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Kansas Criminal Justice At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Criminal Justice Salary$79,360
National ComparisonKansas offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 10.4% below the national trend.
Primary Licensing BodyKansas POST Commission
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online criminal justice degree in Kansas offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. Kansas offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 10.4% below the national trend. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a top-ranked national program, Kansas students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Top Online Criminal Justice Schools in Kansas

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

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

Washburn University

Topeka, KS In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 53%
Tuition
In‑state$9,578
Out‑of‑state$20,582
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 28

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Wichita State University

Wichita, KS In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 95%
Graduation rate 52%
Tuition
In‑state$9,322
Out‑of‑state$19,240
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 29

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Sterling College

Sterling, KS In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 53%
Graduation rate 32%
Tuition
In‑state$32,200
Out‑of‑state$32,200
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 8

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Kansas

Criminal Justice professionals in Kansas 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 Kansas.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Kansas)
Attorney$112,000
Judge or Magistrate$148,910
Police Supervisor$82,220
Detective or Criminal Investigator$68,180
Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer$56,610
Correctional Officer$46,080
Probation Officer$56,120
Forensic Science Technician$75,150
Paralegal or Legal Assistant$48,910
Information Security Analyst$99,420

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


Why Pursue an Online Criminal Justice Degree in Kansas?

Choosing a program in Kansas can provide several advantages:

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online criminal justice programs in Kansas accredited?

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

Kansas offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 10.4% below the national trend. This makes Kansas a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

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

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


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