Home > Programs > Criminal Justice > States > South Dakota
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Median Criminal Justice Salary | $72,464 |
| National Comparison | South Dakota offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 18.2% below the national trend. |
| Primary Licensing Body | South Dakota POST Commission |
| Accreditation Required | Institutional + Regional |
Earning an online criminal justice degree in South Dakota offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. South Dakota offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 18.2% below the national trend. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a top-ranked national program, South Dakota students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.
The following schools offer accredited online criminal justice programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in South Dakota.
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.
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard
Criminal Justice professionals in South Dakota 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 South Dakota.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary (South Dakota) |
|---|---|
| Attorney | $96,550 |
| Police Supervisor | $83,220 |
| Detective or Criminal Investigator | $77,440 |
| Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer | $60,300 |
| Correctional Officer | $52,310 |
| Forensic Science Technician | $49,280 |
| Paralegal or Legal Assistant | $57,300 |
| Information Security Analyst | $103,310 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Choosing a program in South Dakota can provide several advantages:
Yes, the programs listed above are accredited by recognized regional or national agencies. For South Dakota, this includes accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring your degree meets high academic standards.
South Dakota offers competitive entry-level wages, though median salaries are currently 18.2% below the national trend. This makes South Dakota a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.
The South Dakota POST Commission oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in South Dakota. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.
