Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Administration Degree Programs for 2025
Find top-ranked online bachelor’s in public administration degree programs in the US for students looking to work in public relations, government, nonprofit leadership, and health services management.
Top 10 Online Bachelor's Degrees in Public Administration in 2025
2025 Ranking Update
Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or last ground for the 2025 school year.
In 2025, Florida International University, Liberty University, and University of Massachusetts Dartmouth maintained their respective positions. Troy University and Northern Arizona University switched ranking positions.
Featured Programs
Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Administration Degree Programs 2025
- #6 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #4 Best Public Colleges in Florida 2025 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Florida 2025 #5 Best Colleges in Florida 2024
Other Rankings
- #5 Best Research Universities in Florida 2025
- #6 Best Grad Schools in Florida 2024
- #16 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
- #23 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
- #1 Most Affordable Early Childhood Education Bachelor's (Online, On-Campus)
- #1 Top 20 Most Affordable Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Programs
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs for 2024
- #2 Best Online Bachelor’s of Gender Studies Degree Programs for 2025
- #2 Best Online Bachelor’s in Marketing and Advertising Degree Programs for 2024
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Religious Studies Degree Programs for 2024
- #2 Top 5 Best Online Criminal Justice Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
- #2 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs
- #2 Most Affordable Online PhDs in Psychology Ranked for 2025
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Sports Management Degree Programs for 2025
- #3 Best Online Bachelor’s of History Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #3 Most Affordable Online Master's of Music Education Programs 2025
- #3 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Information Technology PhD Programs
- #3 Best Online Bachelor’s of Electrical and Computer Engineering Degree Programs for 2024
- #4 Best Online Master’s in Health Science 2025
- #4 Best Online Degrees for a Career in Teaching Ranked 2024
- #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Florida
- #4 Best Online Colleges in Florida 2024
- #4 Best Online Bachelor’s in Information Technology Degree Programs for 2024
- #4 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice PhDs (Doctorates) 2025
- #5 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Business Administration Doctorates 2025
- #5 Best Online Master's Programs in Florida 2024
- #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs for 2024
- #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
- #6 Best Online Master's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs 2025
- #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Sociology Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #6 Best Online Master's in Art Education and Art Administration
- #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Computer Science Degree Programs
- #6 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs) 2025
- #7 The Most Affordable Online Clinical Nutrition Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
- #7 Best Online Master's in Public Administration Degree Programs
- #7 Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Programs for Students 2025
- #8 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics 2025
- #8 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2025
- #8 Best Online Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs for 2024
- #9 10 Best Online Master's of Music Education Degree Programs
- #9 Best Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
- #9 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources
- #10 Best Online Master's in Cybersecurity 2025
- #11 Best Online Bachelor’s of Communications Degree Programs for 2025
- #11 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice 2025
- #12 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management
- #13 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree Programs
- #13 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2025
- #13 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2025
- #14 Best Online Master's in Special Education 2025
- #14 Best Online Master's in Marketing and Advertising
- #15 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2025
- #17 Best Online Master’s in Communications
- #25 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #13 Best Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
Tuition + fees
$7K
Acceptance
64%
Graduation
69%
Student body
72K
Median SAT/ACT
1155/23
Career Outlook for Public Administration degree at Florida International University
Cost of Degree: $6,565Expenses: $18,316Starting Salary: $45,143Salary after 4 years: $56,634Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BPA in Public Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #6 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #9 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #10 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #11 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2024
- #4 Best Private Colleges in Virginia 2025
- #8 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2025
- #8 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2024
- #9 Best Colleges in Virginia 2024
- #19 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
- #21 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Christian Counseling Degree Programs 2025
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Math Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #1 Best Online Associate Degree Programs That Can Be Completed in 1 Year
- #1 Top 10 Best Online Counseling PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Virginia 2024
- #1 Best Online Associate in Economics
- #1 Best Online Colleges in Virginia 2024
- #1 Best Online Associate in Philosophy
- #1 Best Online Bachelor’s of Christian Ministry Degree Programs for 2025
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Music Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #1 Best Online Associate in Education
- #1 Best Online Associate in Mathematics 2025
