01Recommended
Arizona State University
A balanced fit
- Bachelor of Science in Political Science
- 100% online coursework
17 Best Online Political Science Degrees of 2026
Arizona State University is best for a balanced online program, Georgia State University for access to Atlanta internships, and Southern New Hampshire University for working adults. Decide whether pre-law preparation, government internships or flexible pacing matters most, then confirm accreditation and total tuition.
Fact-checkedOur top 3 picks
Independent picks from our 2026 ranking. No paid placements.
02Best public option
Georgia State University
Students who want a public university
- B.A. in political science
- 120 credits
03Best for working adults
Southern New Hampshire University
Working adults
- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
- 100% online coursework
Advertiser disclosure RaveReviews may earn a commission from links on this page. That never influences our scores or rankings. How we make money.
The RaveReviews AlgorithmSources, weights and method
How the score works
We collect published rankings in this category, normalize each placement to a 0–100 scale, weight the sources by category fit and recency, and average only the lists where a provider appears. The result is divided by 10 and rounded to one decimal.
- 01Collect the source rankings.
- 02Normalize every position.
- 03Weight the sources.
- 04Calculate the RaveReviews Algorithm score.
Scoring factors
- Ranking RaveReviews Algorithm40%
- Affordability25%
- Program depth15%
- Flexibility10%
- Accreditation and reputation10%
Sources used
Last reviewed 2026-11-02. 3 sources contributed to this ranking.
The ranking at a glanceScores, chart and shortlist shape
Score curve
How the top 10 scores fall from first to tenth.
#1#5#10
Top scores
The first five, scored out of 10.
What you need to know before you choose.
Compare 17 online political science programs by tuition, format, pre-law support and internship access.
If you are aiming at law school or government work, check pre-law advising, internship placement and whether the program requires a research methods sequence. Confirm regional accreditation and total tuition, and ask how online students access faculty and career services.
What the research says.
This shortlist is built from published rankings, not a single editor's opinion. Here is the evidence behind the score.
17options reviewed
6.8average score
8.9top score
3authority sources
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.
Authority sources
Read the published rankings behind this list.
OnlineU — 2026 Best Online Political Science Degrees
Forbes Advisor — Best Online Political Science Degree Programs
TheBestSchools.org — Best Online Bachelor's in Political Science
Key insights
17options reviewed
Compared on value, features, ease, support and reputation.
5weighted ranking factors
The same published model across every category.
0paid placements
Compensation never changes a score or a rank.
Education options ranked
17 options, scored on value, features, ease of use, support and reputation.
Arizona State University
RecommendedBest overall- Bachelor of Science in Political Science
- 100% online coursework
- Institutionally accredited
Georgia State University
Best public option- B.A. in political science
- 120 credits
- Courses: Global issues, modern political thought
Southern New Hampshire University
Best for working adults- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
- 100% online coursework
- In-state tuition $17,200/year
Central Michigan University
Highest acceptance rate- Bachelor of Arts/Science in Political Science
- 100% online coursework
- Institutionally accredited
Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Best regional public option- Bachelor's in Political Science
- 100% online coursework
- In-state tuition $17,929/year
University of Central Florida
Best value for Florida residents- Bachelor's in Political Science
- Courses: Political parties and processes, civic engagement
- 100% online coursework
Fort Hays State University
Best state-university value- Bachelor's in Political Science
- 100% online coursework
- In-state tuition $5,923/year
Keiser University
Best private nonprofit option- Bachelor's in Political Science
- 100% online coursework
- In-state tuition $25,056/year
University of Illinois Springfield
Best for public value- B.A. in political science requires
- 120 credits
- Courses: Political philosophy, empirical political analysis
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Best value- bachelor's in political science
- 120 credits
- Courses: Comparative politics, social and political philosophy
Florida International University
Best for Florida residents- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
- 120 credits
- Courses: American government, introduction to political theory
Johnson & Wales University Online
Best for adult learners- Bachelor of Science in Political Science
- 100% online coursework
- In-state tuition $13,365/year
University of Iowa
Best for leadership research- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
- 120 credits
- Courses: Introduction to the politics of religion, introduction to American politics
University of Arizona
Best for research access- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
- 100% online coursework
- In-state tuition $13,926/year
Washington State University
Best for transfer credit- Bachelor's in Political Science
- 100% online coursework
- In-state tuition $13,391/year
Texas Tech University
Best for online flexibility- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
- 120 credits
- Courses: Democracies and dictatorships, Texas politics and topics
University of Missouri-St. Louis
Best for busy professionals- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
- 120 credits
- Courses: The politics of identity and social justice, urban administration
Arizona State University offers 54 online bachelor's programs, including a B.S. in political science with foundational and advanced coursework.
