Looking for a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice in Washington? You should consider these top-tier undergraduate programs and jobs in Criminal Justice .
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Bachelor's Degrees in Criminal Justice in Washington
The best degrees in Washington for criminal justice will allow you to advance your career and enrich your life. The knowledge that you gain will enable you to land a job in the field of your dreams or make it possible for you to work in a valuable occupation. Bachelor's degrees open doors for employment in a variety of fields. Bachelor's students gain the skills required to move forward in their field.
The median annual income for individuals with a bachelor's degree is $5,336 per month, or $69,368 a year. Bachelor's degree holders are more likely to be employed than those with a high school diploma.
Criminal Justice Bachelor's Programs for You
Working and Living in Washington in the Criminal Justice Profession
A criminal justice degree is broad enough to provide students with the opportunity to be well positioned for careers within government and law enforcement agencies, while also offering many opportunities in the private sector. The courses within a criminal justice curriculum cover criminology, sociology, and psychology, along with civil procedure, evidence laws, and constitutional rights. Classes are designed to educate students on the nature of justice systems, how they operate, and their role in protecting citizens.
The average annual wage in Washington is $50,450, or $24.25 per hour. This fact applies to all the state's 127,470 employees. As a result, the lowest 10% of earners earn about $30,460 per year, while the highest 10% earn about $127,470. A comparison of the earnings for detectives and criminal investigators in Washington is offered below.
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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 is ranked number 40 among 51 states (including Washington, D.C.). In the U.S., the cost of living index measures the average cost of living for specific states. The U.S. average is 100, and all locations are either above or below that average. Washington's cost of living index is 113.9, which is 13.9% higher than the national average. On the following page, you will find a comparison of the average cost of groceries, housing, utilities, etc. in Washington with that of the United States.
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There is a projected 2.5% growth in detectives and criminal investigators over the next 10 years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an increase in total employment for the field from 112,500 in 2020 to 115,300 in 2030. With a bachelor's degree, graduates can qualify for these positions. 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
Bachelor's Degrees in Criminal Justice in Washington
#1 Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice in Washington
Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WA
4 years
Online + Campus
Learners looking for flexible study in dual modalities can choose from Central Washington University's 226 bachelor's degree programs. For students seeking to advance in the criminal justice field, the BA in law and justice is a wise choice. Students can apply their learnings to a criminal justice-specific career or towards a graduate degree.
Enrollees benefit from a variety of resources throughout their studies, including career services and academic advising. Students can meet with a financial aid counselor to discuss funding opportunities, explore available scholarships, and determine their eligibility. The average student receives a financial aid award package of $7,529.
Central Washington University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 86%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 20-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $6,475
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $22,551
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $38,900
Average Tuition
In-state
$6,475
Out-of-state
$22,551
Retention Rate
70%
Admission Rate
86%
Students Enrolled
11,174
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
97%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#2 Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice in Washington
Saint Martin's University
Lacey, WA
4 years
Campus
Learners seeking flexible study can choose from in-person and online bachelor's degree programs at Saint Martin's University. Students pursuing the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the criminal justice field can enroll in the school's online bachelor's in criminal justice program. After the program, graduates can apply their knowledge to a career or graduate studies.
The college supports students through institutional resources, including career services and academic advising. Depending on their eligibility, students can benefit from financial aid funding.
Saint Martin's University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Admission Rate: 94%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 12-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $39,500
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $39,500
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $41,000
Average Tuition
In-state
$39,500
Out-of-state
$39,500
Retention Rate
76%
Admission Rate
94%
Students Enrolled
1,638
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
43%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#3 Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice in Washington
Seattle University
Seattle, WA
4 years
Online + Campus
Seattle University, located in Washington, provides 83 bachelor's degree programs in dual modalities. The BA in criminal justice is an impressive online program, equipping enrollees with industry-relevant knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a criminal justice career. After the program, students can pursue a criminal justice-specific career or graduate studies.
The college connects learners with institutional resources throughout their studies. Prospective students may be eligible for funding options, such as scholarships, fellowships, and grants.
Seattle University at a Glance:
Type of School: Private, nonprofit, four-year
Admission Rate: 83%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 10-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $47,565
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $47,565
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $48,100
Average Tuition
In-state
$47,565
Out-of-state
$47,565
Retention Rate
82%
Admission Rate
83%
Students Enrolled
7,050
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
88%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#4 Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice in Washington
Washington State University
Pullman, WA
4 years
Online + Campus
Washington State University, a public, four-year college located in Pullman, supports both in-person and online learning across 173 bachelor's degree programs. For students seeking to advance in the criminal justice field through flexible coursework, the bachelor's in criminal justice program is a wise choice. Graduates can enter the workforce or pursue further education, such as a master's degree.
