Best Online Criminal Justice Programs in Colorado (2026)

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Colorado Criminal Justice At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Criminal Justice Salary$112,819
Salary OutlookColorado offers competitive wages for criminal justice professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyColorado POST Commission
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online criminal justice degree in Colorado offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. Colorado 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, Colorado students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Online Criminal Justice Schools in Colorado

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

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

Red Rocks Community College

Lakewood, CO BOC Score 64.2
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 74

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

Denver, CO BOC Score 61.7
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 75%
Graduation rate 47%
Tuition
In‑state$10,383
Out‑of‑state$29,391
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 10

Source:Accreditor: Higher Learning CommissionIPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Colorado

Criminal Justice professionals in Colorado 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 Colorado.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Colorado)
Attorney$168,520
Judge or Magistrate$198,790
Police Supervisor$126,810
Detective or Criminal Investigator$105,480
Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer$97,350
Correctional Officer$62,140
Probation Officer$71,680
Forensic Science Technician$84,010
Paralegal or Legal Assistant$78,190
Information Security Analyst$135,220

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


Why Pursue an Online Criminal Justice Degree in Colorado?

Choosing a program in Colorado can provide several advantages:

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online criminal justice programs in Colorado accredited?

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

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

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

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


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