8.9RaveReviews Algorithm
Compare the top options
The details that matter most, in one view.
| Offer | Arizona State University | Georgia State University | Southern New Hampshire University | Central Michigan University | Rutgers University-New Brunswick | University of Central Florida | Fort Hays State University | Keiser University | University of Illinois Springfield | University of North Carolina at Charlotte | Florida International University | Johnson & Wales University Online | University of Iowa | University of Arizona | Washington State University | Texas Tech University | University of Missouri-St. Louis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RaveReviews Algorithm | 8.9 | 8.9 | 8.9 | 8.6 | 7.9 | 7.4 | 7.4 | 6.8 | 6.7 | 6.7 | 6.6 | 6.3 | 6.2 | 6.1 | 5.8 | 4.6 | 1.4 |
| Best for | A balanced fit | Students who want a public university | Working adults | Students who want accessible admissions | Students who want a regional public university | Florida residents seeking value | Students who want in-state value | Students who want a private nonprofit | Students who want public value | Budget-conscious students | Florida residents | Adult learners | Students interested in leadership research | Students who want research access | Students with prior college credit | Students who need flexible scheduling | Busy professionals |
| Price | $17,400 | $298/credit (in-state) | $17,200 | $14,970 | $17,929 | $6,368 | $5,923 | $25,056 | $367.50/credit (in-state) | $189.48/credit (in-state) | $6,565 | $13,365 | $9,565 | $13,926 | $13,391 | $11,852 | $14,112 |
| Highlight | Bachelor of Science in Political Science | B.A. in political science | Bachelor of Arts in Political Science | Bachelor of Arts/Science in Political Science | Bachelor's in Political Science | Bachelor's in Political Science | Bachelor's in Political Science | Bachelor's in Political Science | B.A. in political science requires | bachelor's in political science | Bachelor of Arts in Political Science | Bachelor of Science in Political Science | Bachelor of Arts in Political Science | Bachelor of Arts in Political Science | Bachelor's in Political Science | Bachelor of Arts in Political Science | Bachelor of Arts in Political Science |
The questions buyers actually ask
Clear answers to the decisions that come after the shortlist.
What is the best choice in online political science degrees?
If you want the short answer, start with Arizona State University. It earned a 8.9 out of 10 in our 2026 ranking, and it is the option we would shortlist first for a balanced fit. That does not mean it is the right choice for every reader. It means it is the most defensible place to begin.
The ranking is a shortlist, not a finish line. The right option depends on the job you need done, the total cost after fees and the support you will actually use. Georgia State University is the stronger fit for students who want a public university. Southern New Hampshire University is worth a close look for working adults. Start with the top pick, then compare the runner-up on the details that change your decision.
Most buyers do not need the longest feature list. They need a clear answer to a smaller question. What will this cost over a year? What happens when something goes wrong? Can I leave without a penalty? Those questions separate a good shortlist from a good decision.
How did we rank online political science degrees?
We used the same five-factor model across this category. Ranking ravereviews algorithm at 40%, affordability at 25%, program depth at 15%, flexibility at 10%, accreditation and reputation at 10%. The weights are published because a score without a method is just a vibe with a decimal point.
The process starts with the evidence a buyer can actually check. We review provider materials, published pricing, contract terms and the support model. Then we compare the details that tend to cause regret later. A low headline price does not count for much if the service fee, cancellation term or coverage limit undoes it.
We also separate popularity from quality. A brand can be everywhere and still be a poor fit for your situation. The ranking rewards fit, not advertising spend. That is why the top pick may not be the most famous name on the page.
What should you look for in online political science degrees?
