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Iowa Criminal Justice At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Criminal Justice Salary$79,967
National ComparisonIowa offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 9.7% below the national trend.
Primary Licensing BodyIowa POST Commission
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online criminal justice degree in Iowa offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. Iowa offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 9.7% below the national trend. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a top-ranked national program, Iowa students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Top Online Criminal Justice Schools in Iowa

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

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

Iowa State University

Ames, IA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 89%
Graduation rate 75%
Tuition
In‑state$10,497
Out‑of‑state$27,683
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 26

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Loras College

Dubuque, IA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 92%
Graduation rate 69%
Tuition
In‑state$38,298
Out‑of‑state$38,298
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 4

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Morningside University

Sioux City, IA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 71%
Graduation rate 54%
Tuition
In‑state$38,190
Out‑of‑state$38,190
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 7

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Iowa

Criminal Justice professionals in Iowa 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 Iowa.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Iowa)
Attorney$107,870
Judge or MagistrateN/A
Police Supervisor$100,550
Detective or Criminal Investigator$77,440
Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer$73,900
Correctional Officer$51,420
Probation Officer$78,640
Forensic Science Technician$63,650
Paralegal or Legal Assistant$53,280
Information Security Analyst$112,950

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


Why Pursue an Online Criminal Justice Degree in Iowa?

Choosing a program in Iowa can provide several advantages:

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online criminal justice programs in Iowa accredited?

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

Iowa offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 9.7% below the national trend. This makes Iowa a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

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

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


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