Best Online Criminal Justice Programs in New York (2026)

Updated May 3, 2026 Table of Contents

New York Criminal Justice At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Criminal Justice Salary$111,726
National ComparisonNew York salaries are approximately 26.2% higher than the national average for criminal justice
Primary Licensing BodyNew York POST Commission
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online criminal justice degree in New York offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. New York salaries are approximately 26.2% 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 York students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.

Top Online Criminal Justice Schools in New York

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

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

Rochester Institute of Technology

Rochester, NY In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 71%
Graduation rate 72%
Tuition
In‑state$57,016
Out‑of‑state$57,016
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 45

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Russell Sage College

Troy, NY In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 76%
Graduation rate 67%
Tuition
In‑state$36,756
Out‑of‑state$36,756
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 7

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Roberts Wesleyan University

Rochester, NY In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 78%
Graduation rate 66%
Tuition
In‑state$37,504
Out‑of‑state$37,504
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 8

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Elmira College

Elmira, NY In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 91%
Graduation rate 60%
Tuition
In‑state$37,932
Out‑of‑state$37,932
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 4

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

St. Thomas Aquinas College

Sparkill, NY In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 82%
Graduation rate 58%
Tuition
In‑state$37,720
Out‑of‑state$37,720
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 8

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#6

Dominican University New York

Orangeburg, NY In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 79%
Graduation rate 55%
Tuition
In‑state$33,060
Out‑of‑state$33,060
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 6

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#7

Hartwick College

Oneonta, NY In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 69%
Graduation rate 50%
Tuition
In‑state$52,849
Out‑of‑state$52,849
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 4

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#8

St. Francis College

Brooklyn, NY In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 53%
Tuition
In‑state$27,570
Out‑of‑state$27,570
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 7

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

Career Outlook and Salaries in New York

Criminal Justice professionals in New York 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 York.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (New York)
Attorney$177,210
Judge or Magistrate$189,890
Police Supervisor$122,720
Detective or Criminal Investigator$103,340
Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer$93,050
Correctional Officer$75,330
Probation Officer$80,060
Forensic Science Technician$78,170
Paralegal or Legal Assistant$66,390
Information Security Analyst$131,100

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

Why Pursue an Online Criminal Justice Degree in New York?

Choosing a program in New York can provide several advantages:

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online criminal justice programs in New York accredited?

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

New York salaries are approximately 26.2% higher than the national average for criminal justice roles. This makes New York a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

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

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

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