- #1 Top 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Nursing (BSN) Programs 2025
- #2 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of English
- #2 Accelerated Online Business Administration PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2025
- #2 Best Online Master’s in Biblical Studies 2025
- #2 Best Online Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies
- #2 Best Online Associate in Biblical Studies
- #2 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Forensic Psychology Programs
- #2 How To Get an Online Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies
- #2 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Psychology Degree Programs 2024
- #2 Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Religious Studies Degree Programs for 2024
- #2 Best Online Master's in Theology 2025
- #2 Best Online Bachelor’s of Graphic Arts Degree Programs for 2025
- #2 Top 3 Best Online Economics PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2025
- #2 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Psychology Programs
- #2 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Information Technology
- #3 Top 10 Fastest Accelerated Online PhD in Criminal Justice (Doctorates)
- #3 Best Online History Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2025
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Virginia
- #3 Best Online Degrees for a Career in Teaching Ranked 2024
- #3 Best Online Associate in Paralegal Studies
- #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Healthcare Administration Masters
- #3 Top 5 Best Online Criminal Justice Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in the District Of Columbia
- #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity
- #4 Best Online Doctorate of Educational Psychology (PhDs) 2025
- #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Homeland Security Degree Programs for 2025
- #4 Top 16 Most Affordable Online Counseling PhDs (Doctorates)
- #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Virginia
- #4 Best Online Associate in Accounting
- #4 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
- #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Illinois
- #4 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Information Technology PhD Programs
- #4 Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
- #4 Most Affordable Online PhDs in Psychology Ranked for 2025
- #4 Best Online Associate in Psychology
- #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Elementary Education Degree Programs for 2025
- #5 The Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Bachelor's Degrees
- #5 Top 20 Easiest Online Degrees from Accredited Schools in 2024
- #5 Best Online Master's Programs in Virginia 2024
- #5 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Information Technology
- #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Sports Management Degree Programs for 2025
- #6 Top 8 Fastest Accelerated Online Psychology Doctorates (PhDs)
- #6 Best Online Bachelor's of English Degree Programs for 2024
- #6 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Accounting Programs 2025
- #6 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice PhDs (Doctorates) 2025
- #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Strategic Communications Degree Programs
- #7 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs)
- #7 Best Online Bachelor's in Law and Legal Studies Degree Programs for 2025
- #7 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Business Administration Doctorates 2025
- #7 Most Unusual Doctoral Degrees You Can Earn Online (PhDs)
- #7 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs) 2025
- #7 Most Affordable Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs
- #7 Online Colleges That Start Anytime and the Benefits of a Self-Paced Education
- #8 Best Online Master's in Project Management 2025
- #8 Best Online Bachelor’s of History Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #8 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity 2025
- #8 Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
- #8 Best Online Associate in History Degrees
- #9 Best Online Bachelor's in Social Work Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2025
- #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
- #9 Best Online Associate's in Physics
- #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of Education Degree Programs for 2024
- #9 Best Online Master's in Biology
- #9 Best Online Associate in Business Administration
- #10 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
- #10 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Master's of Nursing Programs 2025
- #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Network Administration Degree Programs for 2024
- #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs for 2024
- #11 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs 2025
- #11 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
- #11 Best Online Doctorate in Business Administration Degree Programs
- #11 Best Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs for 2024
- #12 Best Online Master's in Sports Management 2025
- #14 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting 2025
- #14 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Economics PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2025
- #14 Best Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration Degree Programs for 2024
- #15 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Master's Degrees
- #16 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Doctorate of Education (PhDs) 2025
- #16 Best Online Associate in Criminal Justice
- #17 Best Online Bachelor’s in Marketing and Advertising Degree Programs for 2024
- #18 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2025
- #18 Most Affordable Online Master's Degree Programs Ranked for Students
- #18 Best Online Bachelor's in Computer Science Degree Programs
- #18 Best Online Master’s in Finance
- #21 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
- #23 Best Online Master’s in Counseling
- #25 Best Online Bachelor's of Economics Degree Programs for 2024
- #25 Best Online Associate in Christian Ministry
- #1 Fastest Accelerated Online Associate's of Counseling Degree Programs
- #2 Fastest Accelerated Online PhDs in Education Degree Programs 2024
- #5 20 Fastest Online Bachelor's of Business Degree Programs Ranked 2024
- #5 How to Earn Your Master's Degree Without Your Bachelor's Degree
