Best Online Criminal Justice Programs in Branson, MO (2026)
Branson, Missouri has a population of about 12,760. The city’s median household income is $54,961 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 29.4% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited criminal justice programs within 100 miles of Branson, with tuition ranging from $9,024 to $24,022 per year. In Missouri, the top-earning criminal justice-related role is Judge or Magistrate at a median $156,210 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Criminal Justice Schools to Branson
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer criminal justice programs. Distances are calculated from Branson city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| College of the Ozarks | Point Lookout, MO | 2.8 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| North Arkansas College | Harrison, AR | 31.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Missouri State University-Springfield | Springfield, MO | 38.1 mi | $9,024 - $24,022 | – |
| Drury University-College of Continuing Professional Studies | Springfield, MO | 39.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Drury University | Springfield, MO | 39.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Missouri schools on the Missouri criminal justice page.
Criminal Justice Wages Near Branson
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (Missouri, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Attorney | $124,210 |
| Judge or Magistrate | $156,210 |
| Police Supervisor | $91,150 |
| Detective or Criminal Investigator | $78,670 |
| Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer | $60,720 |
| Correctional Officer | $41,310 |
| Probation Officer | $45,390 |
| Forensic Science Technician | $64,700 |
| Paralegal or Legal Assistant | $58,730 |
| Information Security Analyst | $102,440 |
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.
Branson at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 12,760 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $54,961 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 29.4% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
Other Branson-Area Cities With Criminal Justice Programs
- Nixa, MO – 27.4 mi away (21,201 pop)
- Springfield, MO – 37.6 mi away (287,124 pop)
- Rogers, AR – 54.4 mi away (65,021 pop)
- Bentonville, AR – 57.3 mi away (47,093 pop)
- Bella Vista, AR – 57.3 mi away (28,406 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited criminal justice programs are near Branson, MO?
Our directory lists 5 criminal justice programs within 100 miles of Branson. The closest is College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, MO (2.8 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Drury University (39.3 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying criminal justice roles in Missouri?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying criminal justice-related roles in Missouri are: Judge or Magistrate ($156,210), Attorney ($124,210), Information Security Analyst ($102,440). Wages for Branson workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Nixa instead of Branson?
Nixa, MO is 27.4 miles from Branson 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 Branson an affordable place to study criminal justice?
Branson’s median household income of $54,961 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Branson while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Missouri 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 Missouri
- Main Criminal Justice Degree Guide
- Criminal Justice Programs by State
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