Looking for a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice in Florida? You should consider these top-tier undergraduate programs and jobs in Criminal Justice.
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The search for the best degrees in Florida for criminal justice ends here, as we have compiled a list of schools offering the balance of academic prestige and flexibility that you are seeking. It is possible to pursue a bachelor's degree in a variety of fields. A bachelor's degree can open doors for employment in your field.
Bachelor's degree-holders typically earn $1,334 per week.
Criminal Justice Bachelor's Programs for You
Working and Living in Florida in the Criminal Justice Profession
Criminal justice is the study of criminal behavior and policies. The criminal justice system includes police, courts, and prisons. These three elements together constitute the legal system that is used to deal with crimes. A criminal justice degree can help you understand how the system works so that you can protect yourself from crime and carry out your duties ethically as a law enforcement officer, judge, or prosecutor.
Across all occupations in Florida, the median annual salary is $37,920, or $18.23 per hour. This applies to the 8,605,610 workers in the state. The BLS reports that the lowest 10% of earners make approximately $22,720, while the highest 10% of earners receive approximately $96,380. A comparison of detectives' and criminal investigators' salaries is offered in the table below.
Key
Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Florida
Detectives and Criminal Investigators Nationally
All Occupations in Florida
All Occupations Nationally
Salaries for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Florida and Nationwide
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Based on the cost of living index, Florida ranks number 31 out of 51 states (including Washington, D.C.) on the list of states with the lowest cost of living. The cost of living index measures the average cost of living in specific states against the cost of living nationwide. The U.S. average is 100, and all locations are either above (more expensive) or below (less expensive). The cost of living index for Florida is 103, which is 3% higher than the national average. Learners interested in relocating to Florida can use the cost of living comparison to find the right fit for their situation.
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Over the next 10 years, the number of detectives and criminal investigators is projected to grow 2.5%. The BLS projects that the total employment for the occupation will change from 112,500 in 2020 to 115,300 in 2030. Generally, a high school diploma or equivalent is the minimum level of education required for entry-level positions in these fields. These are some of the typical job titles that can be found in the industry:
Detectives and criminal investigators
Criminal Investigator
Deputy United States Marshal
FBI Investigator
Homicide Detective
Narcotics Detective
Narcotics Investigator
Police Detective
Bachelor's Degrees in Criminal Justice in Florida
#1 Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice in Florida
Bethune-Cookman University
Daytona Beach, FL
4 years
Online + Campus
With its main campus in Daytona Beach, Bethune-Cookman University facilitates in-person and online learning across 40 bachelor's programs. The bachelor's in criminal justice is one of many robust programs, equipping students with industry-relevant knowledge. Graduates can apply their learnings to a criminal justice-specific career or to a graduate degree.
Career services and academic advising are just two of the numerous institutional resources centering around student success. Scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid can help defray degree costs.
Bethune-Cookman University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 84%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $13,844
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $13,844
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $26,000
Average Tuition
In-state
$13,844
Out-of-state
$13,844
Retention Rate
73%
Admission Rate
98%
Students Enrolled
2,845
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice in Florida
Edward Waters College
Jacksonville, FL
4 years
Campus
Edward Waters College leads in hybrid education, supporting nine bachelor's programs, including a bachelor's in criminal justice. Learners prepare for the demands of the field through rigorous study.
The college provides comprehensive support for new students, including financial aid advising. The school also offers numerous funding opportunities to eligible students, including scholarships and fellowships.
Edward Waters College at a Glance:
Type of School: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 61%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 23-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $14,878
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $14,878
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $22,700
Average Tuition
In-state
$14,878
Out-of-state
$14,878
Retention Rate
54%
Admission Rate
57%
Students Enrolled
2,273
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
26%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice in Florida
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL
4 years
Online + Campus
Florida Atlantic University, a leader in hybrid education, offers 68 bachelor's programs, 11 of which are available online. For students seeking to advance in the criminal justice field through flexible study, the bachelor of arts in criminal justice is a wise choice. The program prepares learners for the demands of a field or for graduate studies.
Throughout their studies, enrollees can access institutional resources geared toward student success. Prospective applicants can meet with financial aid counselors to determine eligibility for scholarships, grants, and other financial aid. The typical undergraduate student receives an average of $10,629 in financial aid.