- #5 Top 20 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's in Counseling
- #5 Best College Majors that Offer Accelerated Degree Programs 2025
- #6 10 Best Accelerated Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2025
- #8 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Counseling Degree Programs 2024
- #14 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024
Tuition + fees
$23K
Acceptance
99%
Graduation
66%
Student body
131K
Career Outlook for Public Administration degree at Liberty University
Cost of Degree: $16,203Expenses: $19,987Starting Salary: $51,828Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BSBA in Business Administration
Concentrations
- Public Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 3.5 years
- Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice
Concentrations
- Public Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 3.5 years
- Format: Online
BS in Government
Concentrations
- Public Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 3.5 years
- Format: Online
BS in Public Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 3.5 years
- Format: Online
- #3 Best Research Universities in Arizona 2025 #3 Best Colleges in Arizona 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in Arizona 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Arizona 2024
Other Rankings
- #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #3 Best Public Colleges in Arizona 2024
- #3 Best Online Colleges in Arizona 2024
- #3 Best Online Master's Programs in Arizona 2024
- #5 Top 20 Most Affordable Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Programs
- #6 Best Online Master's in English
- #6 Best Online Bachelor’s in Information Technology Degree Programs for 2024
- #8 11 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Speech Pathology
- #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of Health Science Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #10 Best Online Master's in Project Management 2025
- #10 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Nursing Degree Programs
- #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Social Work Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #10 Best Online Bachelor’s of Education Degree Programs for 2024
- #11 Best Online Master’s in Information Technology 2025
- #11 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2025
- #13 Best Online Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs for 2024
- #17 Best Online Bachelor's in Public Health Degree Programs for Students
- #17 Best Online Bachelor’s in Child Development Degree Programs for 2024
- #18 Best Online Bachelor’s in Marketing and Advertising Degree Programs for 2024
- #18 Best Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Humanities Degree Programs for 2025
- #19 Best Online Master’s in Communications
- #20 Best Online Bachelor’s of Communications Degree Programs for 2025
- #21 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
59%
Student body
32K
Career Outlook for Public Administration degree at Northern Arizona University
Cost of Degree: $11,810Expenses: $16,928Starting Salary: $38,719Salary after 4 years: $48,575Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BAS in Applied Science
Concentrations
- Administration
- Emergency Management
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- Public Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
Concentrations
- Humanities
- Public Administration
- Technology Management
- University Studies
- Emergency Management
- Industrial Leadership
- Technology Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Public Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #4 Best Public Colleges in Massachusetts 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Massachusetts Ranked for Students in 2024 #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Gender Studies Degree Programs for 2025 #7 Best Online Bachelor's in Anthropology 2025
Other Rankings
- #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Massachusetts
- #8 Best Online Master's Programs in Massachusetts 2024
- #8 Best Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs for 2024
- #9 Best Online Colleges in Massachusetts 2024
- #10 Best Online Bachelor's of English Degree Programs for 2024
- #10 Best Online MBA in Supply Chain Management Ranked for Students in 2024
- #10 Best Online Bachelor's of Economics Degree Programs for 2024
- #10 Best Online MBA in Accounting Degree Programs
- #12 Best Online Bachelor’s of History Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #13 Best Online Bachelor’s in Marketing and Advertising Degree Programs for 2024
- #13 Best Online Bachelor's in Sociology Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #15 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting 2025
- #17 Best Online MBAs in Finance
- #19 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Degree Programs
Tuition + fees
$15K
Acceptance
96%
Graduation
55%
Student body
9K
Median SAT/ACT
1140/26
Career Outlook for Public Administration degree at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
Cost of Degree: $14,854Expenses: $19,665Starting Salary: $44,709Salary after 4 years: $56,090Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BA in Public Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 4 years
- Format: Online
BS in Public Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 4 years
- Format: Online
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Alabama 2025 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2024 #7 Best Public Colleges in Alabama 2024 #8 Alabama's Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
Other Rankings
- #9 Best Grad Schools in Alabama 2024
- #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Alabama 2024
- #3 Best Online MBA in Data Analytics Ranked for Students in 2024
- #4 Best Online Master's in Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs
- #5 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of English
- #5 Best Online Master's in Biology
- #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Alabama
- #7 Best Online Colleges in Alabama 2024
- #7 Most Affordable Online PhDs in Psychology Ranked for 2025
- #8 Best Online Bachelor's in Anthropology 2025
- #8 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
- #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
- #9 Best Online Master's Programs in Alabama 2024
- #10 Best Online Master's in Biology
