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An online criminology degree explores criminal behavior from a sociological perspective. Students theorize why people commit crimes and study prevention and rehabilitation techniques. Curriculums feature a range of disciplines, from economics to political science, with remote students engaging in essays, projects, and online discussions. 

Admissions are primarily based on student GPAs, although not every school has minimum requirements. A criminology bachelor degree takes four years to complete and is typically found as a concentration within a criminal justice major. Although its curriculum covers aspects of law enforcement, criminology aims to understand why crime is committed in the first place rather than how to stop crime in its tracks to enact justice. An alternative is a forensic science degree, which uses evidence and crime scene analysis to solve investigations. 

If you are curious to explore another discipline in the same field, check our our rankings of the most affordable online law enforcement degrees.

Criminology emphasizes social science through coursework in research methods, criminality trends, and cultural awareness. Additional studies in policing and legal processes are designed to give students a better understanding of the justice system's functions. Together, these disciplines help criminology graduates shape justice-related policies at the local and national levels.

An introductory course in criminology serves as a launchpad as to the hows and whys of criminality. It introduces foundational studies on the origins of criminal law, types of crimes and criminals, and the justice system. Students learn about the theories and methodologies used in the field, such as cultural criminology, rational choice, and differential association. 

Below you can read about a couple of classes that often appear in a criminology curriculum: 

• Policing in the United States: In this course, students look closely at policing through a modern and historical lens. They study the relationships police have with their communities, the communication practices of police departments, and how policing fits within the broader context of the criminal justice system. Issues in policing, such as accountability and transparency, are also explored. 
• Statistical Analysis: A statistical analysis course provides students with descriptive statistics and data analysis fundamentals. Governments use the research found in this course to inform and develop anti-crime programs. Criminology data analysis helps students understand the extent of crime trends and their effects on society. Students utilize data collection tools and analysis software.

In the 2022–23 academic year, the average total cost of attendance for first-time, full-time undergraduate students living on campus at four-year degree-granting institutions was higher at private nonprofit institutions ($58,600) compared to private for-profit institutions ($33,600) and public institutions ($27,100). This is according to the National Center for Education Statistics (). This high cost has caused most students to strongly consider where their money goes. 

Our list of online criminology degrees above is the most affordable options nationwide that ranges from as low as $3,152 to $12,750 yearly for in-state tuition. 

Aside from tuition, online students are responsible for covering additional expenses associated with the cost of living, fees, and technology equipment. Even the most affordable criminal justice degrees are expensive for many students. Fortunately, criminology degrees with the lowest tuition offer less costly in-state tuition for online students, no matter where they reside. 

Students often take on part-time jobs to ease the burden of higher education costs. For criminology students, this means pursuing flexible roles that provide criminal justice experiences — such as safety officers, legal assistants, and drug prevention specialists. Real-world experience, no matter how small, is beneficial for undergraduate students as they prepare to enter the workforce as a graduate. 

It's also important to consider ways to save money in college. One way is through scholarships and grants, which, unlike student loans, do not have to be paid back. For example, schools hosting criminology degrees may offer their own scholarships to high-achieving applicants. Because scholarships are awarded based on merit, students are typically required to submit an essay detailing their interest in criminology and letters of recommendation from colleagues who can vouch for their skills.

Financial aid comes in many forms, but the most popular is federal financial aid. This type of loan is given to low-income students to fund their studies. The vast majority of schools accept federal financial assistance. However, a growing number consider themselves "no-loan schools" by opting out of federal aid programs. This is an effort to allow students to graduate without student debt by funding 100% of their undergraduate tuition through grants. 

Students pursuing an affordable online criminology degree should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for loans, grants, or work-study programs. Most schools provide resources and direct links to the form on their websites. Upon acceptance into degree programs, the federal government gives money directly to the school to avoid mishandling funds. The government may provide additional funding to students for living expenses and equipment. 

