Top Affordable Online Political Science Degree Programs in Missouri (2025)

If you live in Missouri and are interested in studying political science, you may be wondering about the degree options in your state.

Keep reading. In this article, we'll talk about affordable online political science degrees that are both affordable and flexible enough to fit into your busy schedule.

Featured Affordable Political Science Degrees Online

There are two schools in Missouri offering affordable online political science degrees. Let's take a closer look at each of them.

1. Columbia College

Columbia College is a private Christian school located in Columbia. It began as a women's college in the 1850s and now enrolls nearly 6,800 students (both men and women).

One of its online degree programs is a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. This is a highly flexible and versatile major, with eight-week courses covering various topics such as the Presidency and state and local governments.

The program costs $375 per credit hour.

2. University of Missouri - Saint Louis

The University of Missouri - Saint Louis is a public school belonging to the University of Missouri System. It enrolls around 15,200 students.

This school offers various online degrees, including a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. The program offers several specializations, including:

• Public Law
• American Politics
• International and Comparative Politics
• Gender and Politics
• Urban Politics

The estimated total tuition for the program is $57,600, which works out to about $480 per credit hour.

Other Affordable Online Political Science Degrees

Various schools outside of Missouri offer affordable online political science degrees as well. These degrees are available in a convenient and flexible format to students around the country.

3. Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University is a public school in Kansas offering a wide variety of online degree programs.

Among the various program options is a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. The program consists of 120 credit hours, and students can choose between concentrations in pre-law and public administration.

There is a single flat tuition rate for all online students regardless of where they live. That rate is $242.76 per credit hour.

4. Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University is a medium-sized public school in Arkansas. It offers various online degrees at highly affordable tuition rates.

This school offers an online Bachelor of Arts in political science. The program is an excellent choice for students with up to 90 transfer credits or who simply need a flexible and fully online program.

Tuition costs $276 per credit hour for all students, both residents and nonresidents of Arkansas.

5. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a private school offering over 200 online degree programs. It enrolls around 35,000 students.

One program available is a Bachelor of Arts in political science. Students enjoy flexible coursework and the ability to transfer up to three-fourths of their total credits from another institution.

Tuition discounts are available for current and former military members, but the standard tuition rate is also quite affordable at $330 per credit hour.

6. American Public University

American Public University, despite the name, is a private school located in West Virginia. Its degree programs are available exclusively online.

The school offers a Bachelor of Arts in political science with the following three concentrations:

• Political Theory
• American Government
• International Relations

Tuition costs $350 per credit hour for civilian students and $250 an hour for active-duty military.

7. Indiana University

Indiana University is a large public university system in Indiana. It offers a variety of degrees through its remote platform, Indiana Online.

Students can complete a Bachelor of Science in political science through this school. The flexible degree program consists of 120 total credit hours and all courses are delivered entirely online.

Out-of-state students pay an affordable nonresident tuition rate of $365.31 per credit hour.

8. Liberty University

Liberty University is located in Virginia. It is a very large private school with nearly 100,000 students. Many of these students obtain their degrees online.

The school offers an online Bachelor of Science in political science. Course sessions are offered in accelerated eight-week blocks, and all coursework can be completed anytime it's convenient for you.

Tuition for full-time online students costs $390 per credit hour.

9. University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota is a public school that has been around since before North Dakota became a state. It offers many online degrees and courses.

One of its online degree programs is a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Students have the option to combine this program with accelerated master's or law degrees if desired, depending on their career goals.

Tuition for all online students costs $407.76 regardless of where they live.

10. University of Maine - Presque Isle

The University of Maine - Presque Isle is a small public school and a member of the University of Maine System. It offers several self-paced online degree programs.

One of these is a Bachelor of Arts in history and political science with a concentration in political science. The program is competency-based, allowing students to move quickly through more familiar material.

Tuition costs $1,500 per eight-week session, and students can take as many courses per session as they want. This can help them graduate more quickly and on a much smaller budget.

Financial Aid Options for Online Political Science Degree Programs

Even relatively inexpensive colleges can get pricey over time. If you're wondering how to make your college experience more affordable, start by filling out the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

This form not only shows whether you are eligible for federal and state aid, but it can also help your school determine how much you qualify for in the way of need-based aid and grants.

Many schools offer generous financial aid packages that may include tuition waivers, discounts, payment plans, work-study programs, and more. Check with your school's financial aid office to see what you may qualify for.

If you have a job, you may be able to receive tuition assistance from your employer to help cover your school expenses. If you have a military background, the GI Bill may provide similar benefits.

How Much Does It Cost to Earn a Political Science Degree?

The total cost of your degree may include tuition, fees, living expenses, and other costs. Exact totals will vary from school to school and program to program.

The total tuition cost for a bachelor's degree from Columbia College is estimated at around $45,000, while the total for the University of Missouri - Saint Louis is around $57,600. Tuition at Fort Hays State University is estimated at around $29,100.

Bear in mind that these calculations are based on tuition alone. Factoring in other expenses, the total cost of a degree can easily run from $60,000 to $120,000.

What Can I Do With a Political Science Degree?

As a political science major, you have a wide variety of career options. Job titles to consider include:

• Campaign Manager
• Politician
• Political Scientist
• Legislative Assistant
• Lobbyist

Start Your Political Science Degree Online Today

If you are ready to get your affordable online degree in political science, check out the top options for Missouri outlined in this article.