The cheapest online bachelor’s degree in public administration builds expertise in policy analysis, government operations, and community development. Courses in public finance, leadership, and nonprofit management prepare you for roles in government and NGOs. Flexible online learning allows you to advance your education while balancing other commitments. This degree equips you to drive meaningful change in the public sector.
Key Takeaways:
- Columbia Southern University has the lowest yearly tuition rate of $8,100.
- National University has the highest median earnings at $85,093 for graduates of its Bachelor of Public Administration, placing it in the top 1% of schools nationally.
- New Mexico Highlands University has the lowest student-to-faculty ratio at 10:1.
Our team carefully calculates all tuition rates to highlight the most affordable online degrees. Each school is accredited and offers fully online programs with straightforward pricing. See our for more details on our selection process.
2025 Most Affordable Online Public Administration Degrees
| Rank | School | Location | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia Southern University | Orange Beach (AL) | $8,100 | |
| Hampton University | Hampton (VA) | $9,000 | |
| Eastern Oregon University | La Grande (OR) | $9,480 | |
| Regent University Online | Virginia Beach (VA) | $9,480 | |
| University of West Alabama | Livingston (AL) | $9,750 | |
| New Mexico Highlands University | Las Vegas (NM) | $9,750 | |
| Waldorf University | Forest City (IA) | $9,900 | |
| University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth | North Dartmouth (MA) | $10,770 | |
| University of Illinois at Springfield | Springfield (IL) | $11,025 | |
| Purdue Global | Indianapolis (IN) | $11,130 | |
| Southern University at New Orleans | New Orleans (LA) | $11,250 | |
| Northern Arizona University | Flagstaff (AZ) | $11,688 | |
| Liberty University | Lynchburg (VA) | $11,700 | |
| University of Phoenix | Nationwide | $11,940 | |
| Franklin University | Columbus (OH) | $11,940 | |
| Indian River State College | Fort Pierce (FL) (and 4 others) | $12,000 | |
| University of Maine at Augusta | Augusta (ME) | $12,060 | |
| Roger Williams University | Bristol (RI) | $12,990 | |
| St. Petersburg College | Clearwater (FL) | $13,224 | |
| Central Michigan University | Mount Pleasant (MI) | $14,310 | |
| University of Maryland Global Campus | Adelphi (MD) | $14,970 | |
| Barry University | Miami Shores (FL) | $15,000 | |
| UMass Global | Multiple Locations | $15,000 | |
| Upper Iowa University | Fayette (IA) | $15,150 | |
| California Baptist University | Riverside (CA) | $15,600 | |
| University of Arizona | Tucson (AZ) (and 1 other) | $15,750 | |
| Point Park University | Pittsburgh (PA) | $16,620 | |
| National University | La Jolla (CA) | $16,850 | |
| Arizona State University, Online | Tempe (AZ) (and 4 others) | $17,220 | |
| Park University | Parkville (MO) | $17,250 |
Overview of Online Public Administration Bachelor's Degrees
Online bachelor's programs in public administration offer a comprehensive understanding of how governmental and non-governmental organizations operate and manage resources. Programs are designed to prepare graduates to regulate laws, establish policies, and implement strategies that positively impact their communities.
Public administration programs focus on imparting both technical and soft skills essential for public service roles. Coursework will help you develop technical skills, including understanding public finance, policy analysis, and administrative law. Some of the soft skills you'll acquire include effective communication, ethical decision-making, and leadership.
As you complete a program, you'll engage in various projects, like policy analysis reports, budgeting exercises, and case studies, which simulate real-world public administration scenarios. Most programs will end with a capstone research project regarding some aspect of public policy.
Common Courses
An online public administration bachelor's degree requires the completion of approximately 120 credit hours. If you're a full-time student, you may be able to finish your degree in four or five years, but you may need additional time if you're studying part time.
Some of the courses commonly found in a bachelor's in public administration program include:
Public Policy Analysis
This course introduces students to the methods of analyzing and evaluating public policies. Students learn how to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of various policy options in addressing societal issues.
Public Budgeting and Finance
In this course, students understand the principles of public sector budgeting and financial management, focusing on how public funds are allocated and managed.
