Criminal justice programs in Virginia

We found 26 schools offering police academy & criminal justice training in Virginia, with campuses in Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Melfa, and Alberta and more. Police officers in Virginia earn a median $65,870 a year, according to the BLS.

Schools
26
Public colleges
24
Median pay in VA
$65,870
Cities with schools
12

24 police academy & criminal justice schools

School results

  1. Blue Ridge Community College

    Weyers Cave, VA · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • Electrician
    • Automotive technician
    • +9

  2. Brightpoint Community College

    Chester, VA · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • Electrician
    • HVAC technician
    • +8

  3. Bryant & Stratton College-Virginia Beach

    Virginia Beach, VA · Private

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • Medical assistant
    • Practical nursing (LPN/LVN)
    • +2

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  5. Central Virginia Community College

    Lynchburg, VA · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • Electrician
    • HVAC technician
    • +9

  6. Danville Community College

    Danville, VA · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • Electrician
    • HVAC technician
    • +11

  7. Eastern Shore Community College

    Melfa, VA · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • HVAC technician
    • Welding
    • +6

  8. Germanna Community College

    Locust Grove, VA · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • Automotive technician
    • Practical nursing (LPN/LVN)
    • +7

  9. J Sargeant Reynolds Community College

    Richmond, VA · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • Welding
    • Automotive technician
    • +10

  10. Laurel Ridge Community College

    Middletown, VA · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • HVAC technician
    • Practical nursing (LPN/LVN)
    • +5

  11. Liberty University

    Lynchburg, VA · Private

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • Construction technology
    • Aviation maintenance
    • +1

  12. Mountain Empire Community College

    Big Stone Gap, VA · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • Electrician
    • HVAC technician
    • +11

  13. Mountain Gateway Community College

    Clifton Forge, VA · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • Electrician
    • Welding
    • +3

  14. New River Community College

    Dublin, VA · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • Electrician
    • HVAC technician
    • +8

  15. Northern Virginia Community College

    Annandale, VA · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • HVAC technician
    • Welding
    • +17

  16. Patrick & Henry Community College

    Martinsville, VA · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • Welding
    • Automotive technician
    • +8

  17. Paul D Camp Community College

    Franklin, VA · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • Electrician
    • HVAC technician
    • +6

  18. Piedmont Virginia Community College

    Charlottesville, VA · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • Practical nursing (LPN/LVN)
    • EMT & paramedic
    • +7

  19. Rappahannock Community College

    Glenns, VA · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • HVAC technician
    • Diesel & heavy equipment mechanic
    • +6

  20. Southside Virginia Community College

    Alberta, VA · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • Electrician
    • HVAC technician
    • +14

  21. Southwest Virginia Community College

    Cedar Bluff, VA · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • Electrician
    • HVAC technician
    • +13

  22. Tidewater Community College

    Norfolk, VA · Public

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

  23. University of Virginia-Main Campus

    Charlottesville, VA · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice

  24. Virginia Highlands Community College

    Abingdon, VA · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • Electrician
    • HVAC technician
    • +8

  25. Virginia Peninsula Community College

    Hampton, VA · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • HVAC technician
    • Automotive technician
    • +6

Criminal justice programs by city

What police officers earn in Virginia

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

Police officer salary in VirginiaHow to become a police officer

Median pay
$65,870
$31.67 an hour
Typical range
$50,000–$96,820
10th to 90th percentile
Jobs in VA
19,970
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

How many police academy & criminal justice schools are in Virginia?

We list 26 schools in Virginia with police academy & criminal justice programs: 24 public colleges and 2 private nonprofit schools. Campuses are in Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Melfa, Alberta, and Cedar Bluff.

Are there community college police academy & criminal justice programs in Virginia?

Yes. 24 public colleges in Virginia 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 Virginia?

Among the 26 schools here that report it to the U.S. Department of Education, the average yearly net price (after grants and scholarships) ranges from $2,495 to $29,357. 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 Virginia?

The median pay for police officers in Virginia is $65,870 a year, and most earn between $50,000 and $96,820, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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

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 Virginia

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