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

There are many different paths that people can take to become politicians or policy-influencing government officials.

Some have connections through family, others build up to federal government positions through smaller political jobs, and even more people opt for a higher education related to the field.

If you want to be one of the people who influences and interprets laws, you should try to find some of the best Ohio affordable online political science degrees for you from our list below.

Featured Affordable Political Science Degrees Online

Ohio currently offers only one affordable online political science degree from Ohio Christian University.

1. Ohio Christian University

Ohio Christian University (OCU) is a private Christian university in Ohio that's affiliated with the Churches of Christ in Christian Union.

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Political Science at OCU can apply a Christian worldview that helps create an ethical vision of government action and policymaking.

Students who graduate from this program will be well-prepared for a position in public service.

Tuition at OCU is $425 per credit hour for all online undergraduate students.

Other Universities with Affordable Online Political Science Degrees Serving Ohio

In addition to the Ohio affordable online political science degree above, here are some online political science degrees from other universities in the United States that serve Ohio residents.

Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State University (SHSU) is a public research university in Texas that's part of the Texas State University System.

Students can earn a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or B.A. in Political Science online at SHSU to learn how to work in local government, law offices, non-profit organizations, and more.

Concentrations for this program include:

• American Government
• International Relations and Foreign Policy
• Comparative Government
• Public Administration and Political Theory

Full-time out-of-state online students at SHSU pay $250 per credit hour in tuition.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private university that primarily offers online bachelor's degrees to students in the United States.

At SNHU, students can earn a B.A. in Political Science that teaches a unique perspective on the relationship between the U.S. political system, public perception, and the policies that shape government.

Students can get credit for related work or life experience to shorten their program.

Students are charged $330 per credit hour in tuition for this online program.

American Public University

American Public University (APU) is one of the American Public University System's colleges. It's based in Virginia and operates online for United States students.

Students participating in the online B.A. in Political Science program at APU have access to faculty with experience in government and public service that can help them learn about the modern political climate in their area.

APU's undergraduate tuition is $350 per credit hour for all programs.

Oregon State University

Oregon State University (OSU) is a public land-grant research university in Oregon that is one of the largest engineering colleges in the United States.

You can earn a B.A. or B.S. in political science online at OSU to learn the actual stories behind news headlines and be able to make up your mind about the politics and laws surrounding everyday issues.

This program is 180 credit hours, and online students are charged $350 per credit hour.

The University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth

The University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth (UMass Dartmouth) is a public research university that's part of the University of Massachusetts system.

An online political science degree from UMass Dartmouth helps students understand political institutions and processes in the wider global community while preparing them for careers in law, business, and related fields.

Students of this program pay $352 per credit hour in tuition but can reduce their required credit hours through transfer credits.

Liberty University

Liberty University is a private Christian university in Virginia affiliated with the Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia.

At Liberty University, students can earn a B.S. in political science in only 3.5 years online. They'll learn how to become effective political leaders who influence political decisions and create ethical public policy.

Part-time online students at Liberty University pay $455 per credit hour in tuition, but full-time students only pay $390 per credit hour.

Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University (ODU) is a public research university in Virginia that's accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Students who want to gain an understanding of both domestic and international policy can do so through ODU's online B.A. or B.S. in political science program. This program emphasizes an understanding of U.S., Virginia, and international politics.

Out-of-state online students at ODU have a tuition rate of $426 per credit hour.

The University of Louisville

The University of Louisville (UofL) is a public research university in Kentucky accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

UofL's B.A. in Political Science emphasizes research, data collection and analysis, and clear, concise communication skills that are essential for students who plan to go into careers in the public, private, and non-profit political sectors.

Online students at UofL pay $527 per credit hour in tuition, but active-duty military have a discounted rate of $250 per credit hour.

Arizona State University

Arizona State University (ASU) is a public research university in Phoenix, Arizona that's a member of the Association of American Universities.

Students who are part of ASU's online B.A. in Political Science program can learn about the local, national, and international political concerns of citizens and how they interact with the government to influence public policy and learn valuable communication skills for their careers.

Out-of-state online students attending this program full-time will be charged $560 per credit hour.

Financial Aid Options for Online Political Science Programs

Common financial aid options for students who are part of one of Ohio's affordable online political science degrees are:

• Grants: These are need-based awards for students with a low income that don't need to be paid back.
• Scholarships: These are merit-based awards for students with special talents or great school records that don't need to be paid back.
• Work-study Opportunities: These are employment opportunities that usually relate to your chosen degree and consider your school schedule.
• Loans: Generally offered by the state or federal government with special terms for students currently pursuing a degree, these are borrowed sums that have to be paid back.

By filling out the FAFSA, students can access these forms of financial aid regardless of whether they're attending classes online or on campus.

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

According to the U.S. News and World Report, a fully online bachelor's program in political science costs between $22,000 and $50,000.

The affordable online political science degrees on this list fall within this range, with the least expensive program being $30,000 and the most expensive $67,000 for out-of-state students.

Therefore, you know you're getting the best deal on your online education if you're seeking education outside of your state of residence.

What Can I Do with a Political Science Degree?

Once you've earned your political science degree, you can begin working in these different positions:

• Government Official
• Policy Analyst
• Lobbyist
• Business Executive
• Political Consultant
• Legislative Assistant

Start Your Political Science Degree Online Today

Once you've learned about Ohio's affordable online political science degrees, as well as what jobs you can pursue after you've graduated, it's time to choose the online political science program that suits your needs so you can get your education today and start influencing government policy tomorrow.