Versatility plays a key role in the field of political science as the often interdisciplinary-adjacent study attracts those with keen analytical, communication and research skills. Political scientists may be found in an office setting, addressing local, national, and international policies affecting individual and corporate life, representing the perspective of public interest. This job market, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, will remain highly competitive over the next eight years, with a prospective job growth of 5 percent, and a distinguishable median salary of $117,570 as of 2018. Earning an online master’s political science degree is an essential step for those interested in public relations, policy analysis, law, et cetera. Many programs in this field can be tailored to fit student’s career needs and interests, from bilingual journalism to pre-law, foreign relations, and other unique concentrations. In political science, the goal is representation, fact, and perspective. Enter an occupation with significant societal impact through an advanced degree from a college best suited to your aspirations.
GetEducated has surveyed 26 schools offering 19 regionally accredited online master’s political science degrees to create this “Best Buy” list. This list provides future students with the most affordable options available in the US. Take time to review and compare fully researched options to choose the program best suited to academic, personal, and professional goals.
Average Cost (In-state): ~$22,500
Least Expensive: Sul Ross State University ~ $10,860.70
Most Expensive: American University ~ $59,910.00
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 online master’s political science programs. The online political science degrees listed above the gray dividing line are official 2020 “Best Buys” and cost less than the national average.
11 Most Affordable Online Master’s Political Science Programs
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Sul Ross State University | (TX) | $10,860.70 $23,520.70 | In-State Out-of-State |
2 | Eastern Illinois University | (IL) | $11,216.00 | All Students |
3 | University of North Georgia | (GA) | $12,108.00 | All Students |
4 | University of Nebraska at Omaha | (NE) | $13,079.10 $20,129.10 | In-State Out-of-State |
5 |  American Public University System | (WV) | $13,300.00 $11,800.00 | In-State/Out-Of-State Military |
6 | University of Oklahoma | (OK) | $14,439.15 $34,595.55 | In-State Out-of-State |
7 | Sam Houston State University | (TX) | $15,538.50 | All Students |
8 | University of Illinois at Springfield | (IL) | $17,591.00 | All Students |
9 | Troy University | (AL) | $17,784.00 | All Students |
10 | Concordia University Irvine | (CA) | $17,850.00 | All Students |
11 |  Liberty University | (VA) | $21,236.00 $10,000.00 | In-State/Out-Of-State Military |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Salve Regina University | (RI) | $22,270.00 | All Students | |
Regent University | (VA) | $22,450.00 | All Students | |
Citadel Military College of South Carolina | (SC) | $25,680.00 | All Students | |
 Norwich University | (VT) | $26,961.00 | All Students | |
Webster University | (MO) | $28,180.00 $17,020.00 | In-State/Out-Of-State Military | |
Northeastern University | (MA) | $34,362.00 | All Students | |
 Johns Hopkins University | (MD) | $51,832.00 | All Students | |
American University | (DC) | $59,910.00 | All Students |
14 Program is no longer accepting new students.
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 online master’s political science 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 Request More Information 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 master’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.
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