2026 Best Public Administration Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best Public Administration graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 501 schools 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 evaluated 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the leading schools below:
Our analysis found Johns Hopkins University to be the best Public Administration school in the United States. Based in Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit institution. Johns Hopkins University graduates 94% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,730. Graduates carry a median of $13,426 in student loans. More on Johns Hopkins University
You'll be in good company at University Of South Dakota, which ranked #2 this year. Based in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 60%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,432, while out-of-state students pay about $12,942. Typical Public Administration student debt is $26,322. Read more about University Of South Dakota
You'll be in good company at Northwestern University, which ranked #3 this year. Set in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 95% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $68,322 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. Get the full Northwestern University report
The strong Public Administration programs at Kansas State University earned it the #4 place in the United States. Kansas State University is a public school based in Manhattan, KS. Roughly 71% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,221, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. Kansas State University Public Administration students take on a median of $23,546 in debt. More on Kansas State University
The strong Public Administration programs at University Of North Dakota earned it the #5 place in the United States. Set in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. University Of North Dakota graduates 60% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,951, with out-of-state students paying around $15,570. Students borrow a median of $25,110 to complete their Public Administration program here. Read more about University Of North Dakota
Villanova University did well this year, earning the #6 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Villanova, PA. Villanova University posts a six-year graduation rate of 92%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,776. The median Public Administration program debt is $26,184. Get the full Villanova University report
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities placed #7 among Public Administration schools in the United States. Based in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities posts a six-year graduation rate of 85%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. Typical Public Administration student debt is $21,577. More on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
University Of Virginia Main Campus ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best Public Administration schools. Located in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. About 96% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $23,118, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. Graduates carry a median of $18,627 in student loans. See the full University Of Virginia Main Campus profile
Texas A And M University College Station did well this year, earning the #9 position. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. About 84% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $12,995 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Graduates carry a median of $20,031 in student loans. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile
Minnesota State University Mankato did well this year, earning the #10 position. Minnesota State University Mankato is a public school based in Mankato, MN. Minnesota State University Mankato graduates 54% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Typical Public Administration student debt is $25,260. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best Public Administration schools. Set in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 86%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University Public Administration students take on a median of $23,393 in debt. More on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Clemson University landed the #12 spot in the United States this year. Set in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. Roughly 87% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $15,554, with out-of-state students paying around $40,866. Clemson University Public Administration students take on a median of $23,783 in debt. Get the full Clemson University report
North Carolina State University At Raleigh did well this year, earning the #13 position. Located in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. North Carolina State University At Raleigh posts a six-year graduation rate of 85%. Students from in state pay about $8,799 in tuition and fees, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. North Carolina State University At Raleigh Public Administration students take on a median of $22,113 in debt. Read more about North Carolina State University At Raleigh
New York University came in at #14 in this year's ranking. Set in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 88% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $62,796. Typical Public Administration student debt is $21,897. Read more about New York University
University Of Kansas came in at #15 in this year's ranking. Based in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. University Of Kansas graduates 69% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,102, with out-of-state students paying around $30,432. Typical Public Administration student debt is $23,608. Read the full report on University Of Kansas
American University came in at #16 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. American University posts a six-year graduation rate of 76%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $58,771. Graduates carry a median of $24,139 in student loans. See the full American University profile
Florida Gulf Coast University landed the #17 spot in the United States this year. Based in Fort Myers, FL, Florida Gulf Coast University is a public institution. Florida Gulf Coast University graduates 57% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $6,118, while out-of-state students pay about $25,162. The median Public Administration program debt is $20,015. Read more about Florida Gulf Coast University
