Society is at the mercy of local, national, and international policies affecting individual and corporate life. Beginning an academic journey into political science prepares students to enter a strategic field of interest with a heightened sense of purpose and critical knowledge. For those with the ability to communicate, analyze, and research, a bachelor of political science online can soon lead to a master’s degree in political science, a requirement for most entry-level jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, political scientists will see a 5 percent job growth increase through 2028, which is as fast as average in the U.S. Proceeding down this academic route could lead to high-end salaries of over $100,000 in competitive positions. Political scientists can be found in political organizations, lobbying firms, labor unions, and more. Students may consider internships and specialized programs or volunteer work along with a degree to assert their competitive edge and develop knowledge of representation, facts and perspective of the society they serve.
Through a survey of 49 bachelor of political science online from 38 accredited colleges across the United States, GetEducated has created this “Best Buy” list. This list reveals links to the highest caliber education at the community college price. Consider aspirational salary levels and cost of degrees while choosing a program best suited to personal, academic, and professional needs.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$45,100
Least Expensive: Clayton State University ~ $24,416.00
Most Expensive: Chaminade University of Honolulu ~ $69,930.00
Our data-driven research creates a truly reliable system of scientific rankings. There are no fancy formulas here. We meticulously calculate total full-time tuition—including any fees—for the most accurate total cost. Our rankings cannot be bought, and therefore factually showcase the cheapest bachelor of political science online. The online political science degrees listed above the gray dividing line are official 2020 “Best Buys” and cost less than the national average.
20 Most Affordable Bachelor of Political Science Online
Eastern Oregon University 
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Clayton State University | (GA) | $24,416.00 | All Students |
2 | Fort Valley State University | (GA) | $25,329.00 | All Students |
3 | Fort Hays State University | (KS) | $27,115.08 | All Students |
4 | Kennesaw State University | (GA) | $27,560.00 | All Students |
5 | Eastern Oregon University | (OR) | $30,590.00 | All Students |
6 | University of Wisconsin-Whitewater | (WI) | $30,777.60 $65,664.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
7 | Arkansas State University | (AR) | $31,020.00 | All Students |
8 | Indiana University Online | (IN) | $31,180.80 $43,318.80 | In-State Out-of-State |
9 | Thomas Edison State University | (NJ) | $32,002.00 $39,722.00 $30,298.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
10 | University of Iowa | (IA) | $34,376.00 | All Students |
11 |  American Public University System | (WV) | $34,500.00 $30,100.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
12 | Nicholls State University | (LA) | $35,604.48 | All Students |
13 | University of Maryland Global Campus | (MD) | $37,850.00 $61,730.00 $30,050.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
14 |  Southern New Hampshire University | (NH) | $38,550.00 $27,150.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
15 | Austin Peay State University | (TN) | $39,908.00 $52,028.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
16 | Troy University | (AL) | $40,560.00 $30,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
17 | Washington State University | (WA) | $41,472.00 $46,200.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
18 | University of North Alabama | (AL) | $42,000.00 | All Students |
19 | Texas Tech University | (TX) | $44,236.00 | All Students |
20 | Columbia College - MO | (MO) | $45,000.00 $30,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Wilmington University | (DE) | $46,020.00 $30,300.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth | (MA) | $46,536.00 | All Students | |
Liberty University | (VA) | $48,492.00 $30,100.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Ohio Christian University | (OH) | $49,760.00 $32,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
University of Massachusetts-Boston | (MA) | $50,400.00 | All Students | |
University of Missouri-St Louis | (MO) | $51,060.00 $124,656.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | (WI) | $51,455.60 $107,852.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Regent University | (VA) | $51,800.00 $34,400.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Central Michigan University | (MI) | $52,910.00 $35,930.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
University of Memphis | (TN) | $55,560.00 | All Students | |
Oregon State University | (OR) | $55,970.00 | All Students | |
Pennsylvania State University | (PA) | $58,172.00 | All Students | |
Johnson & Wales University | (RI) | $59,400.00 | All Students | |
Linfield University | (OR) | $63,735.00 | All Students | |
National University (School Merged) Bachelor of Arts in Political Science 14 | (CA) | $66,700.00 | All Students | |
Maryville University | (MO) | $66,800.00 | All Students | |
Chaminade University of Honolulu | (HI) | $69,930.00 $33,930.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
14 Options for this program have changed since publication.
Accreditation Note: To qualify for a ranking, a program must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table.
