Criminal justice programs in Charlottesville, VA

3 schools within 30 miles of Charlottesville, VA offer police academy & criminal justice programs, and 2 are in Charlottesville itself. Police officers in Virginia earn a median $65,870 a year, according to the BLS.

Within 30 miles
3
Closest
<1 mi
Public colleges
3
Median pay in VA
$65,870

3 police academy & criminal justice schools within 30 mi of Charlottesville, VA

School results

  1. University of Virginia-Main Campus

    Charlottesville, VA · 1.0 mi · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice
  2. Piedmont Virginia Community College

    Charlottesville, VA · 2.1 mi · Public

    • Police academy & criminal justice
    • Practical nursing (LPN/LVN)
    • EMT & paramedic
    • +7
  3. Blue Ridge Community College

    Weyers Cave, VA · 30 mi · Public

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

What police officers earn in Virginia

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

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.

Hear from the best fits near Charlottesville

One short form. Up to 3 schools send you costs, schedules and financial aid options. Free, with no obligation.

  • Compare real costs and start dates
  • Ask about financial aid and apprenticeships
  • Your info goes only to the schools you're matched with

Step 1 of 3: Your trade

Compare criminal justice programs

Free · Takes 60 seconds · No obligation

Frequently asked questions

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

The closest are University of Virginia-Main Campus (Charlottesville, under 1 mile), Piedmont Virginia Community College (Charlottesville, 2 mi), and Blue Ridge Community College (Weyers Cave, 30 mi). In total, 3 schools within 30 miles teach police academy & criminal justice.

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

For the 3 schools nearby that report it, the average yearly net price after aid ranges from $5,963 to $21,565. Ask each school for the full program cost, including tools, books and exam fees.

How much do police officers make near Charlottesville?

Across Virginia, the median pay is $65,870 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 Charlottesville?

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.