- #12 Best Online Bachelor's in Social Work Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #12 Best Online Bachelor's of English Degree Programs for 2024
- #12 Best Online Bachelor's in Computer Science Degree Programs
- #15 Best Online Master's in Project Management 2025
- #15 Best Online Bachelor’s of History Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #16 Best Online Bachelor's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs for 2024
- #18 Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
- #20 Best Online Bachelor’s of Human Services Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #25 Best Online Master’s in Communications
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
95%
Graduation
46%
Student body
19K
Median SAT/ACT
1050/20
Career Outlook for Public Administration degree at Troy University
Cost of Degree: $9,312Expenses: $13,665Starting Salary: $35,681Salary after 4 years: $44,763Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BS in Political Science
Concentrations
- American Politics and Public Administration
- International Politics
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #11 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New Hampshire 2025 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in New Hampshire 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire 2024
Other Rankings
- #3 Best Colleges in New Hampshire 2024
- #3 Best Grad Schools in New Hampshire 2024
- #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in New Hampshire 2025
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Programs in New Hampshire
- #1 Best Online Associate in Computer Science Degree Programs
- #1 Best Online Master's in Web Design
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Math Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's of Game Design Degree Programs for 2025
- #2 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Computer Science
- #2 Best Online MBA Programs in New Hampshire
- #2 Best Online MBA in Human Resources Ranked for Students in 2024
- #2 Best Online Associate in Marketing
- #2 Best Online Colleges in New Hampshire 2024
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Network Administration Degree Programs for 2024
- #2 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs
- #3 Best Online Master's Programs in New Hampshire 2025
- #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Psychology Programs
- #3 Best Online Associate in Information Technology
- #3 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
- #3 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
- #3 Best Online MBA in Supply Chain Management Ranked for Students in 2024
- #3 Best Online MBAs in Sustainability
- #3 Top 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Web Design Degree Programs 2025
- #4 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Forensic Psychology Programs
- #4 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Psychology Degree Programs 2024
- #4 Best Online MBA in Entrepreneurship Ranked for Students in 2024
- #4 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Accounting Programs
- #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Vermont
- #4 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration
- #4 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs
- #4 Best Online Associate in Business Administration
- #4 Best Online Six Sigma Certification
- #4 Best Online MBA in Accounting Degree Programs
- #4 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity
- #5 Best Online Associate in Accounting
- #5 Best Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs for 2024
- #6 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of English
- #6 Best Online MBA in Marketing Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
- #6 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Psychology Programs
- #7 Top 20 Easiest Online Degrees from Accredited Schools in 2024
- #7 Best Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration Degree Programs for 2024
- #7 Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration
- #7 Best Online Bachelor’s in Child Development Degree Programs for 2024
- #8 Best Online Master's in Organizational Psychology
- #8 Best Online Bachelor's of English Degree Programs for 2024
- #8 Best Online Bachelor’s in Marketing and Advertising Degree Programs for 2024
- #8 Best Online Bachelor's in Computer Science Degree Programs
- #8 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Accounting Programs 2025
- #8 Best Online Master's in English
- #8 Online Colleges That Start Anytime and the Benefits of a Self-Paced Education
- #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of Digital Media for 2025
- #9 Best Online Bachelor's in Anthropology 2025
- #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Sports Management Degree Programs for 2025
- #10 Best Online Bachelor’s of Homeland Security Degree Programs for 2025
- #10 Best Online Bachelor’s in Information Technology Degree Programs for 2024
- #11 Best Online Master's in Economics 2025
- #11 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity 2025
- #11 Best Online Associate in Liberal Arts
- #13 Best Online MBAs in Finance
- #13 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
- #14 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management 2025
- #15 Best Online Master’s in Finance
- #16 Best Online Bachelor’s of History Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #16 Best Online Bachelor's in Construction Management Degree Programs
- #17 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting 2025
- #17 Best Online Master's in Project Management 2025
- #17 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources
- #18 Best Online Master’s in Information Technology 2025
- #18 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
- #19 Best Online Associate in Criminal Justice
- #21 Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
- #21 Best Online Master's in Sports Management 2025
- #22 Best Online Master’s in Counseling
- #23 Best Online Master's Degrees in Accounting 2025
- #23 Best Online Bachelor's in Public Health Degree Programs for Students
- #24 Best Online Master's in Marketing and Advertising
- #2 Fastest Online Associate's of Business Degree Programs Ranked 2024
- #5 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Finance Degree Programs 2024
- #6 Top 20 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's in Counseling
- #8 10 Best Accelerated Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2025