Rankings Note: These online college rankings are based on a GetEducated Winter/Spring 2020 review of regionally accredited bachelor of political science online degree options. Total cost includes full-time tuition and fees and was valid at the time of collection and specific to the online learning program. School profiles for the online bachelor degree programs in our directory may reflect a slightly different cost based on different editorial update schedules. The published cost is an estimated sticker price for the entire online degree including fees. Actual costs may vary by student. Factors such as transfer credits, prerequisite courses, professional licensing and financial aid availability will affect final cost.
Editorial Note: Online schools do NOT pay to be included in any GetEducated online degree ranking. These rankings are editorially independent, open to any regionally accredited or candidate college that offers a bachelor’s degree that is available at least 80 percent through online learning and that is open to enrollment by the public. If your online college is regionally accredited and not currently reviewed by GetEducated, please contact us for inclusion.
These rankings of the cheapest online schools for political science may NOT be re-posted online or reprinted in any format without a license from GetEducated ®. Consumer finance bloggers and writers can contact our editors for a free custom article on the best bachelor of political science online for use on your website. Our mission: Help consumers GetEducated ® about the best online colleges for cost and credibility.
Why Enroll in a Bachelor of Political Science Online?
Students interested in public policy, government organization, the democratic process, and public service can complete a degree in political science. An affordable bachelor’s degree in political science online will show you how public agencies operate, how organizations are created, and how government policy can help or hurt communities and individuals. From legal issues to the ethics of governance, these degrees create a strong understanding of government.
If you desire a career in public service and organization, these degrees can provide a foundation for your future. While further education or advanced experience may be needed, these degrees can lead to careers as a political scientist, community service manager, market research analyst, and (if you have enough talent and motivation) elected public office.
Online Political Science Degree Program Types
While political science is a relatively focused academic field, there are variations in programs, as well as concentrations and subcategories that a student can study.
Regardless of the type, all of these top bachelor’s degree political science online programs require at least 120 credit hours to complete and encompass roughly four years of study. This is the standard size for all bachelor’s degrees, although they can be completed faster with an accelerated plan, or slower if you need a part-time class schedule.
The programs come in a variety of concentrations. While many are straightforward “bachelor of arts in political science,” you can find these degrees with concentrations in national security, public administration, pre-law, American government, foreign policy, and international relations.
Online Bachelor of Science vs Bachelor of Arts
One of the main differences you’ll find is “bachelor of science” and “bachelor of arts.” These degrees are similar, but there are a few distinctions.
A bachelor of arts in political science will cover a sweeping range of issues impacting politics and government. Depending on the program, it may encompass policy development, the various types of government (democracy vs republic vs monarchy vs constitutional monarchy, as examples), and how different governments interact. It will be more broad and theoretical compared to a bachelor of science.
A bachelor of science will often focus on statistics, figures, economics, and the mathematics of government. It will develop specific skills, often focusing on data-driven research to create better public policy.
Online Courses in a Political Science Bachelor’s Program
The best bachelor’s degrees in political science online will include top-quality instruction from experienced, knowledgeable staff. Programs will include courses on government structure, history, and research.
Before starting the political-science courses, students must complete general education requirements. These are the basic academic subjects that encompass a classic liberal arts education, and may include mathematics, literature, science, and writing. These are required for all bachelor’s programs.
Most political science degrees will feature “introduction” courses, such as “Introduction to Public Policy,” “Introduction to International Relations,” and “Introduction to American Politics.” These courses will be taken early in the major, and will be required whether you are taking a bachelor of science or bachelor of arts degree.
The courses will then move into more detailed, complex, and focused subjects. Students may complete courses on American government, modern political philosophy, the legislative process, and the judicial system. There may also be courses on state and local government, giving students a well-rounded understanding of politics at both the large and small levels.
Accreditation for Online Political Science Bachelor Degrees
Accreditation is an important aspect of academia. Whole institutions go through the process of institutional accreditation through regional organizations, including the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). All of the affordable bachelor’s degree in political science programs found in our database are accredited by one of these groups.
In addition to institutional accreditation, degree programs can also be accredited by subject-specific organizations. For example, the Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE) accredits chiropractic degrees. However, no group provides accreditation for political science bachelor degrees. This means students should pay additional attention and find a degree from an accredited institution to ensure academic quality.
There is a group that provides accreditation for political science and public administration degrees: the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). However, this group only accredits master’s degrees, not bachelor programs. Online programs found in our database that are accredited by this group include master of public administration degrees from Texas Tech and the University of Delaware.
