Criminal Justice Schools in Louisiana
The Best Programs, Degree Paths and Resources for Louisiana Students
Louisiana has a broad criminal justice system, one that employs approximately 70,000 individuals across fields like law enforcement, the courts and judicial system, corrections and law, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Attending criminal justice school in Louisiana can position graduates to work in many rural and urban communities across the state, from Shreveport to New Orleans. Learn more about the different educational options for criminal justice in Louisiana below, and find a program that fits both the academic needs and career aspirations of criminal justice students.
The Best Louisiana Criminal Justice Schools
Not every student is created equal, nor is every criminal justice school in Louisiana. Some students want to attend a small community college, while others want to enroll at a public four-year institution. This list pinpoints the top institutions in Louisiana that offer criminal justice programs, ranking them by their tuition, acceptance rate, enrollment and other key factors. Learn more about the best criminal justice programs below.
Northwestern State University of Louisiana
Natchitoches, LA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Northwestern State University of Louisiana is a public college offering premier bachelor's-level education to students worldwide. Enrollees can pursue remote study or learn from the college's campus in Natchitoches. Learners can choose from 35 bachelor's degree programs or opt for remote study across 16 programs.
Learners studying in person and online benefit from a supportive learning community. Criminal justice students follow a rigorous program curriculum. Students complete foundational and advanced coursework, gaining a well-rounded education.
Learners can customize their studies, choose electives, and declare degree concentrations and minors. While enrolled, learners can connect with institutional resources, such as career services and academic advising, to receive further guidance.
When preparing for the costs of education, degree-seekers can meet with the financial aid office to explore funding opportunities. The institution boasts that 97% of all enrollees receive some form of financial aid.
- In-State$5,180
- Out-of-state$15,968
- In-State$5,738
- Out-of-state$16,526
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate82%
- Students Enrolled10,900
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment82%
- AccreditationYes
Loyola University New Orleans
- New Orleans, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Loyola University New Orleans, a private college in Louisiana, provides flexible study options for undergraduate students near and far. To date, the college offers 72 bachelor's programs, 12 of which are fully remote. Undergraduate students benefit from skilled faculty, rigorous coursework, and a supportive learning environment.
Students benefit from foundational and advanced coursework, as well as industry-specific lectures. Degree-seekers can modify their classes, choose electives, and declare minors and degree concentrations. Learners benefit from institutional resources throughout their studies, including career services and academic advising.
The college connects students with numerous funding opportunities, including scholarships and federal financial aid.
- In-State$38,926
- Out-of-state$38,926
- In-State$14,724
- Out-of-state$14,724
- Retention Rate78%
- Acceptance Rate75%
- Students Enrolled4,367
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment36%
- AccreditationYes
Louisiana State University of Alexandria
- Alexandria, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Students seeking a flexible bachelor's degree program should consider Louisiana State University of Alexandria. The public institution features in-person and virtual programs, enabling students near and far to benefit from top-ranked classes, prominent faculty, and a supportive learning community. Regardless of modality, enrollees access rigorous coursework and a premier education.
Degree-seekers gain skills and knowledge through classes, lectures, and experiential learning opportunities. Enrollees can customize their studies by choosing electives and declaring minors and degree concentrations. While enrolled, participants benefit from career and academic counselors, receiving personal and academic guidance throughout their studies.
Depending on eligibility, students can apply scholarships, fellowships, and other funding toward their educational expenses. The college boasts an average financial aid award package of $6,407, with 96% of all enrollees receiving some form of aid.
- In-State$4,984
- Out-of-state$4,984
- In-StateNot provided
- Out-of-stateNot provided
- Retention Rate58%
- Acceptance Rate56%
- Students Enrolled3,381
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment65%
- AccreditationYes
Southern University at New Orleans
- New Orleans, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Students looking to jump-start their career should consider a bachelor's degree from Southern University at New Orleans. Students can enroll in one of 18 campus-based bachelor's programs, or opt for remote study across two subject areas. Students across modalities connect with peers and faculty through a supportive learning community.
Students gain skills and knowledge through their coursework and become better prepared for their future careers. Degree-seekers can modify their classes, choose electives, and declare minors and degree concentrations. While enrolled, participants benefit from career and academic counselors, receiving personal and academic guidance throughout their studies.