Administrative Law
This course covers the legal aspects of public administration, including the study of how public agencies operate within the legal framework. Topics include regulatory policies and procedures.
Ethics in Public Administration
By focusing on the ethical challenges in public service, this course teaches students about integrity, accountability, and ethical decision-making in the governance context.
Funding an Online Public Administration Degree
Earning an online public administration bachelor's degree requires a significant investment of time and money. If you're looking for opportunities to minimize the cost of earning a degree, employing one or more of the following five suggestions may help you save money while you're in college:
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Pursuing an online degree like those on the list of the most affordable public administration degrees above can help you cut costs. Tuition takes up the majority of your college budget, but many schools charge lower tuition rates for distance education students. Also, by studying online, you eliminate other expenses like room and board and transportation to and from school.
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Opt for a public university instead of a private one. Data from the 2020-21 school year gathered and analyzed by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) show that the for bachelor's degrees at public schools was $9,375 versus the $32,825 average for private schools. This one choice alone could reduce the price of your college education by thousands.
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One of the greatest advantages of attending school online is that you can live in a less expensive state. Relocating to a city or town with a lower cost of living could allow you to save money on rent, food, and other common expenses.
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Complete your first two years at a community college. Most students devote the first two years of college to basic courses such as English, history, and physical science. You could complete these courses at any community college and later transfer to a four-year school where you'll finish your bachelor's degree. The NCES reports that the average tuition and fees at community colleges is $3,501 a year, offering another significant reduction in tuition costs.
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Work part time or full time while in school. Although holding down a job while attending school has its benefits and drawbacks, it could provide a much-needed source of funding for your college degree. Although you may need to take fewer courses each term and need an extra year to graduate, using your income to pay at least part of your college expenses may allow you to minimize or possibly avoid student loan debt.
Financial Aid
In addition to the five ways to reduce expenses listed above, you can also seek additional funding by applying for financial aid. Just remember that you must be enrolled in an accredited program to apply for financial assistance. After submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you'll receive a financial aid offer from your school if you qualify for aid. This letter will explain the types and amounts of aid you can receive. Even if you don't qualify for aid based on financial need, you may be offered a scholarship due to some other factor, such as your prior academic achievements, family background, or chosen major.
Of the various types of financial aid available, grants and scholarships from the federal or state government or your school are preferred. These don't have to be repaid, unlike student loans that have to be repaid with interest.
However, if your financial circumstances prevent you from getting enough grant or scholarship money to cover your expenses, you may want to take out a federal or private student loan. Interest can add a substantial amount to the repayment amount, however, so use a student loan repayment calculator to determine the full cost of the loan before accepting it.
Through research, you may also discover that you're eligible for one or more privately funded scholarships awarded on financial need or other qualifications. There may also be scholarships or loan forgiveness programs available for students majoring in public administration and planning on pursuing careers that serve the public good.
What Can You Do With an Online Public Administration Degree?
An online bachelor's degree in public administration opens doors to a variety of careers in government, nonprofit organizations, and private sectors focusing on public service. Graduates often take on roles that require them to manage programs, budgets, and people.
As a recent graduate, you'll probably launch your career with an entry-level position. For example, you might go to work as a community health worker or social worker. In these roles, you'll make sure that members of your community find the services they need. Health workers earn a median annual salary of , and social workers earn a .
After several years of work experience, you may be able to move into higher-paying positions with management responsibilities. For example, you could become an operations manager. Professionals in this field working in business, political, and similar organizations earn a .
Further education, like a master's degree in public administration, can enhance career prospects. It offers deeper knowledge in specialized areas such as urban planning or nonprofit management and often leads to higher-level positions and increased earning potential.
Want to further your education? Consider the options found on our lists of the best online master's degrees in public administration, the most affordable online master's degrees in public administration, and the best online MBAs focused on public administration.
FAQs About Online Public Administration Degrees
How Do I Choose a Bachelor's in Public Administration?
When you're reviewing your options for earning an online bachelor's in public administration, you'll want to take several factors into consideration. Some factors may be more important to you than others, so weigh the pros and cons of each school's tuition and other fees, financial aid, online format, and student resources.