Start with the features that affect your actual use case. For Arizona State University, the relevant details include bachelor of science in political science, 100% online coursework, institutionally accredited. Those are not decoration. They are the parts of the product that determine whether it works on a normal Tuesday, not just on the day you sign up.
Then look at the terms. Price is easy to compare. Contract length, service fees, cancellation rules, support hours and eligibility are harder. They are also where most of the real cost hides. Ask for the total annual cost, not the monthly teaser. Ask what happens if you need to cancel, move or change the plan.
Finally, check the track record. A provider that answers a sales call quickly may be slow when you need help. Read recent reviews, look for patterns and ask how disputes are handled. The best time to learn how a company behaves is before you depend on it.
How much do online political science degrees cost?
Arizona State University starts at $17,400 annual tuition. Georgia State University starts at $298/credit (in-state) published program tuition. Southern New Hampshire University starts at $17,200 in-state tuition & fees/year. Those prices are a starting point, not a full budget. The final number depends on the plan, the contract, the add-ons and where you live.
Here is the part most shoppers miss. The cheapest monthly price is often the most expensive decision. A low rate with a long contract, a large service fee or a narrow coverage set can cost more than a higher headline price with clean terms. Compare the total cost over the period you expect to use the product.
Set a budget before you compare. Then decide which features are worth paying for. If you cannot explain why an upgrade matters to your actual use, it is probably not an upgrade. It is a sales feature.
Which option is best for a balanced fit?
Arizona State University is the pick here because arizona state university offers 54 online bachelor's programs, including a b.s. in political science with foundational and advanced coursework.. It is not the cheapest option in the category, and it is not trying to be. It is the option that makes the fewest compromises where the decision matters most.
That recommendation comes with a condition. If your priority is different, the ranking should change. A reader who needs the lowest possible upfront cost should look at the value pick. A reader who needs hands-on support should pay attention to service quality. The best answer is always relative to the job.
Use the top pick as a benchmark. Compare every other option against it on price, terms and the one feature you cannot do without. If another option wins on those three points, it deserves a closer look.
What should you verify before you buy?
Verify the total cost, not the promotional price. Ask for the monthly cost after any introductory period ends. Ask about setup fees, service fees, cancellation fees and anything that changes when you add a user, a location or a feature. The number you see in an ad is rarely the number you will pay in month twelve.
Verify the terms that are easy to miss. Contract length, renewal rules, data practices and support hours matter more than most buyers expect. If the provider cannot explain them clearly before the sale, assume the answer will be harder to get afterward.
Verify the fit with your actual workflow. A demo can make any product look simple. A free trial or a short pilot can show you what the product feels like on a normal day. Use the trial to test the one feature you need most. That is a better use of time than touring every menu.
What should you do next?
Start with the top pick and read the full review. Then compare the runner-up on the three details that matter most to you. If you are still unsure, use the comparison table and the methodology on this page. The goal is not to keep researching forever. The goal is to make a decision you can explain.
Before you sign up, confirm the current price, the contract term and the cancellation policy directly with the provider. Prices change. Terms change. A ranking can point you in the right direction, but the final check has to happen at the source.
If this ranking helped you narrow the list, stop there. A shortlist of two or three good options is enough. The best decision is the one you can act on with confidence, not the one that keeps you in the research phase for another month.
Who wrote and reviewed this ranking
Every ranking has a named editor and a separate quality review before publication.
David Krug
Head of Content
David leads the RaveReviews editorial team, turning research into clear comparisons and useful guides. He oversees content strategy, testing standards and the final read on every ranking.
LinkedIn
Annie Membreve
Head of Quality Control
Annie runs quality control at RaveReviews, checking sourcing, scoring and the details readers rely on. She reviews every ranking before publication and manages corrections.
TikTokFrequently asked questions
What does the score mean?
The score is a RaveReviews Algorithm position on a 0-10 scale. A school ranked first on a short list can score higher than a school ranked mid-pack on several lists, so check the sourceCount field and the placements described in each offer.
How often are these rankings updated?
We review the page when the underlying publisher lists change or when a school changes its online program, tuition or accreditation. Check the updated date at the top of the page before relying on a specific price or placement.
Keep comparing
More rankings and guides for the decision in front of you.