Best Online Criminal Justice Programs in Pennsylvania (2026)

Updated May 3, 2026 Table of Contents

Pennsylvania Criminal Justice At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Criminal Justice Salary$85,944
National ComparisonPennsylvania offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 3.0% below the national trend.
Primary Licensing BodyPennsylvania POST Commission
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online criminal justice degree in Pennsylvania offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. Pennsylvania offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 3.0% below the national trend. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a top-ranked national program, Pennsylvania students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.

Top Online Criminal Justice Schools in Pennsylvania

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

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

Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

Slippery Rock, PA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 75%
Graduation rate 66%
Tuition
In‑state$10,507
Out‑of‑state$14,615
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 17

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Temple University

Philadelphia, PA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 83%
Graduation rate 76%
Tuition
In‑state$22,082
Out‑of‑state$37,462
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 42

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania

Shippensburg, PA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 86%
Graduation rate 51%
Tuition
In‑state$13,544
Out‑of‑state$15,798
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 13

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

Lancaster Bible College

Lancaster, PA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 95%
Graduation rate 70%
Tuition
In‑state$29,990
Out‑of‑state$29,990
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 5

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#6

Marywood University

Scranton, PA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 84%
Graduation rate 74%
Tuition
In‑state$39,570
Out‑of‑state$39,570
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 9

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#7

Lincoln University

Lincoln University, PA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 78%
Graduation rate 49%
Tuition
In‑state$12,512
Out‑of‑state$19,384
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 3

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#8

Manor College

Jenkintown, PA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 96%
Graduation rate 29%
Tuition
In‑state$19,964
Out‑of‑state$19,964
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 11

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

Career Outlook and Salaries in Pennsylvania

Criminal Justice professionals in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Pennsylvania)
Attorney$127,940
Police Supervisor$102,420
Detective or Criminal Investigator$98,740
Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer$86,350
Correctional Officer$63,540
Probation Officer$65,510
Forensic Science Technician$57,820
Paralegal or Legal Assistant$60,950
Information Security Analyst$110,230

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

Why Pursue an Online Criminal Justice Degree in Pennsylvania?

Choosing a program in Pennsylvania can provide several advantages:

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online criminal justice programs in Pennsylvania accredited?

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

Pennsylvania offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 3.0% below the national trend. This makes Pennsylvania a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

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

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

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