It's also essential for you to choose a school that's been institutionally accredited, which is why we only list accredited schools on our website. Enrollment in an accredited school is required if you plan to apply for financial aid, and it may be needed if you later decide to transfer to another university or enroll in a graduate program.
What Are the Admission Requirements for Public Administration Degrees?
The admission requirements for online public administration bachelor's programs are fairly consistent from one college to another. All schools require you to have a high school diploma or GED, and the more competitive colleges will require you to have a high school GPA of at least 2.8 and impressive scores on the SAT or ACT college entrance exams.
When you submit your online college application, you will probably be asked to include a personal essay, a list of extracurricular activities, a dated list of achievements, and recommendation letters from teachers, coaches, or work supervisors.
Can I Earn a Public Administration Degree Online?
Yes, several reputable institutions offer bachelor's in public administration degrees online. Online degree programs are designed to offer the same rigor and learning outcomes as traditional on-campus programs. However, their flexible schedules may allow busy working professionals to balance school with other commitments.
Are Public Administration Degrees Worth It?
Earning an online bachelor's degree in public administration is a valuable investment for those aspiring to enter or advance in the field of public service. These degrees provide essential knowledge and skills for effectively managing public resources, making policy decisions, and leading public organizations.
Although you may start your career with a lower-paying position, you may be able to advance to more lucrative roles. To enhance the return on your investment in a public administration degree, you may want to explore ways to reduce the cost by attending college online.
Student Reviews of Online Public Administration Programs
Such a great University. I have no complaints. Other Universities should feel threatened by University of phoenix because of the high quality of education,support and technology. If it weren't for UOP, I don't know were I would be or stand. Meaning, Going to campus University did not work out for me because either classes were to full and had to wait longer to graduate, hardly no support from teachers or academic counselor were I had to WAIT and make an appointment and no resources to help during... Read More
Review Date: 2/8/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I was in my mid-30's and wanted to make a career change, but needed to finish my bachelor's degree to do so. I did extensive research into online degree programs because I was going to have to work full time while taking classes and didn't have a schedule that allowed me to attend evening classes at a brick-and-mortar school. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the SUNY system not only offered online degrees, but also offered a degree specifically in my field of interest, not just in "General... Read More
Review Date: 11/16/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
It's unfortunate that so many people have written negative reviews. My experience has been nothing short of amazing and I am very happy with the advisors, the professors, and the coursework. I tranferred into the Public Administration program with an Associate's degree in Business Administration and I was able to apply almost all of the credits without a problem . The application process was easy, and there have been no problems with financial aid. The negative reviews seem to be from people who... Read More
Review Date: 11/4/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
This is a great school and very helpful instructors and academic advisors. Worth the money but be prepared to write a lot of papers. Previous college credits will be applied and you'll be on your way to a great education. This school actually exists and not considered a 'diploma mill'.
Review Date: 3/2/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Cal St Dominguez Hills, is a good school maybe not as popular as Long Beach or Fullerton. Professors are in professionals in there subject matter. Whether there Police chiefs, healthcare administrators, or Administrative Judges. It all comes down to what you make of it. Classes are not overly packed, people from all walks of life attend here, which helps you network with a diverse student body. Yes there are better Cal States, but DH is a good school.
Review Date: 12/21/2021
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Florida International University is a university that really values diversity. My classes always had students from vastly different cultures ranging from Middle Eastern, European, African, Latin and Caribbean countries. This institution has many different assets that students can take advantage of such as the gym, its health center, career fairs, etc. Students have many resources available to maintain a healthy lifestyle and to obtain a job or an internship through FIU's career and talent development... Read More
Review Date: 6/30/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Great University!!! Best in Florida! Diverse university and have some of the best faculty. The school has a very large enrollment, second largest in the nation. But once you get involved, the school definately feels smaller. There are many resources availiable to the students to succeed in college. There aremany opportunites for the students to become involved as there are a ton of different clubs and orgaizations to join. would recommend to anyone interested 10/10.
Review Date: 12/28/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I liked Polk State. I had minor hiccups with FA but nothing that took longer than 10 minutes to fix. The PA program had great Professors with reasonable workloads. I loved their 8 week fast-track courses too. I finished my BAS in 1.5 years with the 8 week blocks. Polk is priced fairly cheap & offers lots of online options. Solid choice if you want to be debt free, finish quick, and be able to work.
