Best Online Criminal Justice Programs in Centralia, WA (2026)
Centralia, Washington has a population of about 18,457. The city’s median household income is $52,387 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 17.6% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited criminal justice programs within 100 miles of Centralia. In Washington, the top-earning criminal justice-related role is Attorney at a median $151,950 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Criminal Justice Schools to Centralia
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer criminal justice programs. Distances are calculated from Centralia city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Centralia College | Centralia, WA | 0.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Saint Martin’s University | Lacey, WA | 23.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Pierce College District | Lakewood, WA | 36.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Lower Columbia College | Longview, WA | 40.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Grays Harbor College | Aberdeen, WA | 42.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Washington schools on the Washington criminal justice page.
Criminal Justice Wages Near Centralia
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (Washington, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Attorney | $151,950 |
| Judge or Magistrate | $131,740 |
| Police Supervisor | $134,120 |
| Detective or Criminal Investigator | $116,450 |
| Police or Sheriff’s Patrol Officer | $102,640 |
| Correctional Officer | $76,400 |
| Probation Officer | $79,800 |
| Forensic Science Technician | $77,650 |
| Paralegal or Legal Assistant | $78,010 |
| Information Security Analyst | $142,920 |
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.
Centralia at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 18,457 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $52,387 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 17.6% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
Other Centralia-Area Cities With Criminal Justice Programs
- Tumwater, WA – 18.8 mi away (22,538 pop)
- Olympia, WA – 22.3 mi away (194,532 pop)
- Lacey, WA – 23.7 mi away (47,688 pop)
- Lakewood, WA – 36.8 mi away (60,665 pop)
- University Place, WA – 39.4 mi away (33,288 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited criminal justice programs are near Centralia, WA?
Our directory lists 5 criminal justice programs within 100 miles of Centralia. The closest is Centralia College in Centralia, WA (0.6 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Grays Harbor College (42.5 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying criminal justice roles in Washington?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying criminal justice-related roles in Washington are: Attorney ($151,950), Information Security Analyst ($142,920), Police Supervisor ($134,120). Wages for Centralia workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Tumwater instead of Centralia?
Tumwater, WA is 18.8 miles from Centralia 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 Centralia an affordable place to study criminal justice?
Centralia’s median household income of $52,387 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Centralia while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Washington 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 Washington
- Main Criminal Justice Degree Guide
- Criminal Justice Programs by State
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