2026 Best Public Administration Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best Public Administration bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 501 colleges by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor analyzed schools to compile this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Public Administration Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the leading schools below:
Leading the list is Winona State University, our #1 Public Administration school in the United States. Located in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. About 56% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $10,576, with out-of-state students paying around $17,308. Students borrow a median of $24,551 to complete their Public Administration program here. More on Winona State University
The strong Public Administration programs at Colorado State University Global Campus earned it the #2 place in the United States. Based in Denver, CO, Colorado State University Global Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,000. Students borrow a median of $31,361 to complete their Public Administration program here. Read more about Colorado State University Global Campus
You'll be in good company at California State University Northridge, which ranked #3 this year. Located in Northridge, CA, California State University Northridge is a public institution. About 57% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,458, while out-of-state students pay about $20,058. Typical Public Administration student debt is $37,500. Read more about California State University Northridge
Out of the 501 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, University Of North Dakota landed the #4 spot. University Of North Dakota is a public school based in Grand Forks, ND. University Of North Dakota graduates 60% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,951, with out-of-state students paying around $15,570. Graduates carry a median of $25,110 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of North Dakota
The strong Public Administration programs at Mount Vernon Nazarene University earned it the #5 place in the United States. Set in Mount Vernon, OH, Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 68% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $27,193. Mount Vernon Nazarene University Public Administration students take on a median of $26,602 in debt. Read the full report on Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Western Carolina University landed the #6 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Cullowhee, NC. Western Carolina University graduates 60% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,630, with out-of-state students paying around $8,630. Graduates carry a median of $18,375 in student loans. More on Western Carolina University
National University came in at #7 in this year's ranking. National University is a private not-for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. Roughly 50% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $13,284. National University Public Administration students take on a median of $31,603 in debt. Read the full report on National University
University Of San Francisco landed the #8 spot in the United States this year. Set in San Francisco, CA, University Of San Francisco is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of San Francisco posts a six-year graduation rate of 70%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $60,522. Students borrow a median of $23,935 to complete their Public Administration program here. Read the full report on University Of San Francisco
Villanova University placed #9 among Public Administration schools in the United States. Villanova University is a private not-for-profit school based in Villanova, PA. Villanova University graduates 92% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $67,776. Villanova University Public Administration students take on a median of $26,184 in debt. Get the full Villanova University report
Barry University did well this year, earning the #10 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Miami, FL. Barry University posts a six-year graduation rate of 37%. In-state tuition and fees average $34,350. Typical Public Administration student debt is $25,728. See the full Barry University profile
California Baptist University did well this year, earning the #11 position. Based in Riverside, CA, California Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution. California Baptist University posts a six-year graduation rate of 62%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,228. Typical Public Administration student debt is $39,244. More on California Baptist University
University Of Missouri St Louis came in at #12 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Saint Louis, MO. Roughly 57% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,120, while out-of-state students pay about $37,620. University Of Missouri St Louis Public Administration students take on a median of $25,943 in debt. Read more about University Of Missouri St Louis
University Of Northern Iowa landed the #13 spot in the United States this year. University Of Northern Iowa is a public school based in Cedar Falls, IA. Roughly 68% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $9,936, compared with $21,712 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Public Administration program here. See the full University Of Northern Iowa profile
Upper Iowa University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best Public Administration schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Fayette, IA. Roughly 33% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,475. Typical Public Administration student debt is $31,000. More on Upper Iowa University
Seattle University came in at #15 in this year's ranking. Set in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 76% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $56,721 in tuition and fees. Typical Public Administration student debt is $22,289. See the full Seattle University profile
Indiana University Bloomington came in at #16 in this year's ranking. Located in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. About 80% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $12,144, compared with $41,891 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,731 in student loans. More on Indiana University Bloomington
University Of Maryland University College came in at #17 in this year's ranking. Set in Adelphi, MD, University Of Maryland University College is a public institution. University Of Maryland University College graduates 20% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,136, while out-of-state students pay about $12,336. Typical Public Administration student debt is $29,202. More on University Of Maryland University College
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania came in at #18 in this year's ranking. Based in Shippensburg, PA, Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. About 56% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,570, compared with $15,824 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Administration student debt is $26,307. Read more about Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania
Stephen F Austin State University did well this year, earning the #19 position. This public school is set in Nacogdoches, TX. Stephen F Austin State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 53%. In-state tuition and fees average $11,128, with out-of-state students paying around $20,968. Graduates carry a median of $24,759 in student loans. See the full Stephen F Austin State University profile
University Of La Verne placed #20 among Public Administration schools in the United States. Based in La Verne, CA, University Of La Verne is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of La Verne graduates 63% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $49,470 in tuition and fees. The median Public Administration program debt is $29,333. More on University Of La Verne
Syracuse University did well this year, earning the #21 position. Set in Syracuse, NY, Syracuse University is a private not-for-profit institution. Syracuse University posts a six-year graduation rate of 84%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,528. The median Public Administration program debt is $26,000. Get the full Syracuse University report
Saginaw Valley State University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best Public Administration schools. Saginaw Valley State University is a public school based in University Center, MI. About 48% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $12,930 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $30,450. Graduates carry a median of $28,091 in student loans. Read the full report on Saginaw Valley State University
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania placed #23 among Public Administration schools in the United States. This public school is set in Kutztown, PA. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania posts a six-year graduation rate of 54%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,206, with out-of-state students paying around $16,330. Students borrow a median of $26,867 to complete their Public Administration program here. Read more about Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania
California State University Bakersfield came in at #24 in this year's ranking. California State University Bakersfield is a public school based in Bakersfield, CA. Roughly 50% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,087, while out-of-state students pay about $20,687. Read more about California State University Bakersfield
University Of Kansas ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best Public Administration schools. Located in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. About 69% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,102, while out-of-state students pay about $30,432. Graduates carry a median of $23,608 in student loans. Get the full University Of Kansas report
Rest of the Top 50 Best Public Administration Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also placed among the very best this year:
University Of Wisconsin La Crosse came in at #26 in this year's ranking. Located in La Crosse, WI, University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a public institution. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse posts a six-year graduation rate of 71%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,070, with out-of-state students paying around $19,517. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. More on University Of Wisconsin La Crosse
Tarleton State University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best Public Administration schools. Set in Stephenville, TX, Tarleton State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 48%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,302, compared with $18,142 for out-of-state students. The median Public Administration program debt is $23,222. See the full Tarleton State University profile
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus placed #28 among Public Administration schools in the United States. Set in Pittsburgh, PA, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a public institution. About 86% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $21,926 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,430. Graduates carry a median of $24,958 in student loans. Get the full University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus report
James Madison University landed the #29 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Harrisonburg, VA. The six-year graduation rate is 80%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,966, compared with $31,312 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Administration student debt is $19,500. See the full James Madison University profile
Harding University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best Public Administration schools. Located in Searcy, AR, Harding University is a private not-for-profit institution. Harding University posts a six-year graduation rate of 69%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,962. Typical Public Administration student debt is $26,715. Get the full Harding University report
The University Of Tennessee ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best Public Administration schools. Based in Knoxville, TN, The University Of Tennessee is a public institution. About 74% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $13,812 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,256. The University Of Tennessee Public Administration students take on a median of $22,859 in debt. See the full The University Of Tennessee profile
Roger Williams University placed #32 among Public Administration schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bristol, RI. Roger Williams University posts a six-year graduation rate of 69%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,197. Roger Williams University Public Administration students take on a median of $25,676 in debt. See the full Roger Williams University profile
Oakland University landed the #35 spot in the United States this year. Set in Rochester Hills, MI, Oakland University is a public institution. Oakland University posts a six-year graduation rate of 58%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,167, compared with $24,735 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,972 to complete their Public Administration program here. Read the full report on Oakland University
Central Michigan University came in at #36 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Mount Pleasant, MI. The six-year graduation rate is 59%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,480. Graduates carry a median of $27,500 in student loans. Get the full Central Michigan University report
George Mason University placed #37 among Public Administration schools in the United States. Set in Fairfax, VA, George Mason University is a public institution. George Mason University graduates 68% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,220, with out-of-state students paying around $38,688. Typical Public Administration student debt is $20,106. Get the full George Mason University report
Ohio State University Main Campus ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best Public Administration schools. Ohio State University Main Campus is a public school based in Columbus, OH. The six-year graduation rate is 88%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,244, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. The median Public Administration program debt is $21,887. More on Ohio State University Main Campus
Washburn University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best Public Administration schools. Set in Topeka, KS, Washburn University is a public institution. Roughly 44% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,945, while out-of-state students pay about $20,949. Graduates carry a median of $21,175 in student loans. Get the full Washburn University report
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater did well this year, earning the #40 position. Set in Whitewater, WI, University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public institution. About 63% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,616, with out-of-state students paying around $18,716. Graduates carry a median of $27,187 in student loans. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Whitewater report
Florida Atlantic University did well this year, earning the #41 position. Florida Atlantic University is a public school based in Boca Raton, FL. The six-year graduation rate is 63%. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,879, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Florida Atlantic University Public Administration students take on a median of $19,804 in debt. See the full Florida Atlantic University profile
Florida International University placed #42 among Public Administration schools in the United States. Set in Miami, FL, Florida International University is a public institution. Florida International University posts a six-year graduation rate of 74%. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,565, while out-of-state students pay about $18,964. Graduates carry a median of $27,022 in student loans. Read more about Florida International University
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best Public Administration schools. Set in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 75%. Students from in state pay about $9,797 in tuition and fees, compared with $27,377 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Administration student debt is $20,548. Read more about University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Liberty University placed #45 among Public Administration schools in the United States. Set in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 67% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $16,173 in tuition and fees. Liberty University Public Administration students take on a median of $27,414 in debt. Get the full Liberty University report
University Of Phoenix Arizona did well this year, earning the #46 position. This private for-profit school is set in Phoenix, AZ. University Of Phoenix Arizona graduates 16% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $9,552. Students borrow a median of $45,656 to complete their Public Administration program here. Read more about University Of Phoenix Arizona
Indiana University Northwest placed #47 among Public Administration schools in the United States. Set in Gary, IN, Indiana University Northwest is a public institution. Indiana University Northwest posts a six-year graduation rate of 37%. In-state tuition and fees average $8,424, while out-of-state students pay about $22,811. Graduates carry a median of $26,434 in student loans. See the full Indiana University Northwest profile
University Of Illinois At Springfield placed #48 among Public Administration schools in the United States. University Of Illinois At Springfield is a public school based in Springfield, IL. University Of Illinois At Springfield graduates 52% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $12,557, with out-of-state students paying around $20,139. The median Public Administration program debt is $24,925. Read more about University Of Illinois At Springfield
Franklin University did well this year, earning the #49 position. Located in Columbus, OH, Franklin University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 3%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,577. Graduates carry a median of $35,890 in student loans. Get the full Franklin University report
Flagler College St Augustine landed the #50 spot in the United States this year. Flagler College St Augustine is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Augustine, FL. About 56% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $29,900 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $21,485 in student loans. Read more about Flagler College St Augustine
West Texas A And M University landed the #51 spot in the United States this year. Located in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 48%. In-state tuition and fees average $9,101, with out-of-state students paying around $10,996. The median Public Administration program debt is $24,798. See the full West Texas A And M University profile
Ashford University placed #52 among Public Administration schools in the United States. Set in San Diego, CA, Ashford University is a private for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 10%. Students from in state pay about $11,960 in tuition and fees. Ashford University Public Administration students take on a median of $41,250 in debt. More on Ashford University
Hawaii Pacific University came in at #53 in this year's ranking. Set in Honolulu, HI, Hawaii Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 35% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,392. Graduates carry a median of $25,385 in student loans. See the full Hawaii Pacific University profile
Related Public Administration Rankings
See rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Public Administration Schools (All Levels)
- Best Public Administration Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Public Administration Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Public Administration Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Public Administration Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Public Administration Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Public Administration Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 501 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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