Updated: Aug 8, 2023, 10:37am
Public policy is an interdisciplinary field that blends aspects of political science, sociology, economics and psychology. Graduates go on to work in government and nonprofit agencies, shaping policies that improve the daily lives of their fellow citizens. If you are analytical, love data and prefer a fast-paced career in which you can see the tangible results of your work, consider exploring an online public policy degree.
In this article, we’ll highlight the three accredited, nonprofit U.S. schools offering online bachelor’s degrees in public policy. We’ll also demystify the financial aid process and walk you through the most important factors to consider when choosing a degree program.
Our Methodology
- Best Online Public Policy Degree Options
- Featured Partner
- Should You Enroll in an Online Public Policy Degree?
- Accreditation for Public Policy Degrees Online
- How To Find the Right Online Public Policy Degree for You
- Cost of Earning a Public Policy Degree Online
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Public Policy Degrees
Best Online Public Policy Degree Options
Should You Enroll in an Online Public Policy Degree?
Distance learning has grown rapidly over the past few years; however, online college doesn’t necessarily fit everyone. Ask yourself a few questions before committing to a public policy degree online.
What can you afford? Distance learning can help you save money on school. In most cases, online students avoid paying for costs like transportation and housing. Moreover, some schools allow distance learners to pay in-state tuition rates no matter where they live. Schools may also offer discounted flat rates to all online students.
What are your strengths as a student? If you’re disciplined, self-motivated and good at managing your time, distance learning might provide a good fit for you. If you desire structure or the support of a group of peers whom you see all the time, an in-person program might provide a better fit.
Do you need flexibility? If you plan on working or raising a family while enrolled in your public policy program, an asynchronous online program might be the best option. Asynchronous course delivery allows students to complete assignments, access course materials, and watch lectures around their own schedules.
Accreditation for Public Policy Degrees Online
Two types of college accreditation exist: institutional and programmatic. Institutional accreditation is the more prevalent of the two and applies to entire colleges and universities. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education manage the university accreditation process, though they do not directly award accreditation to schools.
You should only attend schools that hold institutional accreditation. Attending an accredited college is required to access federal student aid or transfer college credits. Moreover, some employees may not recognize degrees from unaccredited colleges.
Independent agencies award programmatic accreditation to individual departments and degrees in specific fields. In public policy, programmatic accreditation is much more important in graduate school than for undergraduate degrees. NASPAA is the main organization accrediting master of public administration programs.
How To Find the Right Online Public Policy Degree for You
Consider Your Future Goals
An online public policy degree is relatively specialized and can lead to a career in government or the nonprofit sector. Public policy majors also go on to work in NGOs, economics and law. If you are certain you want to work in one of these fields, a public policy bachelor’s program may be a strong career move.
If you are unsure if you want to pursue public policy, consider majoring in a broader field like business, economics or political science.
Know Your Financing Options
Begin your financial aid search by filling out the FAFSA®. The FAFSA is the portal to all federal financial aid, including Pell Grants, work-study programs and federal student loans. Many schools also award aid based on the FAFSA.
Beyond federal financial aid, you should seek out scholarships from both prospective schools and independent organizations. Scholarships are the best form of financial aid because they do not require repayment. Scholarships may be awarded based on need, merit or identity. Examples in the public policy field include the Zonta Club’s Young Women in Public Affairs Award, awarded to young women with a history of volunteering.
Cost of Earning a Public Policy Degree Online
When pursuing your public policy degree online,expect to pay somewhere between $350 and $650 per credit. Over the course of a 120-credit bachelor’s degree, this rate translates to approximately $42,000 to $78,000 in total tuition.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, as of the 2020-21 school year, a year of in-state tuition and fees at a public university cost an average of $9,375. Annual tuition and fees at private universities averaged $32,825. As such, in an online bachelor’s in public policy program, you can expect to pay more than you would at an in-state public university but less than you would at a private school.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Public Policy Degrees
What do public policy majors do?
Public policy majors learn to create, propose and implement public policy initiatives. Possible career titles include paralegal, policy analyst, lobbyist, consultant and program specialist.
What is the job outlook for a public policy degree?
The outlook for the field is positive. Between 2021 and 2031, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 12% job growth for social and community service managers—more than double the projected growth rate for all careers (5%) during that decade.
What fields of study are public policy?
Public policy is a social science-related discipline that blends theory and methodologies from political science, economics and sociology, among other fields.