2026 Best Value Public Administration Schools
Looking for the best-value Public Administration programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 501 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor analyzed schools to produce 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 Public Administration Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Columbia Southern University earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Set in Orange Beach, AL, Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,224. Typical Public Administration student debt is $25,447. Median earnings reach $63,534 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,447 median debt. More on Columbia Southern University
Colorado State University Global Campus came in at #2 on this year's best-value Public Administration ranking in the United States. Colorado State University Global Campus is a public school based in Denver, CO. Students from in state pay about $9,000 in tuition and fees. Colorado State University Global Campus Public Administration students take on a median of $31,361 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $76,813 ten years after entry. Set against $31,361 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Colorado State University Global Campus report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Brigham Young University Idaho earned it the #3 place in the United States. Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit school based in Rexburg, ID. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,800. The median Public Administration program debt is $13,287. Median earnings reach $53,406 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Idaho
A rank of #4 makes Western Carolina University one of the best values in the United States. Western Carolina University is a public school based in Cullowhee, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $4,630, compared with $8,630 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,375 in student loans. Median earnings reach $49,458 ten years out. Set against $18,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%. More on Western Carolina University
Minnesota State University Mankato came in at #4 on this year's best-value Public Administration ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Mankato, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Minnesota State University Mankato Public Administration students take on a median of $25,260 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,922. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full Minnesota State University Mankato profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of South Dakota earned it the #4 place in the United States. University Of South Dakota is a public school based in Vermillion, SD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,432, with out-of-state students paying around $12,942. Graduates carry a median of $26,322 in student loans. Median earnings reach $51,926 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,322 median debt. University Of South Dakota admits about 99% of applicants. More on University Of South Dakota
Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Based in Marion, IN, Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,648. Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global Public Administration students take on a median of $32,807 in debt. Median earnings reach $59,986 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $32,807 median debt. More on Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global
Metropolitan State University placed #8 among the best-value Public Administration schools in the United States. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Metropolitan State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,840. Graduates carry a median of $30,822 in student loans. Median earnings reach $64,705 ten years out. Set against $30,822 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. More on Metropolitan State University
Brigham Young University Provo placed #9 among the best-value Public Administration schools in the United States. Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit school based in Provo, UT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. Typical Public Administration student debt is $12,184. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,790. That is a strong return on a $12,184 median debt. Brigham Young University Provo has an acceptance rate of 68%. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Provo
Tyler Junior College came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Tyler Junior College is a public school based in Tyler, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,424, compared with $4,536 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,869 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,140. That is a strong return on a $14,869 median debt. Read the full report on Tyler Junior College
Hudson Valley Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Located in Troy, NY, Hudson Valley Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,796, while out-of-state students pay about $11,852. Graduates carry a median of $12,868 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,460. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Hudson Valley Community College
Anna Maria College offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Based in Paxton, MA, Anna Maria College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $44,571. Anna Maria College Public Administration students take on a median of $26,734 in debt. Anna Maria College alumni report median earnings of $46,651 a decade after entry. Set against $26,734 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Anna Maria College
American Public University System ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Administration schools. American Public University System is a private for-profit school based in Charles Town, WV. In-state tuition and fees average $8,400. The median Public Administration program debt is $23,438. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,409. Set against $23,438 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full American Public University System profile
Hamline University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Hamline University is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. Students from in state pay about $50,004 in tuition and fees. The median Public Administration program debt is $25,530. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,106. Set against $25,530 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Hamline University
Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Administration schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Teaneck, NJ. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,010. Students borrow a median of $24,770 to complete their Public Administration program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,273. That is a strong return on a $24,770 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%. See the full Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus profile
Drake University landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Drake University is a private not-for-profit school based in Des Moines, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $51,960. Graduates carry a median of $22,273 in student loans. Median earnings reach $71,901 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,273 median debt. Drake University has an acceptance rate of 64%. Get the full Drake University report
Winona State University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Winona State University is a public school based in Winona, MN. Students from in state pay about $10,576 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,308 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Administration student debt is $24,551. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,532. That is a strong return on a $24,551 median debt. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. More on Winona State University
Park University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Set in Parkville, MO, Park University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,116. The median Public Administration program debt is $22,112. Park University alumni report median earnings of $56,309 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,112 median debt. Get the full Park University report
Westfield State University placed #19 among the best-value Public Administration schools in the United States. Located in Westfield, MA, Westfield State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,179, compared with $18,259 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,910 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,346 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Westfield State University admits about 81% of applicants. Read the full report on Westfield State University
Walden University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Administration schools. Walden University is a private for-profit school based in Minneapolis, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,067. Graduates carry a median of $49,361 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,810. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Walden University report