- #10 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Counseling Degree Programs 2024
- #18 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024
Tuition + fees
$15K
Acceptance
96%
Graduation
41%
Student body
224K
Career Outlook for Public Administration degree at Southern New Hampshire University
Cost of Degree: $15,380Expenses: $21,900Starting Salary: $62,845Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BS in Business Administration
Concentrations
- Accounting
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Human Resources Management
- International Business
- Management Information Systems
- Marketing
- Nonprofit Management
- Organizational Leadership
- Project Management
- Public Administration
- Sports Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 4 years
- Format: Online
- #14 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Florida 2024 #6 Best Private Colleges in Florida 2024 #1 Most Affordable Online Occupational Therapy Masters Programs 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$33K
Acceptance
60%
Graduation
39%
Student body
9K
Career Outlook for Public Administration degree at Barry University
Cost of Degree: $32,500Expenses: $18,058Starting Salary: $63,721Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BPA in Public Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #15 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #9 Best Private Colleges in Texas 2024 #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Texas 2024 #1 Best Online Associate in Health Science Degree Programs
Other Rankings
- #9 Best Online Doctorate in Business Administration Degree Programs
- #10 Best Online Master's in Organizational Psychology
- #10 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Business Administration Doctorates 2025
- #10 Best Online MBA Programs in Texas
- #11 Best Online Master's in Healthcare Administration
- #15 Best Online Bachelor’s of Health Science Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #15 Best Online Associate in General Studies
- #17 Best Online Colleges in Texas 2024
- #20 Best Online Master's Programs in Texas 2024
Tuition + fees
$34K
Acceptance
94%
Graduation
53%
Student body
9K
Median SAT/ACT
1021/19
Career Outlook for Public Administration degree at University of the Incarnate Word
Cost of Degree: $34,400Expenses: $16,622Starting Salary: $65,724Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BS in Public Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 4-5 years
- Format: Online
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Hawaii 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in Hawaii 2024 #2 Best Colleges in Hawaii 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Hawaii 2024
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Hawaii
- #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Hawaii 2024
- #3 Best Online Colleges in Hawaii 2024
- #3 Best Online Associate in Mathematics 2025
- #19 Best Online Associate in Business Administration
- #20 Best Online Associate in Cybersecurity
Tuition + fees
$32K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
45%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1150/23
Career Outlook for Public Administration degree at Hawaii Pacific University
Cost of Degree: $31,940Expenses: $18,878Starting Salary: $70,606Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BA in Public Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 4 years
- Format: Online
- #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in California 2025 #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Strategic Communications Degree Programs #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Math Degree Programs Ranked for 2025 #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Cybersecurity
Other Rankings
- #3 Most Affordable Early Childhood Education Bachelor's (Online, On-Campus)
- #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Construction Management Degree Programs
- #4 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs
- #4 Best Online Associate Degrees in California 2025
- #5 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Psychology Degree Programs 2024
- #5 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
- #6 Top 10 Fastest Accelerated Online PhD in Criminal Justice (Doctorates)
- #7 Best Online MBA Programs in California
- #8 11 Fastest Accelerated Online Master’s of Computer Science 2025
- #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of Electrical and Computer Engineering Degree Programs for 2024
- #10 Best Online Associate in Business Administration
- #10 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Psychology Programs
- #11 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
- #11 Best Online Bachelor’s of Elementary Education Degree Programs for 2025
- #12 Best Online Bachelor’s of Digital Media for 2025
- #12 Best Online Master's in Behavior Analysis Degree Programs
- #13 Best Online Colleges in California 2024
- #14 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity 2025
- #14 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2025
- #14 Best Online Bachelor's in Law and Legal Studies Degree Programs for 2025
- #14 Best Online Bachelor's in Computer Science Degree Programs
- #15 Best Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration Degree Programs for 2024
- #15 Best Online Master's in English
- #16 Best Online Bachelor’s of Homeland Security Degree Programs for 2025
- #17 Best Online Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs for 2024
- #18 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management 2025
- #20 Best Online Bachelor’s in Marketing and Advertising Degree Programs for 2024
- #20 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2025
- #21 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting 2025
- #22 Best Online Master's in Cybersecurity 2025
- #22 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources
- #22 Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration
- #23 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
- #24 Best Online Bachelor’s of Education Degree Programs for 2024
- #9 Best College Majors that Offer Accelerated Degree Programs 2025
Tuition + fees
$13K
Graduation
22%
Student body
29K
Career Outlook for Public Administration degree at National University
Cost of Degree: $13,320Starting Salary: $73,861Online Degrees
BPA in Public Administration
- Required Credits: 180
- Completion time: 4.5-5.5 years
- Format: Online
