10 Affordable Online Public Administration Degrees (2025)

Public administration is the backbone of governmental operations and is pivotal in policy formulation, public service, and governance.

With job titles ranging from city manager to policy analyst, the field offers diverse opportunities for those passionate about public service.

The digital era has transformed education, making it easier to pursue advanced studies with flexibility.

Recognizing this, we've curated a list of affordable online public administration degrees to help you ascend in your career.

List of Affordable Public Administration Degrees Online

Navigating the vast world of online education can be daunting. To simplify your journey, we've sifted through numerous programs to offer you some of the best and most affordable public administration degrees online.

1. The University of La Verne

The University of La Verne offers a flexible online Bachelor of Science in public administration program focusing on government, legal, financial, and management skills.

The curriculum emphasizes leadership, organizational skills, and research for careers in nonprofit and government sectors.

The program's asynchronous format allows convenient learning and accepts transfer credits.

The program can be completed in 18 months, and financial aid is available. Tuition is $665 per semester hour, with a reduced rate of $250 for active-duty military personnel.

2. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University offers an online Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) with a concentration in public administration.

This program equips you with the skills to make policy, enforce programs, and strengthen communities.

ACBSP accredits it, offers flexibility, and allows you to transfer up to 90 credits. No application fee or SAT/ACT scores are required. Tuition is $330 per credit for 120 credits.

3. The University of Colorado Denver

The University of Colorado Denver offers an online Bachelor of Arts in public administration.

It's designed to meet the growing demand for public administrators and offers a specialization in nonprofit management.

This program, with 120 credits, each credit costing $465, equips you for careers in public service, nonprofit management, government, and more.

You can complete it in as little as eight semesters with flexible scheduling.

4. Liberty University

Liberty University provides an online Bachelor of Science (BS) in government focusing on public administration.

This program prepares you for impactful roles in government and nonprofit organizations.

SACSCOC accredits it and offers 100% online, eight-week courses. You can transfer up to 75% of the total degree credits.

Tuition is $390 per credit for full-time students and $455 for part-time students.

5. Park University

Park University's Bachelor of Public Administration programs equip you for public administration careers at various government levels.

The program emphasizes choices and a comprehensive curriculum covering government, finance, law, and management.

You'll be well-prepared for business relations, criminal justice, fire service management, homeland security, or public service roles.

Park University offers online and on-campus learning options, making it flexible for your needs. Tuition costs $580 per credit hour.

6. University of Central Florida

University of Central Florida Online offers a bachelor's degree in public administration, available as a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science.

This program empowers students to create positive community changes through a solid theoretical and practical approach.

It covers various areas within public administration, including nonprofit management, urban and regional planning, public service, and emergency management.

With 120 credit hours and affordable tuition rates, including in-state tuition at $179.19 per credit hour, you can prepare for a rewarding career.

7. National University

National University's Bachelor of Public Administration (BPA) program equips you to make a meaningful impact in your community.

This program prepares you for diverse roles in government agencies and nonprofit organizations, ranging from grant writing to event management.

The program offers year-round enrollment and boasts a global alum community of over 230,000 members.

Plus, you have the flexibility to complete the degree faster with innovative four-week courses. Tuition is priced at $461 per credit hour.

8. UMass Dartmouth

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth offers a BA in public administration online. This program equips you to understand public administration concepts, conduct research, analyze data, and communicate effectively.

With a curriculum covering civil rights, public policy, and urban economics, you'll graduate well-prepared for various roles.

UMass Dartmouth offers personalized advising, a generous transfer policy, and a supportive learning environment. Tuition ranges from $426 to $467 per credit.

9. Eastern Oregon University

Eastern Oregon University offers a 100% online BS/BA in politics, policy, and public administration program.

This transfer-friendly program provides a comprehensive understanding of politics, policy, and administration, equipping you with the skills for various public service roles.

With a unique rural-informed curriculum and a global perspective, you can complete this program in two to four years.

Tuition is $286.40 per credit for Oregon residents and $329.60 for non-residents.

10. Point Park University

Point Park University offers an affordable online Bachelor of Science in public administration program for those aspiring to make a difference in public service.

This flexible, fully online program, which can be completed in two to four years, covers essential topics in public administration, including public budgeting and policy analysis.

You can also transform your prior experiences into college credit through Prior Learning Assessment. The cost per credit is $495; up to 90 transfer credits are accepted.

How Much Does an Online Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration Cost?

Pursuing an online degree in public administration offers flexibility and cost-effectiveness, with tuition fees varying across institutions.

For instance, Dalton State College provides an online Bachelor of Science in organizational leadership with a public service concentration at an average net price of approximately $5,240, preparing students for public administration careers.

Meanwhile, the University of Illinois Springfield offers a Bachelor of Arts in public and nonprofit administration at $367.50 per credit, totaling around $44,100 for the 120-credit program.

Per-credit costs for an online public administration degree range from $210 to $570, resulting in total tuition costs ranging from $25,000 to $68,000.

Remember that the tuition fee may not include additional expenses such as textbooks and mandatory fees.

How To Make an Online Public Administration Degree Affordable

Higher education is an investment, but it doesn't have to drain your finances. With strategic planning and informed choices, you can make your online public administration degree valuable and affordable.

• Scholarships: Many online programs offer scholarships tailored for their students.
• Transfer Credits: Utilize prior academic achievements to reduce course duration and costs.
• Employer Sponsorships: Some workplaces might fund relevant educational pursuits.
• State Universities: Often, these institutions offer special rates for online courses.
• Early Enrollment: Some schools might provide fee reductions for early course registrations.
• Financial Aid: Always explore available financial aid options.
• Part-time Study: Extend your study duration to manage costs better.
• Digital Resources: Opt for e-books or rented materials to save on textbook costs.

Is an Online Public Administration Degree Worth It?

Public administration has career opportunities, from urban planning to public relations.

The online modality offers unparalleled accessibility, ensuring students acquire a quality education irrespective of geographical constraints.

Moreover, online degrees often come with the added benefits of cost-effectiveness and flexibility, allowing students to tailor their study schedules around personal and professional commitments.

It equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to make a meaningful impact on your community and society.

Whether you aspire to lead city initiatives, manage government programs, or navigate the complexities of public policy, an affordable online degree in public administration is a valuable asset in public service.

Find an Affordable Degree in Public Administration Online Today

Dive deep into public service and governance with an affordable online public administration degree. It's more than just a qualification; it's a commitment to making a positive impact.