Best Online Criminal Justice Programs in North Carolina (2026)

Updated May 3, 2026 Table of Contents

North Carolina Criminal Justice At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Criminal Justice Salary$73,657
National ComparisonNorth Carolina offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 16.8% below the national trend.
Primary Licensing BodyNorth Carolina POST Commission
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online criminal justice degree in North Carolina offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. North Carolina offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 16.8% below the national trend. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a top-ranked national program, North Carolina students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.

Top Online Criminal Justice Schools in North Carolina

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

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

Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, NC In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 87%
Graduation rate 60%
Tuition
In‑state$4,532
Out‑of‑state$8,532
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 19

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Winston-Salem State University

Winston-Salem, NC In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 69%
Graduation rate 49%
Tuition
In‑state$6,735
Out‑of‑state$17,391
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 10

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Campbell University

Buies Creek, NC In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 94%
Graduation rate 56%
Tuition
In‑state$40,410
Out‑of‑state$40,410
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 12

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Belmont Abbey College

Belmont, NC In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 90%
Graduation rate 47%
Tuition
In‑state$19,500
Out‑of‑state$19,500
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 5

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

Catawba College

Salisbury, NC In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 78%
Graduation rate 54%
Tuition
In‑state$33,400
Out‑of‑state$33,400
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 6

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#6

Wingate University

Wingate, NC In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 85%
Graduation rate 51%
Tuition
In‑state$40,196
Out‑of‑state$40,196
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 6

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#7

Chowan University

Murfreesboro, NC In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 72%
Graduation rate 27%
Tuition
In‑state$27,110
Out‑of‑state$27,110
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 4

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#8

Brevard College

Brevard, NC In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 40%
Graduation rate 37%
Tuition
In‑state$31,250
Out‑of‑state$31,250
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 3

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

Career Outlook and Salaries in North Carolina

Criminal Justice professionals in North Carolina 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 North Carolina.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (North Carolina)
Attorney$124,880
Police Supervisor$87,110
Detective or Criminal Investigator$62,480
Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer$58,030
Correctional Officer$49,080
Probation Officer$60,410
Forensic Science Technician$50,460
Paralegal or Legal Assistant$49,390
Information Security Analyst$121,070

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

Why Pursue an Online Criminal Justice Degree in North Carolina?

Choosing a program in North Carolina can provide several advantages:

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online criminal justice programs in North Carolina accredited?

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

North Carolina offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 16.8% below the national trend. This makes North Carolina a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for criminal justice in North Carolina?

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

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