Criminal justice programs in Paterson, NJ
16 schools within 30 miles of Paterson, NJ offer police academy & criminal justice programs, and one is in Paterson itself. Police officers in New Jersey earn a median $92,610 a year, according to the BLS.
- Within 30 miles
- 16
- Closest
- <1 mi
- Public colleges
- 14
- Median pay in NJ
- $92,610
What police officers earn in New Jersey
Median pay means half earn more and half earn less. Pay grows with experience, certifications and overtime.
Police officer salary in New JerseyHow to become a police officer
- Median pay
- $92,610
- $44.53 an hour
- Typical range
- $57,740–$134,260
- 10th to 90th percentile
- Jobs in NJ
- 21,780
- 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 Paterson
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Frequently asked questions
What are the closest police academy & criminal justice schools to Paterson?
The closest are Passaic County Community College (Paterson, under 1 mile), Berkeley College-Woodland Park (Woodland Park, 2 mi), and Bergen Community College (Paramus, 5 mi). In total, 16 schools within 30 miles teach police academy & criminal justice.
How much do police academy & criminal justice programs near Paterson cost?
For the 16 schools nearby that report it, the average yearly net price after aid ranges from $4,436 to $27,100. Ask each school for the full program cost, including tools, books and exam fees.
How much do police officers make near Paterson?
Across New Jersey, the median pay is $92,610 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 Paterson?
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.
Criminal justice programs in nearby cities
- Newark (13 mi)
- Spring Valley, NY (15 mi)
- Yonkers, NY (16 mi)
- New Rochelle, NY (20 mi)
- New York, NY (21 mi)
- Randolph (22 mi)
- Kiryas Joel, NY (29 mi)
- Hempstead, NY (32 mi)
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