnesota
- Main Criminal Justice Degree Guide
- Criminal Justice Programs by State
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