Florida Atlantic University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 63%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $2,522
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $14,374
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $38,800
Average Tuition
In-state
$2,522
Out-of-state
$14,374
Retention Rate
82%
Admission Rate
75%
Students Enrolled
30,805
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
97%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice in Florida
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
4 years
Online + Campus
Located in Tallahassee, Florida State University supports both in-person and remote study opportunities across 95 bachelor's programs. Learners seeking flexible study relevant to the criminal justice field can benefit from the school's bachelor's in criminal justice. The program also prepares enrollees for the discipline needed to complete graduate studies.
The college provides comprehensive support for new students, including financial aid advising. Prospective applicants can connect with financial aid counselors to explore funding opportunities, determine eligibility, and apply for student loans. The college reports that enrollees receive an average of $9,442 in financial aid.
Florida State University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: 36%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $4,640
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $19,084
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $39,700
Average Tuition
In-state
$4,640
Out-of-state
$19,084
Retention Rate
95%
Admission Rate
32%
Students Enrolled
43,569
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
97%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice in Florida
Indian River State College
Fort Pierce, FL
4 years
Online + Campus
Indian River State College, a Fort Pierce-based public college, boasts in-person and online study across 16 bachelor's programs. The school's bachelor's in criminal justice is an ideal choice for students seeking to advance in a criminal justice career. After the program, learners can apply their knowledge to a career or graduate studies.
Learners benefit from institutional support throughout their studies. Prospective applicants can connect with financial aid counselors to explore funding opportunities, determine eligibility, and apply for student loans. The typical undergraduate student receives an average of $5,523 in financial aid.
Indian River State College at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, 4-year or above
Admission Rate: Data not available
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 24-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $2,496
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $9,360
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $27,900
Average Tuition
In-state
$2,496
Out-of-state
$9,360
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
15,236
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
79%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Financing a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice
Financial aid can help you pay for your college degree. Scholarships, grants, fellowships, and work-study programs are just some of the forms available. Some students qualify for federal and private student loans to pay for their college education. You should research the colleges you are interested in to find out if they offer scholarships or financial aid.
Students should contact the school's financial aid department for scholarship, grant, work-study, and loan options.
Average Cost of Attending College in Florida
The cost of attending college in Florida varies by institution. In spite of this, there are some commonalities between public and private institutions. Find out whether attending a public institution is right for you by reviewing the following information.
Public 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Florida vs. National Average
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Florida
National Average
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How about attending a private university instead of a public one? Generally, tuition at private colleges is higher. You will find information regarding attending private colleges in Florida below.
Private 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Florida vs. National Average
Key
Florida
National Average
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Federal Student Loan Information
Thinking about borrowing student loans to fund your education? Before you take out a loan, there are a few things you should consider.
In order to successfully repay the loan on time, you must ensure that you can make all the payments by the due date.
Considering whether a degree from a particular institution would facilitate your career goals is important.
If you are considering taking out a loan, make sure you understand the repayment schedule.
Review the following data to determine 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
Online and on-campus programs differ in cost and class size. Several benefits can be gained from an online program, including flexibility, affordability, and convenience. Due to student fees being optional for distance students, on-campus degrees tend to cost more. The advantages of attending classes, however, are numerous.
Top Criminal Justice Degree Options Available by State
There are many differences between attending a private and public college. Private schools tend to charge more in tuition than public schools, for example. Students at public universities often use grants and scholarships to help with the cost of tuition and fees. For those with high GPAs or SAT scores, private institutions often offer merit scholarships to help defray the cost of education.
Private universities usually feature smaller class sizes. This is an advantage for students who want more individual attention from professors. There are many benefits and drawbacks to attending a private institution as opposed to attending a public institution.
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 Florida, what is the salary for detectives and criminal investigators?
Detectives and criminal investigators receive a mean annual wage of $81,850 in Florida each year.
Are graduates with criminal justice degrees in high demand?
The total number of detectives and criminal investigators is projected to change by 2.5% from 2020 to 2030.
Can you earn a bachelor's degree in criminal justice online? How?
An online bachelor's degree in criminal justice is possible. As a matter of fact, most schools offer a certain amount of online instruction in today's environment.
What is the timeline for completing a bachelor's degree?
It typically takes four years to complete a full-time bachelor's degree. For part-time students, the completion time will vary.
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