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Louisiana Criminal Justice At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Criminal Justice Salary$66,632
National ComparisonLouisiana offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 24.8% below the national trend.
Primary Licensing BodyLouisiana POST Commission
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online criminal justice degree in Louisiana offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. Louisiana offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 24.8% below the national trend. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a top-ranked national program, Louisiana students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Top Online Criminal Justice Schools in Louisiana

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

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

University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Lafayette, LA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 89%
Graduation rate 52%
Tuition
In‑state$10,418
Out‑of‑state$24,146
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 13

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Natchitoches, LA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 94%
Graduation rate 46%
Tuition
In‑state$8,864
Out‑of‑state$19,652
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 14

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Southeastern Louisiana University

Hammond, LA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 94%
Graduation rate 44%
Tuition
In‑state$8,373
Out‑of‑state$20,851
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 12

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Southern University and A & M College

Baton Rouge, LA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 50%
Graduation rate 29%
Tuition
In‑state$9,940
Out‑of‑state$17,198
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 4

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

Southern University at New Orleans

New Orleans, LA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 60%
Graduation rate 18%
Tuition
In‑state$7,490
Out‑of‑state$16,390
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 6

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#8

Remington College-Shreveport Campus

Shreveport, LA In-state option
  • 4 year
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 11

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Louisiana

Criminal Justice professionals in Louisiana 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 Louisiana.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Louisiana)
Attorney$112,600
Judge or Magistrate$70,610
Police Supervisor$69,790
Detective or Criminal Investigator$59,500
Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer$50,580
Correctional Officer$41,820
Probation Officer$59,010
Forensic Science TechnicianN/A
Paralegal or Legal Assistant$47,580
Information Security Analyst$88,200

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


Why Pursue an Online Criminal Justice Degree in Louisiana?

Choosing a program in Louisiana can provide several advantages:

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online criminal justice programs in Louisiana accredited?

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

Louisiana offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 24.8% below the national trend. This makes Louisiana a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

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

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


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