Best Online Criminal Justice Programs in Columbia, MO (2026)
Columbia, Missouri has a population of about 127,200. The city’s median household income is $64,488 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 56.5% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited criminal justice programs within 100 miles of Columbia, with tuition ranging from $28,860 to $44,907 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 Columbia
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer criminal justice programs. Distances are calculated from Columbia city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia College | Columbia, MO | 0.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| William Woods University | Fulton, MO | 21.1 mi | $28,860 - $44,907 | – |
| Central Methodist University-College of Liberal Arts and Sciences | Fayette, MO | 23.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Central Methodist University-College of Graduate and Extended Studies | Fayette, MO | 23.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Lincoln University | Jefferson City, MO | 27.8 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 Columbia
Columbia is part of the Columbia, MO metro area (BLS area code 17860). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Missouri statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attorney | $102,510 | Columbia, MO | $114,664 |
| Judge or Magistrate | $156,210 | MO statewide | $174,732 |
| Police Supervisor | $82,300 | Columbia, MO | $92,058 |
| Detective or Criminal Investigator | $61,900 | Columbia, MO | $69,239 |
| Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer | $62,820 | Columbia, MO | $70,268 |
| Correctional Officer | $41,310 | Columbia, MO | $46,208 |
| Probation Officer | $45,390 | Columbia, MO | $50,772 |
| Forensic Science Technician | $64,700 | MO statewide | $72,371 |
| Paralegal or Legal Assistant | $52,170 | Columbia, MO | $58,356 |
| Information Security Analyst | $88,650 | Columbia, MO | $99,161 |
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.
Columbia at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 127,200 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $64,488 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 56.5% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 89.4 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
Other Columbia-Area Cities With Criminal Justice Programs
- Jefferson City, MO – 27.5 mi away (58,439 pop)
- Sedalia, MO – 51.7 mi away (26,302 pop)
- Rolla, MO – 75.7 mi away (20,692 pop)
- Warrensburg, MO – 76.5 mi away (22,227 pop)
- Wentzville, MO – 79.0 mi away (37,395 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited criminal justice programs are near Columbia, MO?
Our directory lists 5 criminal justice programs within 100 miles of Columbia. The closest is Columbia College in Columbia, MO (0.7 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Lincoln University (27.8 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying criminal justice roles near Columbia?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying criminal justice-related roles near Columbia are: Judge or Magistrate ($156,210), Attorney ($102,510), Information Security Analyst ($88,650). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Missouri statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Jefferson City instead of Columbia?
Jefferson City, MO is 27.5 miles from Columbia 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 Columbia an affordable place to study criminal justice?
Columbia’s median household income of $64,488 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Columbia 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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