Best Online Criminal Justice Programs in Wisconsin (2026)

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Wisconsin Criminal Justice At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Criminal Justice Salary$86,159
Salary OutlookWisconsin offers competitive wages for criminal justice professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyWisconsin POST Commission
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online criminal justice degree in Wisconsin offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. Wisconsin 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 top-ranked national program, Wisconsin students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Online Criminal Justice Schools in Wisconsin

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

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.

#1

Rasmussen University-Wisconsin

Green Bay, WI BOC Score 72.6
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 32

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

Eau Claire, WI BOC Score 69.6
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 6

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

University of Wisconsin-Platteville

Platteville, WI BOC Score 68.8
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 15

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

Carthage College

Kenosha, WI BOC Score 47.9
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 87%
Graduation rate 62%
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$38,750
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$38,750
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 6

Source:Accreditor: Higher Learning CommissionIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#6

Bryant & Stratton College-Wauwatosa

Wauwatosa, WI BOC Score 22.9
  • 4 year
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 16

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in Wisconsin

Criminal Justice professionals in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (Wisconsin)
Attorney$126,760
Judge or Magistrate$76,620
Police Supervisor$97,120
Detective or Criminal Investigator$91,040
Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer$78,090
Correctional Officer$73,470
Forensic Science Technician$72,280
Paralegal or Legal Assistant$58,500
Information Security Analyst$101,550

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


Why Pursue an Online Criminal Justice Degree in Wisconsin?

Choosing a program in Wisconsin can provide several advantages:

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online criminal justice programs in Wisconsin accredited?

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

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

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

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


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