Best Online Criminal Justice Programs in Big Spring, TX (2026)
Big Spring, Texas has a population of about 24,769. The city’s median household income is $70,532 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 14.0% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited criminal justice programs within 100 miles of Big Spring, with tuition ranging from $3,030 to $12,519 per year. In Texas, the top-earning criminal justice-related role is Judge or Magistrate at a median $139,990 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Criminal Justice Schools to Big Spring
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer criminal justice programs. Distances are calculated from Big Spring city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest College for the Deaf | Big Spring, TX | 2.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Howard College | Big Spring, TX | 2.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Midland College | Midland, TX | 39.3 mi | $3,030 - $12,519 | – |
| Western Texas College | Snyder, TX | 44.9 mi | $3,240 - $12,444 | – |
| The University of Texas Permian Basin | Odessa, TX | 54.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Texas schools on the Texas criminal justice page.
Criminal Justice Wages Near Big Spring
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (Texas, statewide) |
|---|---|
| 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: BLS, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wage data at the metro (MSA) and state level – not by individual city.
Big Spring at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 24,769 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $70,532 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 14.0% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
Other Big Spring-Area Cities With Criminal Justice Programs
- Midland, TX – 39.7 mi away (142,680 pop)
- Odessa, TX – 56.1 mi away (149,088 pop)
- San Angelo, TX – 81.7 mi away (100,472 pop)
- Lubbock, TX – 94.7 mi away (261,076 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited criminal justice programs are near Big Spring, TX?
Our directory lists 5 criminal justice programs within 100 miles of Big Spring. The closest is Southwest College for the Deaf in Big Spring, TX (2.0 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is The University of Texas Permian Basin (54.9 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying criminal justice roles in Texas?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying criminal justice-related roles in Texas are: Judge or Magistrate ($139,990), Attorney ($133,570), Information Security Analyst ($124,970). Wages for Big Spring workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Midland instead of Big Spring?
Midland, TX is 39.7 miles from Big Spring and has its own set of local criminal justice programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Big Spring an affordable place to study criminal justice?
Big Spring’s median household income of $70,532 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Big Spring while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Texas public universities often offer reduced in-state online tuition.
How do I verify a program is accredited?
Confirm institutional accreditation via the U.S. Department of Education database (U.S. Dept. of Education database), and check for any program-specific accreditation listed by the school.
Related Resources
- Online Criminal Justice Programs in Texas
- Main Criminal Justice Degree Guide
- Criminal Justice Programs by State
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