Depending on eligibility, students can apply scholarships, fellowships, and other funding toward their educational expenses. According to the institution, 99% of all enrollees receive financial aid, with the average award amounting to $6,660.
- In-State$4,483
- Out-of-state$13,384
- In-State$6,024
- Out-of-state$12,965
- Retention Rate52%
- Acceptance Rate60%
- Students Enrolled2,309
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment43%
- AccreditationYes
McNeese State University
- Lake Charles, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
McNeese State University supports flexible educational opportunities for students near and far. Located in Lake Charles, Louisiana, the public institution offers competitive, flexible programs that can be completed in person or online. The college campus and online learning environment enable students to connect with peers, faculty, and staff during their studies.
Learners studying in person and online benefit from a supportive learning community. After enrolling, students complete criminal justice coursework as part of the program curriculum. Learners also have the option to pursue experiential learning opportunities, such as internships and research projects.
Students can select electives, degree concentrations, and degree minors, and they can pursue other academic modifications. Throughout their studies, learners can work with career services and academic advising to receive further guidance.
The college connects students with a variety of funding opportunities to defray educational costs. At the college, 99% of all incoming students receive financial aid funding.
- In-State$5,147
- Out-of-state$13,185
- In-State$5,703
- Out-of-state$13,740
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate81%
- Students Enrolled7,295
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment56%
- AccreditationYes
Grambling State University
- Grambling, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Grambling State University is a public college offering premier bachelor's-level education to students worldwide. Undergraduate students benefit from hybrid learning opportunities, with the option to study in person or online. Undergraduate students connect with peers, faculty, and staff through a supportive learning community.
While enrolled, students complete general and criminal justice-specific coursework. Participants take foundational classes, as well as advanced coursework, with the option to modify their schedule and choose electives.
Students have the option to select degree concentrations and minors, and they can pursue other academic modifications. A leader in student success, the college connects enrollees with career services, academic advising, and other support resources.
Students can meet with a financial aid counselor to explore funding opportunities. Of all enrollees, 99% receive some form of financial aid.
- In-State$5,140
- Out-of-state$5,140
- In-State$5,110
- Out-of-state$5,110
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance Rate97%
- Students Enrolled5,232
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment48%
- AccreditationYes
Louisiana College
- Pineville, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Louisiana College provides flexible study for students seeking bachelor's-level study. Learners can choose from a variety of degree programs, in person and online. At present, the college provides 56 bachelor's degree programs, with two programs supporting remote study.
Remote and campus-based students connect with peers, faculty, and staff through a supportive learning environment. Criminal justice students follow a rigorous program curriculum. These classes equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to advance in their future career.
Learners can customize their studies, choose electives, and declare degree concentrations and minors. Students can access institutional resources, such as career services and academic advising, throughout their program.
Learners can meet with a financial aid counselor to determine their eligibility for scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid. The institution reports that 96% of all degree-seekers receive some form of financial aid.
- In-State$17,500
- Out-of-state$17,500
- In-State$7,416
- Out-of-state$7,416
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance Rate69%
- Students Enrolled1,224
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment25%
- AccreditationYes
Southern University and A&M College
- Baton Rouge, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Southern University and A&M College, a public college in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, provides flexible educational options for undergraduate students near and far. Students can choose from 49 in-person bachelor's degree programs and three remote programs. Both modalities support rigorous study and connect students with premier faculty and supportive learning communities.
Students benefit from foundational and advanced coursework, as well as industry-specific lectures. In consultation with an academic advisor, students can customize their coursework, select electives, and declare minors and degree concentrations. While enrolled, students can access institutional resources including career services and academic advising.
Students can meet with the financial aid office to determine their eligibility for scholarships, fellowships, and other financial aid awards. The college reports that 98% of all learners receive some form of aid, with the average financial aid award package being $7,612.
- In-State$4,972
- Out-of-state$4,972
- In-State$5,336
- Out-of-state$5,336
- Retention Rate61%
- Acceptance Rate35%
- Students Enrolled7,140
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment27%
- AccreditationYes
Louisiana State University-Shreveport
- Shreveport, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Students seeking a flexible education can explore Louisiana State University-Shreveport's in-person and online degree offerings. Students can choose from 28 in-person bachelor's degree programs and five remote programs. Enrollees gain access to a supportive learning environment during their studies.
