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Texas Criminal Justice At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Criminal Justice Salary$89,322
National ComparisonTexas salaries are approximately 0.9% higher than the national average for criminal justice
Primary Licensing BodyTexas POST Commission
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online criminal justice degree in Texas offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. Texas salaries are approximately 0.9% higher than the national average for criminal justice roles. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a top-ranked national program, Texas students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Top Online Criminal Justice Schools in Texas

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

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

Laredo College

Laredo, TX In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 34%
Tuition
In‑state$3,300
Out‑of‑state$5,748
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 43

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Texas A & M International University

Laredo, TX In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 46%
Graduation rate 49%
Tuition
In‑state$7,846
Out‑of‑state$19,382
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 7

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

West Texas A & M University

Canyon, TX In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 97%
Graduation rate 46%
Tuition
In‑state$9,101
Out‑of‑state$10,996
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 9

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

University of the Incarnate Word

San Antonio, TX In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 93%
Graduation rate 53%
Tuition
In‑state$35,660
Out‑of‑state$35,660
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 22

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#6

Lamar University

Beaumont, TX In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 86%
Graduation rate 37%
Tuition
In‑state$8,690
Out‑of‑state$18,482
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 12

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#7

College of the Mainland

Texas City, TX In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 27%
Tuition
In‑state$1,773
Out‑of‑state$3,873
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 36

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#8

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

Belton, TX In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 95%
Graduation rate 52%
Tuition
In‑state$33,150
Out‑of‑state$33,150
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 12

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Texas

Criminal Justice professionals in Texas 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 Texas.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Texas)
Attorney$133,570
Judge or Magistrate$139,990
Police Supervisor$110,030
Detective or Criminal Investigator$89,860
Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer$76,350
Correctional Officer$51,020
Probation Officer$51,900
Forensic Science Technician$55,830
Paralegal or Legal Assistant$59,700
Information Security Analyst$124,970

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


Why Pursue an Online Criminal Justice Degree in Texas?

Choosing a program in Texas can provide several advantages:

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online criminal justice programs in Texas accredited?

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

Texas salaries are approximately 0.9% higher than the national average for criminal justice roles. This makes Texas a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

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

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


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