Criminal justice programs in Colorado
Looking for police academy & criminal justice schools in Colorado? There are 16, including 16 public colleges. Police officers in Colorado earn a median $97,350 a year, according to the BLS.
- Schools
- 16
- Public colleges
- 16
- Median pay in CO
- $97,350
- Cities with schools
- 4
Criminal justice programs by city
- Denver (5 within 30 mi)
- Arvada (5 within 30 mi)
- Longmont (3 within 30 mi)
- Castle Rock (4 within 30 mi)
What police officers earn in Colorado
Median pay means half earn more and half earn less. Pay grows with experience, certifications and overtime.
Police officer salary in ColoradoHow to become a police officer
- Median pay
- $97,350
- $46.81 an hour
- Typical range
- $65,340–$109,300
- 10th to 90th percentile
- Jobs in CO
- 9,610
- 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 Colorado
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Frequently asked questions
How many police academy & criminal justice schools are in Colorado?
We list 16 schools in Colorado with police academy & criminal justice programs: 16 public colleges. Campuses are in Greeley, Rangely, Trinidad, Littleton, and Grand Junction.
Are there community college police academy & criminal justice programs in Colorado?
Yes. 16 public colleges in Colorado 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 Colorado?
Among the 16 schools here that report it to the U.S. Department of Education, the average yearly net price (after grants and scholarships) ranges from $3,796 to $15,103. 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 Colorado?
The median pay for police officers in Colorado is $97,350 a year, and most earn between $65,340 and $109,300, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
How do I choose a police academy & criminal justice school in Colorado?
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 Colorado
- Cosmetology schools (27)
- Medical assistant schools (22)
- CNA classes (20)
- Auto mechanic schools (18)
- EMT and paramedic schools (16)
- Welding schools (16)
- Esthetician schools (14)
- Construction schools (13)
- IT schools (13)
- Vet tech schools (13)
- Dental assistant schools (12)
- LPN programs (12)
- Phlebotomy classes (11)
- Medical billing and coding schools (10)
- Radiology tech schools (9)
- HVAC schools (9)
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)
- Arkansas (23)
- Georgia (23)
- Pennsylvania (23)
- Arizona (20)
- New Jersey (20)
- Minnesota (19)