Best Online Criminal Justice Programs in Colorado (2026)

Updated May 3, 2026 Table of Contents

Colorado Criminal Justice At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Criminal Justice Salary$109,612
National ComparisonColorado salaries are approximately 23.8% higher than the national average for criminal justice
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 salaries are approximately 23.8% higher than the national average for criminal justice roles. 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.

Top 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: 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

University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, CO In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 97%
Graduation rate 44%
Tuition
In‑state$9,712
Out‑of‑state$20,492
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 12

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Aims Community College

Greeley, CO In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 35%
Tuition
In‑state$2,090
Out‑of‑state$11,306
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 44

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

Denver, CO In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 78%
Graduation rate 46%
Tuition
In‑state$10,017
Out‑of‑state$28,209
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 9

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Colorado Mountain College

Glenwood Springs, CO In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 26%
Tuition
In‑state$2,700
Out‑of‑state$12,540
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 32

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

Arapahoe Community College

Littleton, CO In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 27%
Tuition
In‑state$4,308
Out‑of‑state$16,542
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 33

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#6

Colorado Christian University

Lakewood, CO In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 58%
Tuition
In‑state$39,266
Out‑of‑state$39,266
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 16

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#7

Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, CO In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 19%
Tuition
In‑state$12,760
Out‑of‑state$12,760
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 15

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege 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$167,970
Judge or Magistrate$191,640
Police Supervisor$128,310
Detective or Criminal Investigator$102,910
Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer$96,100
Correctional Officer$60,670
Probation Officer$66,770
Forensic Science Technician$77,800
Paralegal or Legal Assistant$73,380
Information Security Analyst$130,570

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2024 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 salaries are approximately 23.8% higher than the national average for criminal justice roles. 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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