Enrollees take foundational and advanced classes, learning the ins and outs of the criminal justice field. Students can customize their curriculum by declaring a double major, minor, or degree concentration, and they can also choose elective classes. Enrollees can receive further guidance through academic advising, career services, and other resources.
Students may be eligible for scholarships, fellowships, and other financial aid awards. According to the institution, 94% of all enrollees receive financial aid, with the average award amounting to $9,539.
- In-State$5,656
- Out-of-state$5,656
- In-State$6,196
- Out-of-state$6,196
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance Rate84%
- Students Enrolled8,579
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment86%
- AccreditationYes
University of Louisiana at Monroe
- Monroe, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
From its main campus, the University of Louisiana at Monroe supports numerous hybrid degree options for undergraduate students. The college offers 38 bachelor's programs, with 14 enabling fully remote study. Enrollees connect with peers, faculty, and staff, either through campus learning environments, or virtual classrooms.
Students gain skills and knowledge through their coursework and become better prepared for their future careers. Students can work with their academic advisor to customize their degree and study trajectory. Throughout their studies, learners can access academic advising, career services, and other institutional resources.
Based on their eligibility, students can receive scholarships, fellowships, and other financial aid awards. The college reports that 98% of all learners receive some form of aid, with the average financial aid award package being $10,649.
- In-State$5,788
- Out-of-state$17,888
- In-State$6,490
- Out-of-state$18,590
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate80%
- Students Enrolled8,673
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment43%
- AccreditationYes
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
- Lafayette, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is a public college offering hybrid education. Students can choose from 56 in-person bachelor's degree programs and five remote programs. Both modalities support rigorous study and connect students with premier faculty and supportive learning communities.
Students complete foundational and advanced coursework while enrolled, and they can pursue internships and other experiential learning opportunities. Students can modify their degree depending on their career goals, in consultation with an academic advisor. Throughout their studies, learners can access academic advising, career services, and other institutional resources.
Students can explore their eligibility for scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid in consultation with the financial aid office. The average financial aid package earned by students amounts to $9,519.
- In-State$5,407
- Out-of-state$19,135
- In-State$5,511
- Out-of-state$19,239
- Retention Rate76%
- Acceptance Rate68%
- Students Enrolled16,933
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment39%
- AccreditationYes
Southeastern Louisiana University
- Hammond, LA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Southeastern Louisiana University is a public college offering premier bachelor's-level education to students worldwide. The public institution delivers hybrid degree programs at the undergraduate level. Undergraduate students connect with peers, faculty, and staff through a supportive learning community.
Students in the criminal justice program build competency through rigorous coursework and industry-relevant lectures. Learners can also pursue internships, research projects, and experiential learning opportunities to supplement their education.
Learners can customize their study in consultation with an academic advisor, to suit their personal and professional goals. While enrolled, learners can connect with institutional resources, such as career services and academic advising, to receive further guidance.
When preparing for the cost of education, degree-seekers can meet with the financial aid office to explore funding opportunities. The institution boasts that 96% of all enrollees receive some form of financial aid.
- In-State$5,777
- Out-of-state$18,255
- In-State$6,684
- Out-of-state$19,162
- Retention Rate68%
- Acceptance Rate90%
- Students Enrolled14,220
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment31%
- AccreditationYes
Remington College-Shreveport Campus
- Shreveport, LA
- 4 year
- Campus
Located in Louisiana, Remington College-Shreveport Campus provides flexible educational opportunities for learners worldwide. A leader in hybrid education, the private college supports both in-person and online learning.
The college connects students with peers, faculty, and staff across campus-based and remote learning communities. Criminal justice students follow a rigorous program curriculum. Participants take foundational classes, as well as advanced coursework, with the option to modify their schedule and choose electives.
Learners can customize their studies and declare degree concentrations and minors. Students can access institutional resources, such as career services and academic advising.
To defray the costs of education, students can apply for scholarships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities.
