Best Online Criminal Justice Programs in Virginia (2026)

Updated May 3, 2026 Table of Contents

Virginia Criminal Justice At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Criminal Justice Salary$90,286
National ComparisonVirginia salaries are approximately 1.9% higher than the national average for criminal justice
Primary Licensing BodyVirginia POST Commission
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online criminal justice degree in Virginia offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. Virginia salaries are approximately 1.9% 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, Virginia students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.

Top Online Criminal Justice Schools in Virginia

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

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.

#1

Shenandoah University

Winchester, VA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 78%
Graduation rate 66%
Tuition
In‑state$36,028
Out‑of‑state$36,028
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 16

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

Radford University

Radford, VA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 91%
Graduation rate 52%
Tuition
In‑state$12,286
Out‑of‑state$25,185
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 17

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

University of Management and Technology

Arlington, VA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 60%
Tuition
In‑state$9,450
Out‑of‑state$9,450
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 8

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Roanoke College

Salem, VA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 80%
Graduation rate 68%
Tuition
In‑state$36,774
Out‑of‑state$36,774
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 2

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

Strayer University-Virginia

Arlington, VA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 23%
Tuition
In‑state$13,920
Out‑of‑state$13,920
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 13

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

Career Outlook and Salaries in Virginia

Criminal Justice professionals in Virginia 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 Virginia.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Virginia)
Attorney$157,980
Judge or Magistrate$104,000
Police Supervisor$102,040
Detective or Criminal Investigator$110,220
Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer$65,110
Correctional Officer$49,980
Probation Officer$57,010
Forensic Science Technician$62,860
Paralegal or Legal Assistant$61,200
Information Security Analyst$132,460

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

Why Pursue an Online Criminal Justice Degree in Virginia?

Choosing a program in Virginia can provide several advantages:

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online criminal justice programs in Virginia accredited?

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

Virginia salaries are approximately 1.9% higher than the national average for criminal justice roles. This makes Virginia a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

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

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

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