- #14 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #4 Best Christian Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #5 Best Small Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #7 Best Private Colleges in Tennessee 2024
Other Rankings
- #8 Best Grad Schools in Tennessee 2024
- #9 Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2025
- #3 Best Online Bachelor’s of Counseling Degree Programs for 2025
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Tennessee
- #7 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2024
- #9 Best Online Master's Programs in Tennessee 2024
- #14 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
- #15 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
- #17 Best Online Master’s in Sustainability and Green Technologies 2025
- #21 Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Programs for Students 2025
- #5 Fastest Accelerated Online PhDs in Education Degree Programs 2024
Tuition + fees
$37K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
69%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1225/26
Career Outlook for Public Administration degree at Lipscomb University
Cost of Degree: $37,152Expenses: $19,536Starting Salary: $64,472Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BA in Professional Studies in Public Administration
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA/BS in Public Administration
- Required Credits: 126
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #10 Best Private Colleges in Florida 2024 #1 Best Online Doctorate in Business Administration Degree Programs #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Florida 2025 #2 Best Online Associate in Fire Science Degree Programs
Other Rankings
- #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Florida 2025
- #5 Best Online Associate in Information Technology
- #7 Top 10 Fastest Accelerated Online PhD in Criminal Justice (Doctorates)
- #7 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
- #7 Best Online Associate in Paralegal Studies
- #9 Best Online Associate in Accounting
- #10 Best Online MBA Programs in Florida
- #10 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice PhDs (Doctorates) 2025
- #11 Fastest Online Associate Degrees Ranked for 2024
- #13 Best Online Bachelor's in Sports Management Degree Programs for 2025
- #15 Best Online Master's Programs in Florida 2024
- #16 Best Online Bachelor's in Law and Legal Studies Degree Programs for 2025
- #16 Best Online Associate in Business Administration
- #18 Best Online Bachelor’s of Homeland Security Degree Programs for 2025
- #18 Best Online Bachelor’s in Information Technology Degree Programs for 2024
- #21 Best Online Associate in Criminal Justice
- #23 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
- #25 Best Online Colleges in Florida 2024
Tuition + fees
$23K
Acceptance
97%
Graduation
58%
Student body
32K
Career Outlook for Public Administration degree at Keiser University
Cost of Degree: $23,248Expenses: $27,451Starting Salary: $43,941Cost Recoup Time: 20 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BA in Public Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #22 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #24 Best CCCU Colleges and Universities 2024 #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in California 2025 #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Kinesiology Degree Programs for 2024
Other Rankings
- #6 Best Online Bachelor’s of Human Services Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #8 Best Online Bachelor’s of Graphic Arts Degree Programs for 2025
- #9 Best Online Bachelor's in Network Administration Degree Programs for 2024
- #9 Best Online MBA Programs in California
- #9 Best Online Bachelor's in Public Health Degree Programs for Students
- #9 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Information Technology
- #10 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
- #10 Best Online Doctorate in Business Administration Degree Programs
- #10 Best Online Bachelor’s of Christian Ministry Degree Programs for 2025
- #11 Best Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration Degree Programs for 2024
- #12 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Social Work PhDs (Doctorates)
- #12 Best Online Bachelor's in Strategic Communications Degree Programs
- #13 Best Online Bachelor's of English Degree Programs for 2024
- #13 Best Online Bachelor’s in Child Development Degree Programs for 2024
- #14 Best Online Bachelor's in Sports Management Degree Programs for 2025
- #15 Best Online Bachelor’s of Digital Media for 2025
- #16 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
- #16 Best Online Master's in Kinesiology Degree Programs
- #16 Best Online Colleges in California 2024
- #16 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Business Administration Doctorates 2025
- #23 Best Online Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs for 2024
- #25 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2025
- #25 Best Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Humanities Degree Programs for 2025
Tuition + fees
$38K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
63%
Student body
14K
Career Outlook for Public Administration degree at California Baptist University
Cost of Degree: $38,058Expenses: $15,414Starting Salary: $59,464Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BA in Public Administration
- Required Credits: 48
- Completion time: 4-5 years
- Format: Online
- #14 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2025 #8 Best Online MBA Programs in Pennsylvania #15 Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024 #16 Best Online Master's Programs in Pennsylvania 2025
Tuition + fees
$37K
Acceptance
82%
Graduation
59%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1137/22
Career Outlook for Public Administration degree at Point Park University
Cost of Degree: $36,620Expenses: $15,740Starting Salary: $53,080Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BS in Public Administration
Concentrations
- EMS Administration
- Fire Service Concentration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Biology 2025 #9 Best Online Bachelor's in Math Degree Programs Ranked for 2025 #11 Best Online Bachelor's in Strategic Communications Degree Programs #12 Best Online MBA Programs in Texas
Other Rankings
- #12 Best Online Bachelor's of Economics Degree Programs for 2024
- #16 Best Online Colleges in Texas 2024
- #17 Best Online Master's in Economics 2025
- #18 Best Online Master's in English