- In-State$15,642
- Out-of-state$15,642
- In-StateNot provided
- Out-of-stateNot provided
- Retention RateNot provided
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled336
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment88%
- AccreditationYes
Remington College-Lafayette Campus
- Lafayette, LA
- 2 year
- Campus
Students seeking a flexible bachelor's degree program should consider Remington College-Lafayette Campus. Learners can choose from in-person and online bachelor's degree programs. Enrollees gain access to a supportive learning environment during their studies.
Enrollees complete general and advanced coursework, gaining the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their field of choosing. Students can work with an academic advisor to customize their degree and declare minors and degree concentrations. The college connects students with numerous resources, such as academic advising and career services, for the duration of their program.
Depending on their eligibility, students can apply scholarships, fellowships, and other funding toward their educational expenses. The college notes that 94% of all enrollees receive some form of financial aid.
- In-State$15,837
- Out-of-state$15,837
- In-StateNot provided
- Out-of-stateNot provided
- Retention Rate56%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled305
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment88%
- AccreditationYes
Remington College-Baton Rouge
- Baton Rouge, LA
- 2 year
- Campus
Remington College-Baton Rouge supports a variety of undergraduate-level degree options. Students can pursue remote study or learn at the college's campus in Louisiana. Students gain access to a supportive learning community regardless of their location.
Throughout their studies, students in the criminal justice program complete field-specific coursework as part of the curriculum. Degree-seekers can supplement their learning through experiential learning opportunities, such as research projects and internships.
Learners can customize their study in consultation with an academic advisor, to suit their personal and professional goals. Learners can receive personalized guidance by connecting with career services, academic advising, and other institutional resources.
Depending on their eligibility, students can apply for scholarships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities.
- In-State$17,213
- Out-of-state$17,213
- In-StateNot provided
- Out-of-stateNot provided
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance RateNot provided
- Students Enrolled82
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment100%
- AccreditationYes
The Most Popular Criminal Justice Careers in Louisiana
Before earning a degree, it’s important for students to map out possible employment options. Criminal justice schools in Louisiana provide many educational and degree options, and to help students identify a path that fits their professional goals, the table below includes details on some of the most popular criminal justice careers in the state. Learn more about the employment figures, salaries and academic requirements for these careers in Louisiana specifically below.
Side by Side: Comparing Louisiana with Criminal Justice Nationally
Graduating from a criminal justice school in Louisiana doesn’t limit students to a single career field. Louisiana offers numerous applicable career opportunities in legal and protective services – including several occupations that are growing faster in Louisiana than the national average. Use the graphs below to learn more about specialized criminal justice occupations in the state. Scroll over each bar for specifics, including degree requirements in Louisiana, to see which may provide a good return on the college investment.
Salary
| Job | National | Louisiana |
|---|---|---|
| Title Examiner | 42,560 | 42,840 |
| Private Detective | 40,940 | 52,840 |
| Transportation Security Screener | 37,290 | 40,050 |
| Court Reporter | 41,040 | 54,720 |
| Lawyer | 111,240 | 136,260 |
| Arbitrators, Mediators, Conciliators | 53,590 | 69,060 |
| Fire Inspector, Investigator | 55,510 | 59,800 |
| Forensic Science Technician | 50,450 | 60,090 |
Job Growth
| Job | National | Louisiana |
|---|---|---|
| Compliance Officer | 0.033 | 0.126 |
| Paralegal | 0.076 | 0.219 |
| Bailiff | 0.046 | 0.111 |
| Police, Sheriff & Patrol Officer | 0.05 | 0.095 |
| Gaming Surveillance Officer | -0.057 | 0.048 |
| Forensic Science Technician | 0.021 | 0.264 |
| Criminal Justice Professors | 0.019 | 0.213 |
| Probation Officers | 0.003 | 0.036 |
Source: Projections Central, 2015
Where to Get Hired After Criminal Justice School in Louisiana
Graduates of criminal justice schools can select from any number of potential career paths in projective services, law or corrections. The biggest employment areas include the New Orleans and Baton Rouge regions, employing nearly 40,000 individuals in the criminal justice field. Use the table below to learn more about prospective criminal justice occupations and where you could find employment.
Largest areas of employment in descending order
Protective service
- New Orleans, Metairie
- Baton Rouge
- Shreveport, Bossier City
- Lafayette
- Lake Charles
Legal service
- New Orleans, Metairie
- Baton Rouge
- Lafayette
- Shreveport, Bossier City
- Monroe
Professional Resources for Criminal Justice in Louisiana
Business Compliance Resources
Association of Corporate Counsel, Louisiana Chapter
A professional group for in-house business legal counsel and support staff, the ACC-LA provides career development and networking opportunities.
