Best Online Criminal Justice Programs in Watertown, SD (2026)
Watertown, South Dakota has a population of about 22,859. The city’s median household income is $62,721 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 21.2% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited criminal justice programs within 100 miles of Watertown. In South Dakota, the top-earning criminal justice-related role is Information Security Analyst at a median $103,310 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Criminal Justice Schools to Watertown
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer criminal justice programs. Distances are calculated from Watertown city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Area Technical College | Watertown, SD | 2.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Northern State University | Aberdeen, SD | 74.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Southwest Minnesota State University | Marshall, MN | 75.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Minnesota West Community and Technical College | Granite Falls, MN | 78.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Dakota Wesleyan University | Mitchell, SD | 94.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all South Dakota schools on the South Dakota criminal justice page.
Criminal Justice Wages Near Watertown
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (South Dakota, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Attorney | $96,550 |
| Judge or Magistrate | N/A |
| Police Supervisor | $83,220 |
| Detective or Criminal Investigator | $77,440 |
| Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer | $60,300 |
| Correctional Officer | $52,310 |
| Probation Officer | N/A |
| Forensic Science Technician | $49,280 |
| Paralegal or Legal Assistant | $57,300 |
| Information Security Analyst | $103,310 |
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.
Watertown at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 22,859 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $62,721 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 21.2% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
Other Watertown-Area Cities With Criminal Justice Programs
- Brookings, SD – 45.7 mi away (24,357 pop)
- Aberdeen, SD – 74.6 mi away (28,291 pop)
- Sioux Falls, SD – 97.0 mi away (177,629 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited criminal justice programs are near Watertown, SD?
Our directory lists 5 criminal justice programs within 100 miles of Watertown. The closest is Lake Area Technical College in Watertown, SD (2.9 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Dakota Wesleyan University (94.2 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying criminal justice roles in South Dakota?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying criminal justice-related roles in South Dakota are: Information Security Analyst ($103,310), Attorney ($96,550), Police Supervisor ($83,220). Wages for Watertown workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Brookings instead of Watertown?
Brookings, SD is 45.7 miles from Watertown 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 Watertown an affordable place to study criminal justice?
Watertown’s median household income of $62,721 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Watertown while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and South 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 South Dakota
- Main Criminal Justice Degree Guide
- Criminal Justice Programs by State
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