- #20 Best Online Bachelor’s of Health Science Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #20 Best Online Bachelor's of English Degree Programs for 2024
- #20 Best Online Bachelor's in Law and Legal Studies Degree Programs for 2025
- #22 Best Online Bachelor's in Social Work Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #23 Best Online Master’s in Finance
- #24 Best Online Bachelor’s of History Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #24 Best Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs for 2024
Tuition + fees
$9K
Acceptance
92%
Graduation
45%
Student body
11K
Median SAT/ACT
1050/20
Career Outlook for Public Administration degree at West Texas A&M University
Cost of Degree: $9,101Expenses: $15,914Starting Salary: $40,542Salary after 4 years: $50,862Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BAAS in Applied Arts and Sciences
Concentrations
- Public Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 4-5 years
- Format: Online
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #9 Best Christian Colleges in Tennessee 2025 #17 Best Online Colleges in Tennessee 2024 #21 Best Online Bachelor's in Law and Legal Studies Degree Programs for 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$36K
Acceptance
87%
Graduation
60%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for Public Administration degree at Christian Brothers University
Cost of Degree: $35,520Expenses: $13,574Starting Salary: $62,594Cost Recoup Time: 16 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BA in Professional Psychology; Criminal Justice
Concentrations
- Public Administration
- Criminal Justice
- Criminology
- Criminal Law
- Corrections
- Policing
- Juvenile Justice
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #8 Online Colleges with the Most Generous Financial Aid in 2025 #12 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2025 #6 Best Online Associate in Human Services #9 Best Online Associate Degrees in Missouri 2024
Other Rankings
- #11 Best Online MBA Programs in Missouri
- #11 Best Online Colleges in Missouri 2024
- #12 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Missouri
- #16 Best Online Associate in General Studies
- #23 Best Online Bachelor’s of Human Services Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #24 Best Online Bachelor's of English Degree Programs for 2024
Tuition + fees
$24K
Graduation
43%
Student body
9K
Career Outlook for Public Administration degree at Columbia College
Cost of Degree: $12,140Expenses: $13,982Starting Salary: $53,831Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BA in Public Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #6 Best Public Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #7 Best Small Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nebraska 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
34%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for Public Administration degree at Peru State College
Cost of Degree: $7,920Expenses: $14,226Starting Salary: $34,378Salary after 4 years: $43,129Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BA in Business Administration
Concentrations
- Public Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #4 Best Public Colleges in Hawaii 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Hawaii 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Hawaii 2024 #7 Best Colleges in Hawaii 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
96%
Graduation
33%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1110/19
Career Outlook for Public Administration degree at University of Hawaiʻi – West Oʻahu
Cost of Degree: $7,584Starting Salary: $35,681Salary after 4 years: $44,763Online Degrees
BS in Public Administration
Concentrations
- Disaster Preparedness And Emergency Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 4 years
- Format: Online
BS in Public Administration
Concentrations
- Justice Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 4 years
- Format: Online
BS in Public Administration
Concentrations
- Community Health
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 4 years
- Format: Online
BS in Public Administration
Concentrations
- General Public Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 4 years
- Format: Online
BS in Public Administration
Concentrations
- Healthcare Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 4 years
- Format: Online
BS in Public Administration
Concentrations
- Long-Term Care
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 4 years
- Format: Online
- #7 Best Online Associate Degrees in Ohio 2025 #12 Best Online Colleges in Ohio 2024 #13 Best Online MBA Programs in Ohio #14 Best Online Master's Programs in Ohio 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$34K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
69%
Student body
3K
Median SAT/ACT
1095/21
Career Outlook for Public Administration degree at Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Cost of Degree: $24,203Expenses: $15,212Starting Salary: $62,594Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BA in Public Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: 4 years
- Format: Online
- #7 Best Online Master’s in Forensics Degree Programs #10 Best Online Master’s in Executive MBA #13 Best Online Master's Programs in Florida 2024 #15 Best Online Master’s in Health Science 2025
Other Rankings
Online Degrees
BSAS in Public Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #8 Best Online Bachelor's in Construction Management Degree Programs #16 Best Online Colleges in Iowa 2024 #16 Best Online Master's Programs in Iowa 2024
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
88%
Graduation
67%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1140/24
Career Outlook for Public Administration degree at Dordt University
Cost of Degree: $34,600Expenses: $15,500Starting Salary: $56,710Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline Degrees
BA in Business Administration
Concentrations
- Management
- Construction Management
- Finance
- General
- Human Resource Management
- Information Systems
- International Business
- Marketing
- Office Management
- Public Administration
- Required Credits: 159.5
- Completion time: None Reported
- Format: Online
Career Outlook for Students with Public Administration Degree
Go to Degree Finder toolPublic Administration
Degree Level: Bachelor's
- Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
- Avg. Starting Salary*: $41,761
- Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $52,390
- * denotes ‘annually’
