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Arkansas Criminal Justice At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Criminal Justice Salary$72,079
National ComparisonArkansas offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 18.6% below the national trend.
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 entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 18.6% below the national trend. 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.


Top 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: 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

Arkansas Tech University

Russellville, AR In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 96%
Graduation rate 49%
Tuition
In‑state$8,508
Out‑of‑state$14,502
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 61

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 72%
Graduation rate 70%
Tuition
In‑state$9,748
Out‑of‑state$28,772
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 14

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Arkansas State University

Jonesboro, AR In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 70%
Graduation rate 54%
Tuition
In‑state$7,754
Out‑of‑state$13,826
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 32

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

University of Arkansas at Little Rock

Little Rock, AR In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 58%
Graduation rate 42%
Tuition
In‑state$8,455
Out‑of‑state$19,210
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 27

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

University of Arkansas at Monticello

Monticello, AR In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 41%
Tuition
In‑state$8,868
Out‑of‑state$14,718
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 33

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#6

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

Pine Bluff, AR In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 58%
Graduation rate 41%
Tuition
In‑state$9,019
Out‑of‑state$17,029
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 7

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#7

Arkansas Baptist College

Little Rock, AR In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 8%
Tuition
In‑state$8,760
Out‑of‑state$8,760
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 3

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege 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$86,970
Judge or Magistrate$192,910
Police Supervisor$63,350
Detective or Criminal Investigator$53,460
Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer$48,090
Correctional Officer$40,330
Probation Officer$48,970
Forensic Science Technician$46,210
Paralegal or Legal Assistant$46,940
Information Security Analyst$93,560

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2024 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 entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 18.6% below the national trend. 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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