Admission Requirements
To enroll in a bachelor’s degree, applicants first need to complete a high school diploma. Students who never completed a diploma will need to enroll in an equivalency program and complete the requirements before they can enroll in a top bachelor’s degree in political science online.
Admission standards for most bachelor’s programs, including political science programs, are fairly light. However, some may have requirements for a minimum GPA. Maryville University, for example, requires applicants to have a high school GPA of at least 2.5 for enrollment. This is a fairly high requirement; most schools that have minimum GPA standards set the mark around 2.0 to 2.25. Most are flexible with GPA requirements and admissions. Maryville, as an example, will consider applicants with lower GPAs on a case-by-case basis.
It may not be required, but students interested in political science can increase their chances of acceptance and success in these programs by taking policy- and government-related classes, as well as participating in appropriate groups and extracurriculars. For example, a potential political science major may want to participate in the debate team, the school newspaper, mock trial, and student government. Again, these are not required, but having these activities on a resume can increase the chances of immediate acceptance into a program.
Cost of an Online Bachelor’s in Political Science
A bachelor’s degree in political science can range from less than $25,000 to over $69,000. This is a fairly narrow range of pricing, as some degrees range from roughly $16,000 to over $150,000.
The average cost for these affordable bachelor’s degrees in political science is $45,100. This means that students on a four-year track need, on average, $11,275 to complete one of these programs.
There are more affordable options for budget-minded students. The cheapest bachelor’s degree in political science online is the Bachelor of Science in Political Science & Government Studies from Clayton State University, which costs $24,416.00 for all students. This translates to only $6,104 a year for four-year students.
Four programs offer a top bachelor’s degree in political science online for less than $30,000 (and another just over $30,000), and this tuition price is offered to all students, not just in-state applicants.
The least-affordable bachelor’s degree political science online program comes from Chaminade University of Honolulu, which offers the Bachelor of Arts in Historical & Political Studies. This program costs $69,930. Three programs are priced over $60,000.
Finding the cheapest bachelor’s degree political science online program, without sacrificing quality, can be a challenge. The most expensive tend to come from private schools, so sticking to public schools may be important for budget-minded students.
Licensing & Certification for Political Science Careers
Most graduates of political science will not need a state-mandated license. Careers including political scientist, community services manager, and market research analyst do not need a license.
However, some occupations can benefit from voluntary certification. The most notable is a market research analyst, who researches public opinion to sell products and gauge market conditions. Certifications help these professionals demonstrate market proficiency. The Insights Association offers a range of certifications, including the Insight Professional Certification.
While certification is rare for political scientists, they can gain valuable experience and boost their resumes through internships and volunteer work. These opportunities allow students to apply the knowledge gained in a top bachelor’s degree political science online program to a real-world setting.
Political scientists can also join groups like the American Political Science Association. This is an industry organization that researches and informs on the latest issues impacting political science as a whole.
Salary & Career Information for Political Science Professionals
After completing the best bachelor’s degree in political science online for your future, graduates will be qualified for a variety of occupations. Two of the most common are community services managers and political scientists. The education and experience requirements for these positions are different, but they both have good salaries and a stable job market.
Social and Community Services Manager
Requiring only a bachelor’s degree, this career had a median salary of $74,000 in May of 2021. The top 10% earn over $118,650 a year, and professionals working for local governments have a median salary of $93,420.
With an expected growth of 12% between 2021 and 2031, the job market in this career should be excellent. By 2031, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects over 194,00 people to be working in this profession.
Political Scientist
Although a master’s degree is usually required, a political scientist can expect a strong salary and a stable job market. The median salary for all political scientists in 2021 was $122,510, making this a highly lucrative career. Professionals working for the federal government earn a median of $134,760, while the top 10% (regardless of employer) earn over $172,490.
The job market will be stable as well. The career is expected to grow by 6%, which is just above the national average of 5% for all occupations. Political scientists will continue to see demand thanks to an increased need for assessing public policy.
Next Step in the Education
A political scientist usually needs a master's degree. After completing a top bachelor’s degree in political science online, many graduates will move to this next step in the academic process.
A master’s degree, which usually requires about two years of attendance, is a more complex and detailed study in political science. It will include courses that deepen your understanding of political systems, and will help you shape effective, reliable policy that brings better results to the community. The programs usually require more research, including original research into serious political issues. They may also require a thesis, which is a large academic paper written on a specific, highly-researched subject.