Looking for a Associate Degree in Criminal Justice in Washington? You should consider these top-tier programs and jobs in the Criminal Justice field.
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Associate Degrees in Criminal Justice in Washington
Graduates with the best degrees in Washington for criminal justice have a balanced combination of practical skills and theory. With an associate degree, graduates can pursue diverse careers. Obtain the skills needed to move forward in your field.
An associate degree can lead to an average income of approximately $3,852 per month and $50,076 annually.
Criminal Justice Associate Programs for You
Working and Living in Washington in the Criminal Justice Profession
A criminal justice degree can be earned at many colleges and universities across the United States. Criminal justice degrees prepare students for a variety of careers in law enforcement, corrections, and the court system. Common courses in a criminal justice program include constitutional law, criminal law, criminology, and police procedures. Graduates of criminal justice programs often find jobs as police officers, detectives, probation officers, and correctional officers. With further education and training, they may also become lawyers, judges, or crime scene investigators.
Washington's median salary is $50,450 per year, or $24.25 per hour. This fact applies to all the state's 3,205,930 employees. Based on the BLS, the lowest 10% of earners make $30,460 annually. The highest 10% earn $127,470. Following are statistics for detectives and criminal investigators in Washington.
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Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Washington
Detectives and Criminal Investigators Nationally
All Occupations in Washington
All Occupations Nationally
Salaries for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Washington and Nationwide
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In terms of cost of living, Washington ranks number 40 among 51 states (including Washington, D.C.). An index measuring the cost of living in specific places within the United States is known as the cost of living index. As an example, the U.S. average is 100, and all locations within the U.S. experience either a higher or lower cost of living than the average (either more expensive or less expensive). The cost of living index for Washington is 113.9, which is 13.9% higher than the national average. This table compares the cost of groceries, housing, utilities, and other items in Washington to the national average.
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The profession of detectives and criminal investigators is projected to change by 2.5% over the next decade. The BLS projects that the total employment for the occupation will change from 112,500 in 2020 to 115,300 in 2030. Associate degrees are generally required for these positions. An example of a typical job title would be:
Detectives and criminal investigators
Criminal Investigator
Deputy United States Marshal
FBI Investigator
Homicide Detective
Narcotics Detective
Narcotics Investigator
Police Detective
Associate Degrees in Criminal Justice in Washington
#1 Associate Degrees in Criminal Justice in Washington
Yakima Valley College
Yakima, WA
4 years
Campus
Students in the associate of applied science in criminal justice program at Yakima Valley College gain knowledge and industry-relevant skills through coursework and experiential learning opportunities. Learners seeking to advance in further studies can apply their credits to a bachelor's degree.
The college connects degree-seekers with resources such as academic advising. Online students can receive further guidance through virtual library services and academic tutoring. Campus facilities and professors' offices are easier to access for those who attend the school on campus.
The average student receives $6,828 in financial aid. Approximately 78% of all incoming learners receive financial aid, with 15% using student loans.
Yakima Valley College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Location: Yakima
Admission Rate: Data not available
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $3,799
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $4,243
Transfer Credit Accepted: Data not available
Average Tuition
In-state
$4,230
Out-of-state
$4,691
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
3,954
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
99%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#2 Associate Degrees in Criminal Justice in Washington
Whatcom Community College
Bellingham, WA
4 years
Campus
Enrollees pursuing the associate of applied science in criminal justice at Whatcom Community College benefit from a robust course curriculum, preparing them for the demands of the field. Typically, students can apply their associate degree credits to future educational endeavors, like a bachelor's degree.
Enrollees can take advantage of career services, academic advising, and other success-centered resources. Distance learners can receive one-on-one guidance from virtual library services and academic tutoring resources. Attending classes on campus makes it easier for students to access the school's facilities and professors' offices.
The average enrollee receives $6,660 in financial aid. Typically, 58% of all degree-seekers receive financial aid, with 8% receiving loans.
Whatcom Community College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Location: Bellingham
Admission Rate: Data not available
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $4,305
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $9,750
Transfer Credit Accepted: Data not available
Average Tuition
In-state
$4,419
Out-of-state
$9,867
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
2,719
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
99%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#3 Associate Degrees in Criminal Justice in Washington
Lower Columbia College
Longview, WA
4 years
Online + Campus
Enrollees pursuing the associate in criminal justice at Lower Columbia College benefit from a robust course curriculum, preparing them for the demands of the field. Degree-seekers aiming to advance in study can apply their course credits to a bachelor's degree.
Learners can access college resources geared to student success. As part of an online learning community, distance learners can benefit from virtual library services, academic tutoring, and other resources. Campus facilities and lectures are more readily accessible to students who attend the school on campus.
Attendees benefit from financial aid opportunities, receiving an average of $5,706 in awards. The college notes that 77% of all students receive financial aid awards, with 14% receiving loans.