The Department of Justice reports that nearly 25% of law enforcement professionals have military backgrounds, leading to many criminology students pursuing funding through the GI Bill®. Military and veteran students may qualify to have their tuition, fees, housing, and books covered, even while studying online. The GI Bill® also covers tutoring, training, and test fees. Experience gained during military service may also translate into a criminal justice or criminology degree, eliminating some course fees. 

The foundational knowledge gained in a bachelor's in criminology is designed to translate into more advanced learning. Therefore, criminology graduates have opportunities to continue their education beyond the bachelor's level, which often means pursuing a master's in criminal justice or a homeland security master's program. These graduate degrees feature advanced coursework, professional training, and research requirements centered on law enforcement and the justice system. 

Graduates can also take certification exams that align with their career goals. There's the Professional Certified Investigator (PCI) for aspiring private investigators; the GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA) certification for those who wish to analyze crime scenes in an official law enforcement role; and the American Board of Criminalistics exam, which allows for certification in drug analysis, forensic DNA, molecular biology, and other related criminology skills.  

Below are three common careers for criminology students:

Criminal Investigators

Median Annual Salary: $77,270 

Job Growth: 3%

, or criminal investigators, examine crimes by interviewing suspects and witnesses, gathering evidence, and creating reports that rely on facts and data. They're hired by law enforcement agencies such as the FBI, Secret Service, Border Patrol, and local police departments to solve criminal cases. Police academy training is required, even for criminology bachelor's graduates, with professionals typically working their way up from patrol officers to police detectives. 

Forensic Science Technicians

Median Annual Salary: $67,440 

Job Growth: 13%

assist criminal investigators by collecting evidence. They use scientific processes to maintain the integrity of evidence that may have been left behind by criminals, such as firearms, bodily fluids, and fingerprints. Once collected, the findings are analyzed in laboratories where chemical tests are performed to extract information used in legal proceedings.  

Correctional Treatment Specialists

Median Annual Salary: $64,520

Job Growth: 3%

The role of is to assist offenders, such as probationers and parolees, in their journey toward rehabilitation. Their work involves interviewing individuals to determine treatment plans, which may include providing counseling, teaching drug educational classes, and outlining employment opportunities. They typically work in state and local government facilities, occasionally visiting clients' homes.

Determining whether an affordable criminology degree is the best decision for you depends on several factors, including career goals, financial considerations, and personal interests. A criminology degree can open doors to various careers in law enforcement, legal studies, forensic analysis, social services, and academia. These roles often require a deep understanding of criminal behavior, justice systems, and societal impacts, which a criminology degree provides. 

A criminology degree is valuable for those who are passionate about understanding and addressing crime and justice issues. It equips students with critical thinking skills, ethical considerations, and the ability to analyze complex social problems, which are valuable in many professional and personal contexts.

Criminology is often a somewhat difficult degree. One reason is its theoretical focus, which aims to provide a better understanding of criminal acts and the economic and societal causes of crime. Another reason is that students must study and memorize technical components related to statistical analysis, research methods, and data-based policies. 

Financially, the investment in a criminology degree can be justified by the potential for stable and rewarding careers. For instance, graduates from the University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth report a median salary of $53,581, which is a significant return on investment considering the tuition cost. Additionally, some institutions offer hardy financial aid packages, such as Buena Vista University, which can mitigate the initial financial burden.

When making your choice, it's also helpful to consider the specific job market and opportunities in the region where you plan to work, as well as the level of competition and the need for further education or certifications. Balancing these factors with personal interest and long-term career goals can help determine if pursuing a criminology degree is the right choice for you.

Ultimately, there are several ways to choose the best degree in criminology for you. Career-focused students should pick a degree based on concentration options that allow them to narrow their coursework to meet their career goals. While criminology may be a concentration within a criminal justice degree, it may also share the focus with subjects such as crime analysis or criminal behavior. It's also important to check the elective options, which are there to provide additional training in specific areas, such as juvenile justice and criminal law.