Best Online Criminal Justice Programs in New Jersey (2026)

Updated May 3, 2026 Table of Contents

New Jersey Criminal Justice At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Criminal Justice Salary$112,601
National ComparisonNew Jersey salaries are approximately 27.1% higher than the national average for criminal justice
Primary Licensing BodyNew Jersey POST Commission
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online criminal justice degree in New Jersey offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. New Jersey salaries are approximately 27.1% higher than the national average for criminal justice roles. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a top-ranked national program, New Jersey students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.

Top Online Criminal Justice Schools in New Jersey

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

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.

#2

Berkeley College-Woodland Park

Woodland Park, NJ In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 44%
Tuition
In‑state$28,600
Out‑of‑state$28,600
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 18

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

Career Outlook and Salaries in New Jersey

Criminal Justice professionals in New Jersey 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 New Jersey.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (New Jersey)
Attorney$158,470
Judge or Magistrate$200,150
Police Supervisor$144,160
Detective or Criminal Investigator$113,830
Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer$89,030
Correctional Officer$90,150
Probation Officer$77,810
Forensic Science Technician$54,230
Paralegal or Legal Assistant$62,790
Information Security Analyst$135,390

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

Why Pursue an Online Criminal Justice Degree in New Jersey?

Choosing a program in New Jersey can provide several advantages:

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online criminal justice programs in New Jersey accredited?

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

New Jersey salaries are approximately 27.1% higher than the national average for criminal justice roles. This makes New Jersey a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for criminal justice in New Jersey?

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

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