Lower Columbia College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Location: Longview
Admission Rate: Data not available
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $3,596
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $4,052
Transfer Credit Accepted: Data not available
Average Tuition
In-state
$3,703
Out-of-state
$4,891
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
2,325
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
95%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#4 Associate Degrees in Criminal Justice in Washington
Big Bend Community College
Moses Lake, WA
2 years
Campus
The associate in criminal justice program at Big Bend Community College builds foundational knowledge in the field, preparing graduates for entry-level careers. Upon completion, students can apply their credits to a bachelor's degree or other educational endeavors.
Degree-seekers receive guidance throughout the duration of their studies and can access career services and academic advising. Distance learners can access other resources such as virtual library services and academic tutoring. Those who attend the school on campus can more easily access campus facilities and professors' offices.
The college reports that the average student's financial aid award package totals $6,890. The college notes that 70% of all students receive financial aid, with 11% receiving loans.
Big Bend Community College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 2-year
Location: Moses Lake
Admission Rate: Data not available
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $4,127
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $4,576
Transfer Credit Accepted: Data not available
Average Tuition
In-state
$4,230
Out-of-state
$4,691
Retention Rate
62%
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
1,892
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
85%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#5 Associate Degrees in Criminal Justice in Washington
Green River College
Auburn, WA
4 years
Campus
Students in the associate in criminal justice program at Green River College gain foundational and advanced knowledge relevant to the field. Upon graduating, students can apply their course credits to a bachelor's degree.
Enrollees can access college resources geared toward student success. The online learning community connects enrollees with virtual library resources and academic tutoring. Degree-seekers who attend the school on campus have easier access to campus amenities and professors' offices.
Students can expect to receive an average of $6,166 in financial aid. Around 49% of incoming learners receive financial aid and around 10% receive student loans.
Green River College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Location: Auburn
Admission Rate: Data not available
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $3,635
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $4,078
Transfer Credit Accepted: Data not available
Average Tuition
In-state
$3,727
Out-of-state
$4,188
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
7,493
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
88%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Financing an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice
College can be financed in a variety of ways. Many students use scholarships, grants, fellowships, and work-study programs. Students may be eligible for federal and private student loans as well. Do your research ahead of time and find out what types of financial aid may be offered by your desired colleges.
Checklist for Maximizing Your Financial Aid:
Apply for federal student aid by completing the FAFSA.
For scholarship, grant, work-study, and loan opportunities, students should contact the college's financial aid department directly.
Average Cost of Attending College in Washington
There is a wide variation in the cost of education in Washington. The public and private sectors share some similarities. You may find the following information helpful in determining if it is appropriate to attend a public university.
Public 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Washington vs. National Average
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Washington
National Average
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How about attending a private college or university? Tuition at private colleges is typically higher. Here is a graph that provides information regarding attending private colleges in Washington.
Private 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Washington vs. National Average
Key
Washington
National Average
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Federal Student Loan Information
Do you plan to take out student loans to fund your degree? Taking out a loan requires you to consider some important factors.
Ensure that you can make all payments on time and repay the loan when it becomes due.
You should consider whether or not a degree from your chosen school will advance your career goals.
When you join the workforce, ensure that you understand what repayment schedule will apply so that it does not cause undue hardship on your finances.
Review the data below to help you know what students typically borrow.
Undergraduate Federal Loans
Demographic
Percent who borrowed
Amount borrowed
Total
66.6%
$27,400
Female
69.6%
$28,100
Male
62.5%
$26,500
White, not Hispanic or Latino
66.1%
$26,700
Black, not Hispanic or Latino
85.7%
$34,800
Hispanic or Latino/a, of any race
67.7%
$25,700
Asian, not Hispanic or Latino
43%
$22,700
Other or Two or more races,
not Hispanic or Latino
Among the main differences between online and on-campus programs include the class size. Online programs feature numerous advantages, including flexibility, affordability, and convenience. As a result of student fees, on-campus degrees can cost more. There are numerous benefits to attending classes regularly.
Top Criminal Justice Degree Options Available by State
There are several differences between attending a private college and a public one. There will be a difference in cost depending on whether you choose a public or private school. The government determines the costs for public institutions, and grants and scholarships are used to cover these costs. A private school often offers merit scholarships to students who demonstrate superior academic performance.
In private colleges, students benefit from more personal interaction with faculty. Some students find that a private institution is better than a public one. What are some benefits and drawbacks?
Pros and Cons
Private
Unique program offerings
Cultural or religious options
Local prestige
Higher costs
Less regulatory oversight
Public
Government-issued tuition costs
Government funding, benefits, and regulation
Oftentimes large classrooms
Frequently Asked Questions
In Washington, how much do detectives and criminal investigators make?
In-state detectives and criminal investigators earn a mean annual wage of $108,550.
In today's environment, are graduates with criminal justice degrees in demand?
The total number of detectives and criminal investigators is projected to change by 2.5% from 2020 to 2030.
Can you get an associate degree in criminal justice online?
An associate degree in criminal justice can be earned online. At least some online courses are available as part of most schools' programs in today's environment.
In order to successfully complete an associate degree, how long does it take?
Typically, a full-time associate degree takes two years to complete. The completion time will vary from student to student, but part-time students will take longer.
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