Seattle University landed the #18 spot in the United States this year. Set in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. Seattle University graduates 76% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $56,721. Graduates carry a median of $22,289 in student loans. See the full Seattle University profile
Syracuse University placed #19 among Public Administration schools in the United States. Set in Syracuse, NY, Syracuse University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,528. The median Public Administration program debt is $26,000. More on Syracuse University
Golden Gate University San Francisco came in at #20 in this year's ranking. Set in San Francisco, CA, Golden Gate University San Francisco is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,343. The median Public Administration program debt is $33,968. See the full Golden Gate University San Francisco profile
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania landed the #21 spot in the United States this year. Based in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Roughly 70% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $10,775 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,599. Read more about West Chester University Of Pennsylvania
California State University Northridge came in at #22 in this year's ranking. California State University Northridge is a public school based in Northridge, CA. California State University Northridge graduates 57% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,458, while out-of-state students pay about $20,058. Graduates carry a median of $37,500 in student loans. See the full California State University Northridge profile
Norwich University landed the #23 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Northfield, VT. Norwich University posts a six-year graduation rate of 60%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,740. Graduates carry a median of $24,103 in student loans. Read the full report on Norwich University
Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus came in at #24 in this year's ranking. Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus is a private not-for-profit school based in Teaneck, NJ. Roughly 54% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $37,010. Graduates carry a median of $24,770 in student loans. Get the full Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus report
University Of Missouri Columbia ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best Public Administration schools. Located in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. University Of Missouri Columbia graduates 75% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,837, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. Typical Public Administration student debt is $21,818. Read more about University Of Missouri Columbia
Rest of the Top 50 Best Public Administration Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s ranking:
University Of Illinois At Springfield ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best Public Administration schools. This public school is set in Springfield, IL. University Of Illinois At Springfield graduates 52% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,557, with out-of-state students paying around $20,139. The median Public Administration program debt is $24,925. Get the full University Of Illinois At Springfield report
University Of Nebraska At Omaha did well this year, earning the #27 position. Based in Omaha, NE, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 49%. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,718, compared with $23,206 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,783 to complete their Public Administration program here. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska At Omaha
Tennessee State University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best Public Administration schools. Based in Nashville, TN, Tennessee State University is a public institution. Roughly 35% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,616, while out-of-state students pay about $22,416. Students borrow a median of $29,489 to complete their Public Administration program here. More on Tennessee State University
Wichita State University did well this year, earning the #29 position. This public school is set in Wichita, KS. Wichita State University graduates 51% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $9,684 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,869. Typical Public Administration student debt is $24,262. More on Wichita State University
California State University Long Beach did well this year, earning the #30 position. Set in Long Beach, CA, California State University Long Beach is a public institution. California State University Long Beach graduates 69% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $7,374, while out-of-state students pay about $19,974. Typical Public Administration student debt is $15,671. Get the full California State University Long Beach report
George Mason University came in at #31 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Fairfax, VA. Roughly 68% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $14,220 in tuition and fees, compared with $38,688 for out-of-state students. George Mason University Public Administration students take on a median of $20,106 in debt. More on George Mason University
Indiana University Bloomington landed the #32 spot in the United States this year. Based in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,144, while out-of-state students pay about $41,891. Graduates carry a median of $20,731 in student loans. Get the full Indiana University Bloomington report
East Carolina University placed #33 among Public Administration schools in the United States. This public school is set in Greenville, NC. East Carolina University graduates 63% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $7,361 in tuition and fees, compared with $23,638 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Administration student debt is $24,747. Get the full East Carolina University report
Western Kentucky University came in at #34 in this year's ranking. Set in Bowling Green, KY, Western Kentucky University is a public institution. Western Kentucky University graduates 58% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,652, compared with $27,000 for out-of-state students. Western Kentucky University Public Administration students take on a median of $24,499 in debt. Read more about Western Kentucky University
The University Of Texas At Arlington placed #35 among Public Administration schools in the United States. The University Of Texas At Arlington is a public school based in Arlington, TX. The University Of Texas At Arlington graduates 54% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $11,950, compared with $29,582 for out-of-state students. The median Public Administration program debt is $21,632. Get the full The University Of Texas At Arlington report
