Best Online Criminal Justice Programs in West Fargo, ND (2026)
West Fargo, North Dakota has a population of about 39,325. The city’s median household income is $96,877 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 45.2% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited criminal justice programs within 100 miles of West Fargo, with tuition ranging from $12,715 to $24,675 per year. In the Fargo, ND-MN metro area, the top-earning criminal justice-related role is Information Security Analyst at a median $112,330 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Criminal Justice Schools to West Fargo
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer criminal justice programs. Distances are calculated from West Fargo city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota State University-Main Campus | Fargo, ND | 5.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Rasmussen University-North Dakota | Fargo, ND | 5.6 mi | $12,715 - $24,675 | – |
| Minnesota State University Moorhead | Moorhead, MN | 7.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Minnesota State Community and Technical College | Fergus Falls, MN | 54.8 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| University of North Dakota | Grand Forks, ND | 74.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all North Dakota schools on the North Dakota criminal justice page.
Criminal Justice Wages Near West Fargo
West Fargo is part of the Fargo, ND-MN metro area (BLS area code 22020). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to North Dakota statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attorney | $103,320 | Fargo, ND-MN | $113,663 |
| Judge or Magistrate | N/A | ND statewide | – |
| Police Supervisor | $107,480 | Fargo, ND-MN | $118,240 |
| Detective or Criminal Investigator | $86,160 | Fargo, ND-MN | $94,785 |
| Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer | $78,840 | Fargo, ND-MN | $86,733 |
| Correctional Officer | $54,700 | Fargo, ND-MN | $60,176 |
| Probation Officer | $66,190 | Fargo, ND-MN | $72,816 |
| Forensic Science Technician | $74,470 | ND statewide | $81,925 |
| Paralegal or Legal Assistant | $59,680 | Fargo, ND-MN | $65,655 |
| Information Security Analyst | $112,330 | Fargo, ND-MN | $123,575 |
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.
West Fargo at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 39,325 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $96,877 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 45.2% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 90.9 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
Other West Fargo-Area Cities With Criminal Justice Programs
- Fargo, ND – 3.6 mi away (202,146 pop)
- Moorhead, MN – 7.6 mi away (42,492 pop)
- Grand Forks, ND – 73.4 mi away (66,487 pop)
- Alexandria, MN – 99.5 mi away (20,814 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited criminal justice programs are near West Fargo, ND?
Our directory lists 5 criminal justice programs within 100 miles of West Fargo. The closest is North Dakota State University-Main Campus in Fargo, ND (5.5 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is University of North Dakota (74.3 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying criminal justice roles near West Fargo?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying criminal justice-related roles near West Fargo are: Information Security Analyst ($112,330), Police Supervisor ($107,480), Attorney ($103,320). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with North Dakota statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Fargo instead of West Fargo?
Fargo, ND is 3.6 miles from West Fargo 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 West Fargo an affordable place to study criminal justice?
West Fargo’s median household income of $96,877 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in West Fargo while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and North Dakota 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 North Dakota
- Main Criminal Justice Degree Guide
- Criminal Justice Programs by State
Back to Best Online Criminal Justice Programs in North Dakota (2026)
Return to Best Online Criminal Justice Programs in North Dakota (2026)