Best Online Criminal Justice Programs in Minnesota (2026)

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Minnesota Criminal Justice At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Criminal Justice Salary$105,822
Salary OutlookMinnesota offers competitive wages for criminal justice professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyMinnesota POST Commission
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online criminal justice degree in Minnesota offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. Minnesota offers competitive wages for criminal justice professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a top-ranked national program, Minnesota students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Online Criminal Justice Schools in Minnesota

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

How We Rank Schools

Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:

  • Graduation rate 30%
  • Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
  • Average net price (lower is better) 20%
  • Retention rate 15%
  • Fully online availability 10%

Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.

#1

University of St Thomas

Saint Paul, MN BOC Score 73.5
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 17

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Winona, MN BOC Score 71.4
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 16

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Winona State University

Winona, MN BOC Score 66.8
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 11

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Bethany Lutheran College

Mankato, MN BOC Score 39.2
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 39%
Graduation rate 57%
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$31,360
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$31,360
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 5

Source:Accreditor: Higher Learning CommissionIPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Minnesota

Criminal Justice professionals in Minnesota 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 Minnesota.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Minnesota)
Attorney$155,140
Judge or Magistrate$190,110
Police Supervisor$118,750
Detective or Criminal Investigator$80,000
Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer$83,360
Correctional Officer$66,040
Probation Officer$81,580
Forensic Science Technician$76,960
Paralegal or Legal Assistant$75,570
Information Security Analyst$130,710

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Criminal Justice Degree in Minnesota?

Choosing a program in Minnesota can provide several advantages:

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online criminal justice programs in Minnesota accredited?

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

Minnesota offers competitive wages for criminal justice professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. This makes Minnesota a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

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

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


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