Criminal justice programs in Denver, CO

5 schools within 30 miles of Denver, CO offer police academy & criminal justice programs, and one is in Denver itself. Police officers in Colorado earn a median $97,350 a year, according to the BLS.

Within 30 miles
5
Closest
5 mi
Public colleges
5
Median pay in CO
$97,350

5 police academy & criminal justice schools within 30 mi of Denver, CO

School results

  1. Community College of Aurora

    Aurora, CO · 5.2 mi · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • Diesel & heavy equipment mechanic
    • Nursing assistant (CNA)
    • +6
  2. Community College of Denver

    Denver, CO · 6.5 mi · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • Welding
    • CNC machining
    • +9
  3. Front Range Community College

    Westminster, CO · 13 mi · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • HVAC technician
    • Welding
    • +18
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  5. Arapahoe Community College

    Littleton, CO · 13 mi · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • Automotive technician
    • Medical assistant
    • +12
  6. Red Rocks Community College

    Lakewood, CO · 15 mi · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • Electrician
    • HVAC technician
    • +20

What police officers earn in Colorado

Median pay means half earn more and half earn less. Pay grows with experience, certifications and overtime.

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.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the closest police academy & criminal justice schools to Denver?

The closest are Community College of Aurora (Aurora, 5 mi), Community College of Denver (Denver, 7 mi), and Front Range Community College (Westminster, 13 mi). In total, 5 schools within 30 miles teach police academy & criminal justice.

How much do police academy & criminal justice programs near Denver cost?

For the 5 schools nearby that report it, the average yearly net price after aid ranges from $8,656 to $13,031. Ask each school for the full program cost, including tools, books and exam fees.

How much do police officers make near Denver?

Across Colorado, the median pay is $97,350 a year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay varies by employer, experience and certifications.

How do I choose a police academy & criminal justice school in Denver?

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.