Looking for a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice in Illinois? You should consider these top-tier undergraduate programs and jobs in Criminal Justice.
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Bachelor's Degrees in Criminal Justice in Illinois
Looking for a good career? Start with the best degrees in Illinois for criminal justice. Bachelor's degrees are suitable for diverse career paths. With a bachelor's degree, graduates possess the skills required to move forward in their careers.
Criminal Justice Bachelor's Programs for You
Working and Living in Illinois in the Criminal Justice Profession
A criminal justice degree can help you understand and enforce the law, research crime, and formulate strategies for the prevention or rehabilitation of criminals. Criminal justice degrees also offer a background in a specific area of law enforcement such as police work, corrections, or forensics. Criminal justice degrees may prepare students for jobs in all levels of law enforcement, from investigations to arrests to courtroom appearances and beyond.
The average annual salary in Illinois is $46,630, or $22.42 per hour. This fact applies to all 5,618,830 employees in Illinois. According to the BLS, the lowest 10% of earners take home $24,470 annually, and the highest 10% of earners make $103,490. The following shows the earnings for detectives and criminal investigators in Illinois compared to other states.
Key
Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Illinois
Detectives and Criminal Investigators Nationally
All Occupations in Illinois
All Occupations Nationally
Salaries for Detectives and Criminal Investigators in Illinois and Nationwide
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Illinois ranks number 13 out of 51 states (including Washington, D.C.) on the cost of living index, according to MERIC. This index measures the average cost of living in the U.S. in comparison to specific places within the country. As a whole, the U.S. average is set at 100, and every location in the U.S. has either a cost above (higher) or below (lower) the U.S. average. The cost of living index for Illinois is 91.4, which is -8.6% lower than the national average.Check out the cost of living here:
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Over the next decade, the detectives and criminal Investigators profession is projected to grow by 2.5%. The BLS projects that the total employment for the occupation will change from 112,500 in 2020 to 115,300 in 2030. You need a bachelor's degree to qualify for these positions. The following are typical job titles:
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 Illinois
#1 Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice in Illinois
Blackburn College
Carlinville, IL
4 years
Campus
Blackburn College boasts a robust hybrid learning environment, supporting both in-person and online education modalities across 47 bachelor's degree programs. The school's criminology and criminal justice BA prepares students for the demands of the field through rigorous study. After graduating, students can pursue careers or postgraduate study relevant to the field.
Criminal justice students benefit from institutional support throughout their program. Students seeking to defray the costs of their degree can meet with a financial aid counselor to discuss funding opportunities and determine their eligibility.
Blackburn College at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Admission Rate: 57%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 11-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $23,510
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $23,510
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $29,600
Average Tuition
In-state
$24,950
Out-of-state
$24,950
Retention Rate
69%
Admission Rate
55%
Students Enrolled
516
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
86%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice in Illinois
Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, IL
4 years
Online + Campus
Eastern Illinois University, boasting a main campus in Charleston, offers 67 bachelor's degree programs across in-person and online learning modalities. The school's bachelor's in criminal justice introduces students to foundational skills and knowledge while also building general skills such as communication and critical thinking. Students in the criminal justice program can also pivot to a master's degree program after their undergraduate studies.
Students can access career services, academic advising, and other institutional resources. Prospective students should meet with a financial aid counselor to determine their eligibility for scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid. The average financial aid award available through the school is $9,713.
Eastern Illinois University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 53%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 14-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $8,875
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $11,045
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $35,500
Average Tuition
In-state
$9,036
Out-of-state
$11,231
Retention Rate
74%
Admission Rate
56%
Students Enrolled
8,626
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
63%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice in Illinois
Greenville University
Greenville, IL
4 years
Online + Campus
Greenville University, a leader in hybrid education, offers 51 bachelor's programs, four of which are available online. The online bachelor's in criminal justice connects students with industry-relevant knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the field. Graduates can pursue industry-relevant careers or go on to study at the graduate level.
Students can benefit from institutional resources throughout their program. Prospective students can meet with financial aid counselors to determine their eligibility for scholarships, grants, and other financial aid.
