Home > Programs > Criminal Justice > States > Illinois
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Median Criminal Justice Salary | $103,146 |
| National Comparison | Illinois salaries are approximately 16.5% higher than the national average for criminal justice |
| Primary Licensing Body | Illinois POST Commission |
| Accreditation Required | Institutional + Regional |
Earning an online criminal justice degree in Illinois offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. Illinois salaries are approximately 16.5% 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, Illinois students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.
The following schools offer accredited online criminal justice programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in Illinois.
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.
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Criminal Justice professionals in Illinois 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 Illinois.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| Attorney | $157,320 |
| Police Supervisor | $136,440 |
| Detective or Criminal Investigator | $89,740 |
| Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer | $101,530 |
| Correctional Officer | $78,750 |
| Probation Officer | $70,350 |
| Forensic Science Technician | $117,590 |
| Paralegal or Legal Assistant | $62,290 |
| Information Security Analyst | $114,300 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Choosing a program in Illinois can provide several advantages:
Yes, the programs listed above are accredited by recognized regional or national agencies. For Illinois, this includes accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring your degree meets high academic standards.
Illinois salaries are approximately 16.5% higher than the national average for criminal justice roles. This makes Illinois a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.
The Illinois POST Commission oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in Illinois. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.