Students can benefit from institutional resources throughout their program. The financial aid office can assist students in connecting with funding opportunities and determining their eligibility. Financial aid enables student success, with 92% of all students receiving aid and 59% of all enrollees graduating.
Washington State University at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 80%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 16-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $10,202
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $25,145
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $44,700
Average Tuition
In-state
$10,202
Out-of-state
$25,145
Retention Rate
81%
Admission Rate
80%
Students Enrolled
31,159
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
28%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#5 Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice in Washington
University of Washington
Seattle, WA
4 years
Online + Campus
With its main campus in Seattle, the University of Washington facilitates in-person and online learning across 288 bachelor's degree programs. The school's BA in criminal justice stands out as a competitive option for students looking to succeed in the field. Graduates can enter the workforce or pursue further education, such as a master's degree.
Throughout their studies, undergraduates can access institutional resources centering geared towards student success. Learners seeking to defray the costs of their degree can meet with a financial aid counselor to discuss funding opportunities and determine their eligibility. The average student receives a financial aid award package of $17,004.
University of Washington at a Glance:
Type of School: Public, four-year
Admission Rate: 56%
Student-Faculty Ratio: 20-to-1
Undergrad Tuition In State: $10,629
Undergrad Tuition Out of State: $37,998
Average Alumni Earnings After Six Years: $50,300
Average Tuition
In-state
$10,629
Out-of-state
$37,998
Retention Rate
93%
Admission Rate
56%
Students Enrolled
48,149
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
11%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Financing a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice
The financial aid options available to students can assist them in paying for their college education. You can find financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, fellowships, and work-study programs. A number of students may be eligible for federal and private student loans. It is a good idea to do your research ahead of time and find out what kinds of financial aid may be offered by the colleges you are interested in.
Checklist for Maximizing Your Financial Aid
Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
The financial aid department should be aware that students are eligible for scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and loans.
Average Cost of Attending College in Washington
Depending on the institution, college costs in Washington vary. While there are some differences between public and private institutions, there are also some commonalities. Take a look at the information below to decide whether attending a public institution is the right choice for you.
Public 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Washington vs. National Average
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Washington
National Average
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How does a private college compare to a public college in terms of cost? Private schools generally charge more than public schools. For more information about private colleges, take a look at the following graph:
Private 4-Year School Tuition Rates: Washington vs. National Average
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Washington
National Average
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Federal Student Loan Information
Would it be wise for you to take out student loans to fund your education? You should keep a few things in mind while considering a loan.
To successfully repay the loan, you must ensure that you will be able to make all the payments on time.
It is important to consider whether earning a degree from a particular school will help you in your career goals.
Ensure that you understand the repayment schedule so that it does not cause undue hardship on your financial situation.
Find out how much students typically borrow by taking a look at the data below:
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
There are several differences between an online degree and a degree obtained on campus, including the cost and the size of the classes. Numerous advantages can be gained from online degree programs, including flexibility, affordability, and ease of use. Typically, on-campus degrees are more expensive because of student fees. Attending classes in person also has a number of advantages.
Top Criminal Justice Degree Options Available by State
Private and public colleges differ in a number of ways. Private schools tend to charge more in tuition than public schools, for example. A public college may be able to provide grants and scholarships to help cover the cost of tuition. There are usually merit scholarships available for those with high GPAs and SAT scores.
It is often the case that private universities have smaller class sizes. This is beneficial for students who want more individual attention from professors. Here are some benefits and disadvantages of attending a private institution as opposed to a public one.
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
What is the wage for detectives and criminal investigators in Washington?
Detectives and criminal investigators report earning a mean annual wage of $108,550 in Washington.
In general, are criminal justice majors in high demand?
The total number of detectives and criminal investigators is projected to increase by 2.5% from 2020 to 2030.
Are there any opportunities to study for a bachelor's degree in criminal justice online?
A bachelor's degree in criminal justice is a great way to prepare for the workforce. Almost all schools in today's environment offer some form of online education.
How long does it take to complete a bachelor's degree?
An average bachelor's degree takes four years for a full-time student. There will be a difference in completion times for part-time and full-time students.
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