Best Online Criminal Justice Programs in District Of Columbia (2026)

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District Of Columbia Criminal Justice At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Criminal Justice Salary$134,033
Salary OutlookDistrict Of Columbia offers competitive wages for criminal justice professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyDistrict Of Columbia POST Commission
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

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


Online Criminal Justice Schools in District Of Columbia

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

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

George Washington University

Washington, DC BOC Score 76.5
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 41

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

American University

Washington, DC BOC Score 71.5
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 13

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Howard University

Washington, DC BOC Score 60.8
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 41%
Graduation rate 69%
Tuition
In‑state$35,810
Out‑of‑state$35,810
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 11

Source:Accreditor: Middle States Commission on Higher EducationIPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in District Of Columbia

Criminal Justice professionals in District Of Columbia 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 District Of Columbia.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (District Of Columbia)
Attorney$195,190
Police Supervisor$134,760
Detective or Criminal Investigator$160,760
Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer$88,650
Paralegal or Legal Assistant$89,750
Information Security Analyst$135,090

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


Why Pursue an Online Criminal Justice Degree in District Of Columbia?

Choosing a program in District Of Columbia can provide several advantages:

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online criminal justice programs in District Of Columbia accredited?

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

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

What is the primary licensing board for criminal justice in District Of Columbia?

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


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