Best Online Criminal Justice Programs in Poplar Bluff, MO (2026)
Poplar Bluff, Missouri has a population of about 16,243. The city’s median household income is $42,035 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 16.0% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited criminal justice programs within 100 miles of Poplar Bluff, with tuition ranging from $4,860 to $23,337 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 Poplar Bluff
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer criminal justice programs. Distances are calculated from Poplar Bluff city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Three Rivers College | Poplar Bluff, MO | 1.4 mi | $4,860 - $17,482 | – |
| Black River Technical College | Pocahontas, AR | 46.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Williams Baptist University | Walnut Ridge, AR | 53.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Southeast Missouri State University | Cape Girardeau, MO | 62.1 mi | $9,496 - $23,337 | – |
| Arkansas State University | Jonesboro, AR | 65.1 mi | $7,754 - $22,823 | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Missouri schools on the Missouri criminal justice page.
Criminal Justice Wages Near Poplar Bluff
| 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.
Poplar Bluff at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 16,243 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $42,035 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 16.0% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
Other Poplar Bluff-Area Cities With Criminal Justice Programs
- Paragould, AR – 49.2 mi away (26,617 pop)
- Cape Girardeau, MO – 60.4 mi away (55,253 pop)
- Jonesboro, AR – 66.8 mi away (72,838 pop)
- Farmington, MO – 70.4 mi away (44,494 pop)
- Dyersburg, TN – 76.0 mi away (21,313 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited criminal justice programs are near Poplar Bluff, MO?
Our directory lists 5 criminal justice programs within 100 miles of Poplar Bluff. The closest is Three Rivers College in Poplar Bluff, MO (1.4 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Arkansas State University (65.1 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 Poplar Bluff workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Paragould instead of Poplar Bluff?
Paragould, AR is 49.2 miles from Poplar Bluff 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 Poplar Bluff an affordable place to study criminal justice?
Poplar Bluff’s median household income of $42,035 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Poplar Bluff 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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