Best Online Criminal Justice Programs in Arkansas (2026)

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Arkansas Criminal Justice At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Criminal Justice Salary$61,159
Salary OutlookArkansas offers competitive wages for criminal justice professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyArkansas POST Commission
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online criminal justice degree in Arkansas offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. Arkansas offers competitive wages for criminal justice professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a top-ranked national program, Arkansas students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Online Criminal Justice Schools in Arkansas

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

How We Rank Schools

Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:

  • Graduation rate 30%
  • Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
  • Average net price (lower is better) 20%
  • Retention rate 15%
  • Fully online availability 10%

Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.

#1

University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR BOC Score 70.7
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 74%
Graduation rate 70%
Tuition
In‑state$10,104
Out‑of‑state$29,966
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 13

Source:Accreditor: Higher Learning CommissionIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

John Brown University

Siloam Springs, AR BOC Score 64.4
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 15

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

University of Arkansas-Fort Smith

Fort Smith, AR BOC Score 63.8
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 34

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Arkansas

Criminal Justice professionals in Arkansas 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 Arkansas.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Arkansas)
Attorney$98,880
Judge or MagistrateN/A
Police Supervisor$62,290
Detective or Criminal Investigator$54,500
Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer$47,670
Correctional Officer$40,330
Probation Officer$51,180
Forensic Science Technician$44,670
Paralegal or Legal Assistant$47,420
Information Security Analyst$103,490

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Criminal Justice Degree in Arkansas?

Choosing a program in Arkansas can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in Arkansas 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 Arkansas often align with POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) requirements specific to the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online criminal justice programs in Arkansas accredited?

Yes, the programs listed above are accredited by recognized regional or national agencies. For Arkansas, 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 Arkansas compare to other states?

Arkansas offers competitive wages for criminal justice professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. This makes Arkansas a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

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

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


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