Community Assistance Program
A state program that provides community and small business resources including environmental regulatory assistance.
Louisiana Association of Business and Industry
The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry is the state’s Chamber of Commerce and represents the interests of businesses in the state through regulatory, political and judicial processes.
Louisiana Workforce Commission
State agency that supports business development through regulation and enforcement of tax policies, workforce development and labor laws.
Correctional Resources
Innocence Project
A non-profit law group that offers investigative and legal services to prisoners currently serving, with emphasis on cases that may involve innocent individuals serving life sentences in Louisiana.
Louisiana Center for Children’s Rights and the Juvenile Justice Program
This organization works to provide at-risk youth and community safety programs to prevent young people from committing crimes, and help reintegrate young people who have served time in the juvenile justice system.
Louisiana Correctional Association
A group of criminal justice professionals dedicated to improving the corrections and criminal justice systems in Louisiana.
Louisiana Department of Corrections
The state department that oversees the corrections system in Louisiana and operates community corrections programs, reentry services, victim services and careers in corrections.
Prison Enterprises
An organization that works with incarcerated offenders to provide job opportunities and occupational and career skills training across many industries in Louisiana.
Court & Judicial Resources
Louisiana Civil Justice Center
A nonprofit organization launched in 2005 that provides legal and justice services to low-income residents and individuals affected by Hurricane Katrina.
Louisiana Court Reporters Association
Recognizing the professionals and leaders in Louisiana’s court reporting professional community, the LCRA was formerly known as the Louisiana Shorthand Reporters Association.
Louisiana District Judges Association
Look up district courts of Louisiana and learn about the committees and initiatives Louisiana’s District Judges have jurisdiction over, including civil, criminal, domestic and juvenile services and education.
Louisiana Supreme Court
The state’s highest court located in New Orleans that has supervisory power over all courts in Louisiana.
National Center for State Courts – Louisiana
A state branch of the National Center for State Courts, a nonprofit organization that serves as a clearinghouse for judicial information.
Legal Resources
Center for Restorative Approaches
A program part of the Neighborhood Housing Services, the center provides a variety of training and tools to communities to improve public safety and reduce crime.
Louisiana Law Help
A website for individuals with low-incomes that provides self-help information and legal referrals through several nonprofits, as Southeast Louisiana Legal Services, Legal Services Corporation and Louisiana Bar Foundation.
Louisiana State Bar Association
An all-encompassing collection of information on the legal systems, law and training requirements in Louisiana.
Professional Civil Law Notaries Association, Louisiana
Fighting for the notary practice in Louisiana, the PCLNA was founded in 1999 and continues better the notary community through networking an continuing education programs.
Law Enforcement Resources
Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police
A membership organization of 350 retired and active chiefs of police and other law enforcement administrators throughout Louisiana.
Louisiana Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Criminal Justice
State commission that administers a range of grant programs to support and improve the adult and juvenile justice systems.
Louisiana Sheriff’s Association
An association of the state’s 64 sheriffs and approximately 14,000 deputy sheriff’s that advocates for the legislation that supports law enforcement.
Louisiana State Troopers Association
A membership association of State Police officers in Louisiana, this group represents approximately 97% of active officers and a large number of State Police retirees.
Louisiana Tactical Police Officers Association
From training to tactical officer events and networking, the LTPOA serves tactical law enforcement officers across all agencies in Louisiana.
Wildlife & Environmental Resources
Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Law Enforcement Division
Louisiana’s resource for fish and game law enforcement, including regulation information, incident reports and information on how to become a wildlife agent in Louisiana.
Louisiana Environmental Action Network
Nonprofit organization founded in 1986 that works in education and advocacy to solve environmental issues in the state.
Louisiana State Parks
Explore the natural side of Louisiana through the State Park system, including information on employment opportunities.
Louisiana Wildlife Foundation
A statewide conservation foundation that has more than 9,600 members across 24 state and local clubs.
Value Louisiana
A collaborative organization that assists business and government organizations to craft socially and environmentally friendly policies and incentives.