Career Salaries
Career | Job Growth | Avg. Salary |
---|---|---|
Chief Executives | -8.21% | $161,191 |
Managers, All Other | 3.35% | $106,040 |
Construction Managers | 4.53% | $98,198 |
General and Operations Managers | 4.20% | $94,699 |
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers | 8.22% | $93,419 |
Average Career Salaries
Bottom 10% | Median | Top 10% |
---|---|---|
$56,827 | $94,222 | $143,529 |
Promising Job Markets
State | Cost of Living | Avg. Salary |
---|---|---|
#2 Virginia | 5% higher than average | $110,844 |
#3 New York | 5% higher than average | $118,419 |
#4 Delaware | 2% higher than average | $115,543 |
#5 Illinois | 7% higher than average | $102,042 |
#6 Colorado | 3% higher than average | $111,450 |
Top Industries
Industry | Avg. Salary |
---|---|
Chief Executives | $161,191 |
Managers, All Other | $106,040 |
Construction Managers | $98,198 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Public Administration Degrees
Those who have an interest in government, public policy, and community development can earn a bachelor’s degree in public administration online or on campus.
Back to TopStudents will take courses on public budgeting, ethics, financial management, courts and the criminal procedure, resource distribution, and often, a public administration capstone.
Back to TopMost programs require a minimum of 120 credits, which takes a minimum of four years to finish.
Back to TopAfter completion, graduates will be qualified to work in public relations, government, nonprofit leadership, and health services management as administrative specialists, public utility specialists, and general operations managers.
Back to TopOnline Degree Frequently Asked Questions
If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require a time of adjustment. Although you’ll typically learn the same material and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, going online will require greater independence and responsibility than going in person. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, for harnessing the online educational technology that you’ll need to use, and for completing the course requirements, such as listening to lectures, learning lessons, reading texts, and handing in assignments. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take the initiative in building relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.
No. The only part of online education that’s easier than campus-based education is ease of access: all you need is a computer and an internet connection for online education. But even this seeming advantage of online education can be misleading: what’s easier, studying online with your computer and internet connection from your home where you need to cook, clean, pay rent, and maintain a job? Or studying on campus in a dorm where all your living needs are handled by the school, and college staff are there to help you every step of the way?
If you take the commute to campus out of the equation, campus-based education is easier. All the support structures available on campus for students, especially with real people to help you in person, are not there online. The demands on you as an online student will largely be the same as for your campus-based counterpart, but without the same helps.
In general, your online courses will present the same material and test you in the same way as traditional in-person courses. In many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning with remote educational technology for the first time, online college may be considerably more challenging than campus-based college. For a few insights on how to manage this new online experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.
Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable non-profit institutions on the one end and less-than-reputable for-profit institutions on the other end. Accreditation gives you the power to identify the more reputable actors in online education. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency indicating that a college or university is meeting standards of quality and credibility. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.
Attending a college or university that is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. For students seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that they opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree. For more on this important topic, check out our What is Accreditation and Why Does It Matter? College & University Accreditation Guide.
As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited (see the previous point), you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer of credits. In many cases, you will encounter some bureaucratic haggling in which some of your credits will be transferred and others may be refused. However, provided that you have attended an online school with recognized regional accreditation, you should be in good shape in transferring your credits earned online.
In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript, or resumé differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.
Some employers may express the concern that because you did your degree online, you may need to transition from an online education experience to in-person workplace experience. But in an age of Covid, that concern seems much diminished. The fact is that much employment these days is remote. And collaboration increasingly happens online over Zoom. Many employers will therefore view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.
If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will be less than ideal for you (though depending on your circumstances, it may also be the only viable option).
While there is much in traditional campus-based education that can be substituted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing that can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual in-person classroom setting. As you transition to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face in getting the most out of your online classes is overcoming this difference between “real reality” and “virtual reality.” Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.
The advantages of online classes are many. Above all, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete at your own pace and on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.
Resources for Online College-Bound Students
Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.