Review Date: 7/5/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I have mixed feelings with Polk. PROS: Cheap tuition, Lakeland campus is pretty, reasonable expectations from Professors, 8-week block scheduling that makes managing school easy. CONS: Financial Aid is a nightmare. They gave FA (even though I don't qualify) around 9am on a Friday. At 5:00pm on the same Friday,which was also the business day before priority registration started, they e-mailed me to return the funds or be locked out of registration. I had no issue returning the funds once they made... Read More
Review Date: 1/29/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Im retired military and started school on base, every professor worked with you and helped you when you need there advise. I am pleased with Upper Iowa satellite campus on Ft Sill. I just wished the classes werent Excelerator classes only. Other than that it was great
Review Date: 12/10/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Indian River State College offers an excellent bachelor's degree program for Public Administration with concentration in Public Policy and Leadership. This degree program prepares students for future leadership roles in public and private sectors of local, state, and national government. After obtaining my degree in this field, I was encouraged to pursue a master's degree in Organizational Leadership, where I can apply my knowledge of policy and leadership skills to operational techniques and competence... Read More
Review Date: 3/21/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
It was a great college and it was always growing. Hugely populated and many opportunities.
Review Date: 7/22/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The university that I attended fr my undergraduate degree was Baldwin Wallace University. The school had a pretty nice campus located smack dab in the middle of downtown Berea, a relatively big suburb with plenty of shops, restaurants, and other venues. From my experience, I only had one or two professors who were not the greatest, but all of the other professors were very helpful in guiding the students to success and excelling in their classes. Most of the professors were always available whenever... Read More
Review Date: 9/29/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Graduated with a degree in Recreation Management. I left this program feeling that I’d wasted much of my time and money. I learned very little from my instructors and would’ve been better off just doing self study. It was all extremely basic. I’ve had some successes in jobs since but none of those can be credited to my degree. I have been denied jobs I have applied for that directly correlated to my degree; the reasons being that my education is not enough. It is hard to describe my level of disappointment... Read More
Review Date: 12/29/2024
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I'm so happy with the department and school. They have been incredible since day one. i was offered so many opportunities with internships and networking, I will be forever grateful. Thanks to this school, they prepared me sufficiently to get accepted into an ivy league grad school.
Review Date: 2/22/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
West Virginia University is, for sure, the best public university in the state. From the helpful advisers, professors, and staff to the abundance of student jobs to the variety of class times and locations, WVU has everything a student could want. I recommend this university to anyone who wants to live, learn, and work in a wonderful community with like-minded people.
Review Date: 4/24/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
SDSU was a great place to go, but as a football player I wish more students would have taken interest in our team. Support definitely grew as we did better, but that stadium should be near full more often, not just Bowl Games or the firework show. Watch out for the "career" professors; the best professors there are the ones who have done something else in their life (ran a business, lawyer, stocks, etc) that you REALLY learn something from. I'm glad the majority of my professors didn't shoce liberal... Read More
Review Date: 8/4/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
SDSU was a great place to go, but as a football player I wish more students would have taken interest in our team. Support definitely grew as we did better, but that stadium should be near full more often, not just Bowl Games or the firework show. Watch out for the "career" professors; the best professors there are the ones who have done something else in their life (ran a business, lawyer, stocks, etc) that you REALLY learn something from. I'm glad the majority of my professors didn't shoce liberal... Read More
Review Date: 8/4/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The atmosphere at the school was really warm and welcoming. There are nearly limitless ways to get involved and participate in student life. The classes were applicable and challenging. I was a transfer student after getting my associates at another school, and there are definitely times when I think I would've enjoyed my first two years of college a whole lot more had it been at GVSU!
Review Date: 8/15/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Western Washington University was a great school, in an even better location. Bellingham is the perfect setting to study, and aligned will my degree well. My program was small, but the quality of instruction was high and is responsible for introducing me the first school subject that I am still passionate about. It made me an advocate, and a more thoughtful member of society.
Review Date: 3/9/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes