2026 Best Value Other Social Services Public Administration Schools
Looking for the best-value Other Social Services Public Administration programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 92 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor analyzed schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Other Social Services Public Administration Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
San Diego City College earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Based in San Diego, CA, San Diego City College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,146, with out-of-state students paying around $10,002. Typical Other Social Services Public Administration student debt is $9,514. San Diego City College alumni report median earnings of $38,503 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on San Diego City College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Community College Of Vermont earned it the #2 place in the United States. Based in Montpelier, VT, Community College Of Vermont is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,920, while out-of-state students pay about $13,640. Typical Other Social Services Public Administration student debt is $12,125. Community College Of Vermont alumni report median earnings of $36,234 a decade after entry. Set against $12,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Community College Of Vermont
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Northeastern University Global Network earned it the #4 place in the United States. Based in Boston, MA, Northeastern University Global Network is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $50,688. The median Other Social Services Public Administration program debt is $27,055. Median earnings reach $92,538 ten years out. Set against $27,055 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Northeastern University Global Network
You'll get strong value at Walden University, which ranked #5 this year. Walden University is a private for-profit school based in Minneapolis, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $11,067. Typical Other Social Services Public Administration student debt is $49,361. Median earnings reach $42,810 ten years out. Set against $49,361 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Walden University profile
University Of Maryland University College offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. This public school is set in Adelphi, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,136, compared with $12,336 for out-of-state students. Typical Other Social Services Public Administration student debt is $23,276. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,287. Set against $23,276 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about University Of Maryland University College
University Of Illinois At Springfield ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Other Social Services Public Administration schools. Located in Springfield, IL, University Of Illinois At Springfield is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,557, compared with $20,139 for out-of-state students. University Of Illinois At Springfield Other Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $24,925 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,103 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,925 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. See the full University Of Illinois At Springfield profile
Marquette University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Other Social Services Public Administration schools. Located in Milwaukee, WI, Marquette University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $51,170 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,122 to complete their Other Social Services Public Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,257 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,122 median debt. Marquette University has an acceptance rate of 81%. See the full Marquette University profile
San Diego State University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Other Social Services Public Administration schools. San Diego State University is a public school based in San Diego, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,728, while out-of-state students pay about $21,328. Students borrow a median of $16,417 to complete their Other Social Services Public Administration program here. Median earnings reach $64,909 ten years out. Set against $16,417 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. San Diego State University admits about 36% of applicants. Read more about San Diego State University
National Louis University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Set in Chicago, IL, National Louis University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,245. Typical Other Social Services Public Administration student debt is $29,242. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,799. That is a strong return on a $29,242 median debt. National Louis University admits about 95% of applicants. More on National Louis University
Judson University came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Judson University is a private not-for-profit school based in Elgin, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $30,297. Typical Other Social Services Public Administration student debt is $27,685. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,313. Set against $27,685 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Judson University admits about 48% of applicants. Read the full report on Judson University
Capella University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Capella University is a private for-profit school based in Minneapolis, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,400. Graduates carry a median of $35,998 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,189. That is a strong return on a $35,998 median debt. Read the full report on Capella University
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus placed #13 among the best-value Other Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public school based in Norman, OK. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,797, compared with $27,377 for out-of-state students. The median Other Social Services Public Administration program debt is $23,138. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,126 ten years after entry. Set against $23,138 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus has an acceptance rate of 77%. Get the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus report
University Of Colorado Denver offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Set in Denver, CO, University Of Colorado Denver is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,383, while out-of-state students pay about $29,391. The median Other Social Services Public Administration program debt is $33,510. Median earnings reach $64,270 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $33,510 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Colorado Denver profile
College Of Coastal Georgia came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Located in Brunswick, GA, College Of Coastal Georgia is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,616, compared with $10,936 for out-of-state students. College Of Coastal Georgia Other Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $19,240 in debt. College Of Coastal Georgia alumni report median earnings of $39,318 a decade after entry. Set against $19,240 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on College Of Coastal Georgia
Geneva College landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Beaver Falls, PA, Geneva College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $33,450. Geneva College Other Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $26,396 in debt. Median earnings reach $50,004 ten years out. Set against $26,396 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Geneva College profile
Seton Hall University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Other Social Services Public Administration schools. Set in South Orange, NJ, Seton Hall University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,170. Typical Other Social Services Public Administration student debt is $23,422. Seton Hall University alumni report median earnings of $70,196 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,422 median debt. Seton Hall University admits about 73% of applicants. Read the full report on Seton Hall University
Portland State University landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Portland, OR, Portland State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,118, while out-of-state students pay about $29,136. Students borrow a median of $26,475 to complete their Other Social Services Public Administration program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,906. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Portland State University admits about 91% of applicants. Read more about Portland State University
Boise State University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Set in Boise, ID, Boise State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,048, while out-of-state students pay about $27,788. Graduates carry a median of $24,311 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,658 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%. Read more about Boise State University
University Of Arkansas At Little Rock ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Other Social Services Public Administration schools. Based in Little Rock, AR, University Of Arkansas At Little Rock is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,911, while out-of-state students pay about $22,721. University Of Arkansas At Little Rock Other Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $27,093 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,265 ten years after entry. Set against $27,093 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Arkansas At Little Rock has an acceptance rate of 59%. More on University Of Arkansas At Little Rock
University Of Southern California placed #21 among the best-value Other Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $71,647. University Of Southern California Other Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $15,625 in debt. University Of Southern California alumni report median earnings of $92,498 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 10%. More on University Of Southern California
George Mason University placed #21 among the best-value Other Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. This public school is set in Fairfax, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,220, compared with $38,688 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,529 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $76,343. Set against $23,529 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about George Mason University
Rutgers University Newark placed #21 among the best-value Other Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Set in Newark, NJ, Rutgers University Newark is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,250 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $36,762. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Other Social Services Public Administration program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,479. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Rutgers University Newark has an acceptance rate of 71%. Read the full report on Rutgers University Newark
Saint Josephs College New York placed #24 among the best-value Other Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Brooklyn, NY. Students from in state pay about $36,550 in tuition and fees. The median Other Social Services Public Administration program debt is $25,485. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,905. Set against $25,485 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. More on Saint Josephs College New York
University Of Central Florida landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Central Florida is a public school based in Orlando, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $6,368, with out-of-state students paying around $22,467. Graduates carry a median of $21,620 in student loans. University Of Central Florida alumni report median earnings of $58,308 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,620 median debt. About 40% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Central Florida profile
New York University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Other Social Services Public Administration schools. New York University is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $62,796. The median Other Social Services Public Administration program debt is $21,897. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,509. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. New York University admits about 9% of applicants. See the full New York University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Other Social Services Public Administration Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Metropolitan College Of New York came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Metropolitan College Of New York is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,188. Metropolitan College Of New York Other Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $42,218 in debt. Median earnings reach $46,236 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $42,218 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Metropolitan College Of New York report
Seattle University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $56,721. Seattle University Other Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $22,289 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,272. That is a strong return on a $22,289 median debt. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Seattle University
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Pittsburgh, PA, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $21,926 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,430 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,958 to complete their Other Social Services Public Administration program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,125. Set against $24,958 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus profile
Alabama State University landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Montgomery, AL, Alabama State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,248, compared with $19,576 for out-of-state students. The median Other Social Services Public Administration program debt is $33,709. Median earnings reach $34,502 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $33,709 median debt. The acceptance rate is 98%. Read the full report on Alabama State University
Ball State University placed #32 among the best-value Other Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Set in Muncie, IN, Ball State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,082, compared with $29,630 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,518 to complete their Other Social Services Public Administration program here. Median earnings reach $51,833 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ball State University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read more about Ball State University
Boston University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Other Social Services Public Administration schools. Located in Boston, MA, Boston University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,102. Boston University Other Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $25,232 in debt. Median earnings reach $83,238 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 11%. See the full Boston University profile
Tufts University offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Medford, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $70,704. Tufts University Other Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $17,074 in debt. Tufts University alumni report median earnings of $83,214 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 12%. See the full Tufts University profile
Onondaga Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. More on Onondaga Community College
The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga profile
Rhode Island College offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Read more about Rhode Island College
Eastern Oregon University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Other Social Services Public Administration schools. Read the full report on Eastern Oregon University
Arizona State University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Other Social Services Public Administration schools. Read more about Arizona State University
Pfeiffer University came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. See the full Pfeiffer University profile
Porterville College offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Read more about Porterville College
Niagara County Community College came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. See the full Niagara County Community College profile
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus
Cuny Graduate School And University Center landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Cuny Graduate School And University Center
Lake Tahoe Community College came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. More on Lake Tahoe Community College
Tulane University Of Louisiana placed #44 among the best-value Other Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. See the full Tulane University Of Louisiana profile
Moreno Valley College placed #45 among the best-value Other Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. More on Moreno Valley College
American University placed #46 among the best-value Other Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Read more about American University
Cape Cod Community College landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full Cape Cod Community College report
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities placed #48 among the best-value Other Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. More on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Siena Heights University landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full Siena Heights University report
Trevecca Nazarene University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. More on Trevecca Nazarene University
Best Value Other Social Services Public Administration Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Other Social Services Public Administration Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Other Social Services Public Administration Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Other Social Services Public Administration Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Other Social Services Public Administration Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Other Social Services Public Administration Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Other Social Services Public Administration Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Other Social Services Public Administration Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 92 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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