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Ohio Criminal Justice At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Criminal Justice Salary$83,438
National ComparisonOhio offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 5.8% below the national trend.
Primary Licensing BodyOhio POST Commission
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online criminal justice degree in Ohio offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. Ohio offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 5.8% below the national trend. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a top-ranked national program, Ohio students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Top Online Criminal Justice Schools in Ohio

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

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.

#3

Xavier University

Cincinnati, OH In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 88%
Graduation rate 72%
Tuition
In‑state$48,125
Out‑of‑state$48,125
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 17

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Kent State University at Kent

Kent, OH In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 87%
Graduation rate 65%
Tuition
In‑state$12,846
Out‑of‑state$22,316
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 34

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

Washington State Community College

Marietta, OH In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 32%
Tuition
In‑state$4,128
Out‑of‑state$4,152
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 52

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#6

Youngstown State University

Youngstown, OH In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 80%
Graduation rate 51%
Tuition
In‑state$10,791
Out‑of‑state$11,151
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 34

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#8

Wright State University-Main Campus

Dayton, OH In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 95%
Graduation rate 45%
Tuition
In‑state$11,188
Out‑of‑state$20,606
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 12

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Ohio

Criminal Justice professionals in Ohio 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 Ohio.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Ohio)
Attorney$125,450
Judge or Magistrate$97,260
Police Supervisor$98,000
Detective or Criminal Investigator$77,940
Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer$77,050
Correctional Officer$58,840
Probation Officer$60,090
Forensic Science Technician$73,310
Paralegal or Legal Assistant$58,870
Information Security Analyst$107,570

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


Why Pursue an Online Criminal Justice Degree in Ohio?

Choosing a program in Ohio can provide several advantages:

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online criminal justice programs in Ohio accredited?

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

Ohio offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 5.8% below the national trend. This makes Ohio a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

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

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


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