University Of Nevada Las Vegas placed #36 among Public Administration schools in the United States. Set in Las Vegas, NV, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public institution. About 50% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,748, with out-of-state students paying around $27,411. The median Public Administration program debt is $21,181. Read the full report on University Of Nevada Las Vegas
Florida International University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best Public Administration schools. Based in Miami, FL, Florida International University is a public institution. About 74% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $6,565 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,964. Graduates carry a median of $27,022 in student loans. Read more about Florida International University
Virginia Commonwealth University landed the #38 spot in the United States this year. Based in Richmond, VA, Virginia Commonwealth University is a public institution. Roughly 63% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,720, compared with $39,884 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,813 in student loans. Get the full Virginia Commonwealth University report
Appalachian State University came in at #39 in this year's ranking. Appalachian State University is a public school based in Boone, NC. The six-year graduation rate is 74%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,579, with out-of-state students paying around $25,212. Typical Public Administration student debt is $21,992. More on Appalachian State University
University Of Missouri St Louis did well this year, earning the #40 position. University Of Missouri St Louis is a public school based in Saint Louis, MO. University Of Missouri St Louis graduates 57% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,120, with out-of-state students paying around $37,620. Graduates carry a median of $25,943 in student loans. Get the full University Of Missouri St Louis report
The University Of Texas At Dallas landed the #41 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Richardson, TX. Roughly 76% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,644, compared with $40,144 for out-of-state students. The University Of Texas At Dallas Public Administration students take on a median of $17,961 in debt. See the full The University Of Texas At Dallas profile
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro placed #42 among Public Administration schools in the United States. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a public school based in Greensboro, NC. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro graduates 56% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $7,661, while out-of-state students pay about $24,012. The median Public Administration program debt is $24,977. See the full University Of North Carolina At Greensboro profile
University Of Alabama At Birmingham landed the #43 spot in the United States this year. Set in Birmingham, AL, University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a public institution. About 64% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,098, compared with $22,562 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,162 in student loans. More on University Of Alabama At Birmingham
Central Michigan University placed #44 among Public Administration schools in the United States. 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. Central Michigan University Public Administration students take on a median of $27,500 in debt. See the full Central Michigan University profile
Ohio State University Main Campus placed #45 among Public Administration schools in the United States. Ohio State University Main Campus is a public school based in Columbus, OH. The six-year graduation rate is 88%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,244, while out-of-state students pay about $40,022. Ohio State University Main Campus Public Administration students take on a median of $21,887 in debt. More on Ohio State University Main Campus
Auburn University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best Public Administration schools. Located in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. Auburn University graduates 82% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $12,890 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $34,922. Graduates carry a median of $22,803 in student loans. Read the full report on Auburn University
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis did well this year, earning the #48 position. Located in Indianapolis, IN, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a public institution. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis posts a six-year graduation rate of 54%. Students from in state pay about $10,762 in tuition and fees, compared with $34,891 for out-of-state students. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis Public Administration students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Read the full report on Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
Eastern Washington University came in at #49 in this year's ranking. Based in Cheney, WA, Eastern Washington University is a public institution. About 44% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $8,586, with out-of-state students paying around $26,583. Typical Public Administration student debt is $21,754. See the full Eastern Washington University profile
Indiana University Northwest ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best Public Administration schools. Indiana University Northwest is a public school based in Gary, IN. Indiana University Northwest posts a six-year graduation rate of 37%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,424, with out-of-state students paying around $22,811. Graduates carry a median of $26,434 in student loans. Read the full report on Indiana University Northwest
Suny College At Buffalo came in at #51 in this year's ranking. Set in Buffalo, NY, Suny College At Buffalo is a public institution. Roughly 33% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $8,533, with out-of-state students paying around $19,653. Graduates carry a median of $25,257 in student loans. See the full Suny College At Buffalo 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Public Administration Master’s Degree Schools
- Best 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 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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