Criminal Justice Programs in Colorado Springs, CO

If you feel like criminal justice is your calling, you can get started by finding a great school in the Colorado Springs area. Check out our list of local schools. According to the Chronicle of Higher Education, “In 2013, 55 percent of first-time, full-time freshmen said they had applied to more than four colleges, up from 45 percent in 2008.” So, be sure to contact multiple schools to find out what degrees they offer and what they can do to help you reach your dreams.

As a student, we know that funds can be tight. However, you can save money by using the Colorado Springs Transit Service. They offer bus and metro service all around the Colorado Springs area, and you can choose a pass that best meets your needs. Between work, school, and internships, you could be traveling a lot!

Criminal Justice Schools in Other Major Colorado Cities

• Denver

Criminal Justice Education in Colorado Springs

One of the benefits of living in a metropolitan area like Colorado Springs is the variety of schools you can look into. There are all sorts of schools—four-year colleges and two-year colleges, private schools and public colleges, and religious colleges. Tuition rates differ from school to school and program to program; for example, the tuition at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs depends on your year of school. One credit hour for a freshman Colorado resident is $313, but a credit hour for a Graduate student is $586 regardless of their residency.

Throughout the course of your two to four years in school, you can plan on learning information on a wide variety of subjects. After you graduate, you are expected to be able to tackle any entry-level criminal justice job. You may take courses in the following areas, amongst others:

• Juvenile delinquency
• Correctional procedures
• Courtroom procedures
• Forensic science

You may be able to distinguish yourself above your peers by networking within the community. One great way to do this is joining local criminal justice organizations, of which there are plenty in Colorado Springs. You can meet others in the field, network with prospective employers, and get leads on possible job opportunities. Consider local groups like Professional Private Investigators Association of Colorado, the Colorado Springs Police Protective Association, or Pikes Peak Paralegals.

Job Outlook for Criminal Justice Graduates in Colorado Springs, CO

Throughout the course of your education, keep your career goals in the back of your mind. There are many different directions you can take a criminal justice degree, which gives you a lot of flexibility in your career.

Each career has its own educational requirements, and many careers only require an Associate’s degree for entry-level jobs. These are popular jobs in the Colorado Springs area, listed with their average salaries according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• Security guard: $36,440 per year
• Correctional officer: $56,610 per year

If you hold a Bachelor’s degree, you may be able to negotiate a higher salary or get into different career paths. These are high-ranking positions you may be able to pursue with a Bachelor’s degree:

• Police officer supervisor: $104,790 per year
• Detective: $82,730 per year

If you are considering corrections, Colorado Springs has a few different options for you. One option is the Cheyenne Mountain Re-Entry Center, a medium secure reentry treatment facility. The employees receive wonderful benefits with a competitive salary. There is also a wide variety of careers at a correctional facility including Correctional Officer, Case Manager, Substance Abuse Counselor, Nurse, Paralegal and Security Manager.

2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for city-specific positions contained here reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed November 2023.