Criminal justice programs in Arkansas
We found 23 schools offering police academy & criminal justice training in Arkansas, with campuses in Blytheville, Beebe, Mountain Home, and Newport and more. Police officers in Arkansas earn a median $47,670 a year, according to the BLS.
- Schools
- 23
- Public colleges
- 22
- Median pay in AR
- $47,670
- Cities with schools
- 1
Criminal justice programs by city
- Batesville (3 within 30 mi)
What police officers earn in Arkansas
Median pay means half earn more and half earn less. Pay grows with experience, certifications and overtime.
Police officer salary in ArkansasHow to become a police officer
- Median pay
- $47,670
- $22.92 an hour
- Typical range
- $35,210–$70,190
- 10th to 90th percentile
- Jobs in AR
- 5,710
- Job growth, 2025–35
- +3.5%
- 51,500 openings a year (U.S.)
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, and Employment Projections.
Hear from the best fits near Arkansas
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Frequently asked questions
How many police academy & criminal justice schools are in Arkansas?
We list 23 schools in Arkansas with police academy & criminal justice programs: 22 public colleges and 1 private nonprofit school. Campuses are in Blytheville, Beebe, Mountain Home, Newport, and Pocahontas.
Are there community college police academy & criminal justice programs in Arkansas?
Yes. 22 public colleges in Arkansas offer police academy & criminal justice. Public programs often cost less and are usually eligible for federal financial aid. Confirm costs and aid with each school.
How much does police academy & criminal justice school cost in Arkansas?
Among the 23 schools here that report it to the U.S. Department of Education, the average yearly net price (after grants and scholarships) ranges from $4,385 to $19,038. That figure covers the whole school, not just this program, so ask each school for the program's total cost.
How much do police officers make in Arkansas?
The median pay for police officers in Arkansas is $47,670 a year, and most earn between $35,210 and $70,190, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
How do I choose a police academy & criminal justice school in Arkansas?
Ask each school about accreditation, total cost after financial aid, hands-on lab hours, certification exam prep, class sizes and job placement. Request info from two or three schools so you can compare their answers side by side.
Other programs in Arkansas
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- EMT and paramedic schools (24)
- LPN programs (24)
- CNA classes (23)
- Industrial maintenance schools (21)
- Auto mechanic schools (18)
- HVAC schools (16)
- Medical billing and coding schools (15)
- IT schools (14)
- Phlebotomy classes (14)
- CDL schools (11)
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Criminal justice programs in other states
- California (109)
- North Carolina (59)
- Texas (52)
- New York (45)
- Illinois (44)
- Ohio (40)
- Florida (39)
- Michigan (31)
- Virginia (26)
- Oklahoma (24)
- Georgia (23)
- Pennsylvania (23)
- Arizona (20)
- New Jersey (20)
- Minnesota (19)
- Tennessee (19)