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Georgia Criminal Justice At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Criminal Justice Salary$79,537
National ComparisonGeorgia offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 10.2% below the national trend.
Primary Licensing BodyGeorgia POST Commission
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online criminal justice degree in Georgia offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. Georgia offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 10.2% below the national trend. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a top-ranked national program, Georgia students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Top Online Criminal Justice Schools in Georgia

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

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

Mercer University

Macon, GA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 66%
Graduation rate 73%
Tuition
In‑state$40,890
Out‑of‑state$40,890
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 21

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Thomas University

Thomasville, GA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 43%
Graduation rate 50%
Tuition
In‑state$11,640
Out‑of‑state$11,640
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 5

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Piedmont University

Demorest, GA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 93%
Graduation rate 45%
Tuition
In‑state$30,680
Out‑of‑state$30,680
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 8

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Toccoa Falls College

Toccoa Falls, GA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 64%
Graduation rate 46%
Tuition
In‑state$23,250
Out‑of‑state$23,250
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 2

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

Herzing University-Atlanta

Atlanta, GA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 94%
Graduation rate 27%
Tuition
In‑state$13,420
Out‑of‑state$13,420
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 16

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#6

Georgia Gwinnett College

Lawrenceville, GA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 96%
Graduation rate 20%
Tuition
In‑state$4,458
Out‑of‑state$13,244
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 7

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#7

Shorter University

Rome, GA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 97%
Graduation rate 34%
Tuition
In‑state$24,044
Out‑of‑state$24,044
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 2

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#8

Savannah State University

Savannah, GA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 27%
Tuition
In‑state$5,498
Out‑of‑state$16,218
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 9

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Georgia

Criminal Justice professionals in Georgia 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 Georgia.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Georgia)
Attorney$126,240
Judge or Magistrate$131,670
Police Supervisor$79,240
Detective or Criminal Investigator$64,990
Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer$56,350
Correctional Officer$44,500
Probation Officer$54,490
Forensic Science Technician$58,500
Paralegal or Legal Assistant$55,120
Information Security Analyst$124,270

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


Why Pursue an Online Criminal Justice Degree in Georgia?

Choosing a program in Georgia can provide several advantages:

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online criminal justice programs in Georgia accredited?

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

Georgia offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 10.2% below the national trend. This makes Georgia a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

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

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


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