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Florida Criminal Justice At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Criminal Justice Salary$78,863
National ComparisonFlorida offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 11.0% below the national trend.
Primary Licensing BodyFlorida POST Commission
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online criminal justice degree in Florida offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. Florida offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 11.0% below the national trend. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a top-ranked national program, Florida students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Top Online Criminal Justice Schools in Florida

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

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

Seminole State College of Florida

Sanford, FL In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 43%
Tuition
In‑state$3,227
Out‑of‑state$11,447
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 72

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Palm Beach State College

Lake Worth, FL In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 41%
Tuition
In‑state$3,050
Out‑of‑state$10,910
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 98

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Santa Fe College

Gainesville, FL In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 51%
Tuition
In‑state$2,563
Out‑of‑state$9,189
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 75

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

St Petersburg College

St. Petersburg, FL In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 38%
Tuition
In‑state$2,682
Out‑of‑state$9,286
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 56

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

Pasco-Hernando State College

New Port Richey, FL In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 39%
Tuition
In‑state$3,155
Out‑of‑state$12,032
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 67

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#6

Pensacola State College

Pensacola, FL In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 39%
Tuition
In‑state$2,348
Out‑of‑state$9,407
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 90

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#7

Polk State College

Winter Haven, FL In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 33%
Tuition
In‑state$3,366
Out‑of‑state$12,272
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 41

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#8

Saint Leo University

Saint Leo, FL In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 72%
Graduation rate 49%
Tuition
In‑state$28,360
Out‑of‑state$28,360
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 16

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Florida

Criminal Justice professionals in Florida 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 Florida.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Florida)
Attorney$127,810
Judge or MagistrateN/A
Police Supervisor$101,340
Detective or Criminal Investigator$78,290
Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer$76,190
Correctional Officer$48,260
Probation Officer$50,540
Forensic Science Technician$61,070
Paralegal or Legal Assistant$60,280
Information Security Analyst$105,990

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Criminal Justice Degree in Florida?

Choosing a program in Florida can provide several advantages:

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online criminal justice programs in Florida accredited?

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

Florida offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 11.0% below the national trend. This makes Florida a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

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

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


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