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Kentucky Criminal Justice At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Criminal Justice Salary$76,062
National ComparisonKentucky offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 14.1% below the national trend.
Primary Licensing BodyKentucky POST Commission
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online criminal justice degree in Kentucky offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. Kentucky offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 14.1% below the national trend. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a top-ranked national program, Kentucky students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Top Online Criminal Justice Schools in Kentucky

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

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

Bellarmine University

Louisville, KY In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 94%
Graduation rate 64%
Tuition
In‑state$47,180
Out‑of‑state$47,180
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 7

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Campbellsville University

Campbellsville, KY In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 98%
Graduation rate 44%
Tuition
In‑state$26,990
Out‑of‑state$26,990
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 18

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Alice Lloyd College

Pippa Passes, KY In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 86%
Graduation rate 32%
Tuition
In‑state$14,080
Out‑of‑state$14,080
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 1

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Kentucky

Criminal Justice professionals in Kentucky 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 Kentucky.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Kentucky)
Attorney$102,670
Judge or Magistrate$138,620
Police Supervisor$80,080
Detective or Criminal Investigator$77,440
Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer$60,230
Correctional Officer$40,230
Probation Officer$55,910
Forensic Science Technician$58,230
Paralegal or Legal Assistant$49,000
Information Security Analyst$98,210

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


Why Pursue an Online Criminal Justice Degree in Kentucky?

Choosing a program in Kentucky can provide several advantages:

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online criminal justice programs in Kentucky accredited?

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

Kentucky offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 14.1% below the national trend. This makes Kentucky a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

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

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


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