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Alabama Criminal Justice At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Criminal Justice Salary$69,514
National ComparisonAlabama offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 21.5% below the national trend.
Primary Licensing BodyAlabama POST Commission
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online criminal justice degree in Alabama offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. Alabama offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 21.5% below the national trend. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a top-ranked national program, Alabama students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Top Online Criminal Justice Schools in Alabama

The following schools offer accredited online criminal justice programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in Alabama.

How we rank schools: Rankings are based on available IPEDS and College Scorecard data including graduation rate, admission rate, program availability, completions, and published tuition. Data is informational only -- always confirm details directly with each school.

#1

Columbia Southern University

Orange Beach, AL In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 35%
Tuition
In‑state$5,808
Out‑of‑state$5,808
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 20

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Birmingham, AL In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 88%
Graduation rate 63%
Tuition
In‑state$8,832
Out‑of‑state$21,864
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 19

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Auburn University at Montgomery

Montgomery, AL In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 93%
Graduation rate 36%
Tuition
In‑state$9,436
Out‑of‑state$20,092
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 11

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Alabama State University

Montgomery, AL In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 96%
Graduation rate 29%
Tuition
In‑state$11,248
Out‑of‑state$19,576
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 9

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

Alabama A & M University

Normal, AL In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 66%
Graduation rate 28%
Tuition
In‑state$10,024
Out‑of‑state$18,634
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 8

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#6

Faulkner University

Montgomery, AL In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 66%
Graduation rate 35%
Tuition
In‑state$23,920
Out‑of‑state$23,920
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 6

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#7

South University-Montgomery

Montgomery, AL In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 11%
Tuition
In‑state$18,238
Out‑of‑state$18,238
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 9

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Alabama

Criminal Justice professionals in Alabama experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for Alabama.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Alabama)
Attorney$127,660
Judge or Magistrate$50,950
Police Supervisor$75,140
Detective or Criminal Investigator$66,020
Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer$53,850
Correctional Officer$46,400
Probation Officer$58,390
Forensic Science Technician$59,560
Paralegal or Legal Assistant$46,060
Information Security Analyst$111,110

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Criminal Justice Degree in Alabama?

Choosing a program in Alabama can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in Alabama offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
  • Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
  • Licensing Alignment: Programs in Alabama often align with POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) requirements specific to the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online criminal justice programs in Alabama accredited?

Yes, the programs listed above are accredited by recognized regional or national agencies. For Alabama, this includes accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring your degree meets high academic standards.

How does Criminal Justice pay in Alabama compare to other states?

Alabama offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 21.5% below the national trend. This makes Alabama a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for criminal justice in Alabama?

The Alabama POST Commission oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in Alabama. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.


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