Greenville University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Admission Rate: 56%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 11-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $27,580
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $27,580
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $33,200
Average Tuition
In-state
$28,406
Out-of-state
$28,406
Retention Rate
67%
Admission Rate
59%
Students Enrolled
994
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
62%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice in Illinois
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL
4 years
Online + Campus
From its main campus in Romeoville, Illinois, Lewis University provides in-person and remote learning opportunities across 79 bachelor's degree programs. The school's bachelor's in criminal justice introduces students to foundational skills and knowledge while also building general skills such as communication and critical thinking. Learners can apply their knowledge and skills to graduate-level studies in criminal justice.
Students can access career services, academic advising, and other success-geared resources while enrolled in the program. Prospective students can connect with financial aid counselors to explore funding opportunities, determine their eligibility, and apply for student loans.
Lewis University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Admission Rate: 64%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 13-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $33,270
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $33,270
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $43,800
Average Tuition
In-state
$34,268
Out-of-state
$34,268
Retention Rate
80%
Admission Rate
66%
Students Enrolled
6,437
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
89%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice in Illinois
North Park University
Chicago, IL
4 years
Online + Campus
A leader in hybrid education, North Park University supports 56 bachelor's degree programs, four of which are available online. The school offers a criminal justice BA, which through a robust education equips students with the skills needed to succeed in a criminal justice career. The program also prepares students for further educational pursuits, such as graduate studies.
Students can access institutional support throughout the program. Depending on their eligibility, students can benefit from financial aid funding.
North Park University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Admission Rate: 48%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 10-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $30,360
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $30,360
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $40,300
Average Tuition
In-state
$31,430
Out-of-state
$31,430
Retention Rate
75%
Admission Rate
44%
Students Enrolled
2,831
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
87%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
Financing a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice
Financial aid can help you pay for your college degree. In addition to scholarships and grants, work-study programs are available as financial aid opportunities as well. Some students qualify for federal and private student loans. The college's financial aid office is a great resource for applicants who need help determining their financial aid options.
If you are interested in scholarship, grant, work-study, or loan programs, please contact your school's financial aid department.
Average Cost of Attending College in Illinois
There is a wide variation in the cost of attending college in Illinois. There are some similarities that exist among institutions in both the public and private sectors. For more information on attending a public institution, please review the information below.
Public 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Illinois vs. National Average
Key
Illinois
National Average
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Would it be possible to attend a private college or university? In general, private schools charge higher costs. A graph that provides information about attending private colleges in Illinois is shown below:
Private 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Illinois vs. National Average
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Illinois
National Average
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Federal Student Loan Information
Would you consider taking out student loans to pay for your education? Before you take out a loan, there are a few things to keep in mind.
If you wish to successfully repay the loan on time, you should ensure that you make all the payments.
You should think about if your career goals will be in line with the educational path you choose.
In order to avoid financial hardship once you take out a loan, make sure that you understand the repayment schedule.
Take a look at 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
The major differences between online and on-campus programs include the cost and the class size. An online program has the advantage of being flexible, affordable, and convenient. There are usually higher fees associated with on-campus degrees since distance students do not have to pay these fees. Classes provide many advantages that can't be found elsewhere.
Top Criminal Justice Degree Options Available by State
Private and public colleges differ in cost. You can use grants and scholarships to cover the cost of attending a public college. A private college often offers merit scholarships based on the student's previous academic performance.
The size of private colleges is generally smaller, which allows for more one-on-one time with professors. There are several pros and cons to attending a private institution over 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 Illinois, how much do detectives and criminal investigators make?
In Illinois, detectives and criminal investigators make a mean annual wage of $96,300.
What is demand like for graduates with criminal justice degrees?
The total number of detectives and criminal investigators is projected to change by 2.5% from 2020 to 2030.
Can I study for a bachelor's in criminal justice online?
It is possible to earn an online bachelor's degree in criminal justice. As part of their program, most schools offer at least some online courses.
How long does it take to complete a bachelor's degree?
On average, a bachelor's degree takes four years to complete for a full-time student. It will take longer for part-time students.
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