Best Online Criminal Justice Programs in Rhode Island (2026)

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Rhode Island Criminal Justice At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Criminal Justice Salary$115,394
Salary OutlookRhode Island offers competitive wages for criminal justice professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyRhode Island POST Commission
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online criminal justice degree in Rhode Island offers a flexible path into criminal justice careers. Rhode Island 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 nationally available program, Rhode Island students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Online Criminal Justice Schools in Rhode Island

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

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.

Ranked by BOC Score — U.S. Dept. of Education outcome data. Advertising never affects rankings.

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#1

Salve Regina University

Newport, RI
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
69.0 BOC Score
Acceptance rate 68%
Graduation rate 76%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $72,975
Avg net price $36,967/yr
Tuition
In‑state$50,100
Out‑of‑state$50,100
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 84%
  • Programs offered: 7

Source:Accreditor: New England Commission on Higher EducationIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

New England Institute of Technology

East Greenwich, RI
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
62.3 BOC Score
Acceptance rate 67%
Graduation rate 59%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $48,684
Avg net price $36,483/yr
Tuition
In‑state$37,275
Out‑of‑state$37,275
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 59%
  • Programs offered: 52

Source:Accreditor: New England Commission on Higher EducationIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Rhode Island College

Providence, RI
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
60.9 BOC Score
Acceptance rate 92%
Graduation rate 47%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $56,318
Avg net price $9,478/yr
Tuition
In‑state$11,300
Out‑of‑state$27,299
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 73%
  • Programs offered: 23

Source:Accreditor: New England Commission on Higher EducationIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Johnson & Wales University-Providence

Providence, RI
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
33.7 BOC Score
Acceptance rate 88%
Graduation rate 55%
Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $43,418
Avg net price $31,027/yr
Tuition
In‑state$42,419
Out‑of‑state$42,419
Contact
Key stats
  • Retention rate: 79%
  • Programs offered: 27

Source:Accreditor: New England Commission on Higher EducationIPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Rhode Island

Criminal Justice professionals in Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Rhode Island)
Attorney$138,960
Judge or Magistrate$239,760
Police Supervisor$97,690
Detective or Criminal Investigator$88,450
Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer$77,230
Paralegal or Legal Assistant$56,250
Information Security Analyst$109,420

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Criminal Justice Degree in Rhode Island?

Choosing a program in Rhode Island can provide several advantages:

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online criminal justice programs in Rhode Island accredited?

The schools in our directory hold institutional accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education - that is a condition of inclusion. Verify any specific school and program in the Department’s DAPIP database before enrolling.

How does Criminal Justice pay in Rhode Island compare to other states?

Rhode Island offers competitive wages for criminal justice professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. This makes Rhode Island a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for criminal justice in Rhode Island?

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


Online Criminal Justice Programs by City in Rhode Island

Explore city-level guides with local salary data and school options:

Cranston · East Providence · Newport · Pawtucket · Providence · Warwick · Woonsocket


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