Best Online Criminal Justice Programs in New Jersey (2026)

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New Jersey Criminal Justice At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Criminal Justice Salary$116,208
Salary OutlookNew Jersey offers competitive wages for criminal justice professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
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 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, New Jersey students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


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

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

New Jersey Institute of Technology

Newark, NJ BOC Score 86.1
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 19

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Rutgers University-New Brunswick

New Brunswick, NJ BOC Score 79.1
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 23

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

The College of New Jersey

Ewing, NJ BOC Score 77.3
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 5

Source:IPEDSCollege 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$161,430
Judge or Magistrate$204,160
Police Supervisor$142,990
Detective or Criminal Investigator$116,300
Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer$92,610
Correctional Officer$94,770
Probation Officer$80,280
Forensic Science Technician$63,220
Paralegal or Legal Assistant$71,500
Information Security Analyst$134,820

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 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 offers competitive wages for criminal justice professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. 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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