University Of Maryland University College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Administration schools. Located in Adelphi, MD, University Of Maryland University College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,136, while out-of-state students pay about $12,336. Students borrow a median of $29,202 to complete their Public Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,287 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on University Of Maryland University College
Post University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Waterbury, CT, Post University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $15,922 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $35,364 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,696 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $35,364 median debt. Read the full report on Post University
Arizona State University Skysong offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. This public school is set in Scottsdale, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. The median Public Administration program debt is $23,742. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,742 median debt. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Arizona State University Skysong profile
Northern Illinois University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Administration schools. Based in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. The median Public Administration program debt is $25,209. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,808. That is a strong return on a $25,209 median debt. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Northern Illinois University
Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Set in Madison, NJ, Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,468. Typical Public Administration student debt is $24,701. Median earnings reach $57,273 ten years out. Set against $24,701 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. See the full Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Public Administration Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Saint Cloud State University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Set in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,245. Students borrow a median of $25,076 to complete their Public Administration program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,813. Set against $25,076 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Saint Cloud State University report
Marywood University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Administration schools. Located in Scranton, PA, Marywood University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $41,420 in tuition and fees. The median Public Administration program debt is $27,744. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,817. That is a strong return on a $27,744 median debt. About 61% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Marywood University profile
San Jose State University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in San Jose, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. San Jose State University alumni report median earnings of $78,988 a decade after entry. San Jose State University admits about 85% of applicants. More on San Jose State University
Marist College came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Located in Poughkeepsie, NY, Marist College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $47,620. Students borrow a median of $25,962 to complete their Public Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $77,819 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,962 median debt. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Marist College profile
University Of North Dakota came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. University Of North Dakota is a public school based in Grand Forks, ND. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,552. Set against $25,110 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of North Dakota
Youngstown State University came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Youngstown, OH. Students from in state pay about $9,926 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. The median Public Administration program debt is $26,373. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,544. That is a strong return on a $26,373 median debt. Youngstown State University has an acceptance rate of 84%. Get the full Youngstown State University report
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public school based in Edwardsville, IL. Students from in state pay about $12,092 in tuition and fees. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Public Administration students take on a median of $23,917 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,346. That is a strong return on a $23,917 median debt. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville admits about 98% of applicants. See the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville profile
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Based in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,775, while out-of-state students pay about $22,599. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,258 ten years after entry. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full West Chester University Of Pennsylvania report
Indian River State College placed #34 among the best-value Public Administration schools in the United States. Set in Fort Pierce, FL, Indian River State College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,764 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,201. The median Public Administration program debt is $10,492. Median earnings reach $38,315 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Indian River State College
Lindenwood University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Charles, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,600. Lindenwood University Public Administration students take on a median of $28,663 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,278. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Lindenwood University has an acceptance rate of 57%. Read more about Lindenwood University
West Texas A And M University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Administration schools. Set in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,101, while out-of-state students pay about $10,996. The median Public Administration program debt is $24,798. West Texas A And M University alumni report median earnings of $50,741 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,798 median debt. West Texas A And M University admits about 99% of applicants. Read more about West Texas A And M University
National University landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,284. Students borrow a median of $31,603 to complete their Public Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,548 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $31,603 median debt. More on National University
Bellevue University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Based in Bellevue, NE, Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,873. The median Public Administration program debt is $27,852. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,289 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Bellevue University
Seattle University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Administration schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Seattle, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $56,721. Seattle University Public Administration students take on a median of $22,289 in debt. Seattle University alumni report median earnings of $75,272 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,289 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%. Get the full Seattle University report
Delaware State University placed #40 among the best-value Public Administration schools in the United States. This public school is set in Dover, DE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,670, compared with $20,634 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Administration student debt is $26,333. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,307. That is a strong return on a $26,333 median debt. Roughly 47% of applicants are accepted. See the full Delaware State University profile
Grand Canyon University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Administration schools. This private for-profit school is set in Phoenix, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,508. The median Public Administration program debt is $30,027. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,186 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 79%. Read the full report on Grand Canyon University
Villanova University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Administration schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Villanova, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,776. Students borrow a median of $26,184 to complete their Public Administration program here. Villanova University alumni report median earnings of $100,423 a decade after entry. Set against $26,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 27%. Read the full report on Villanova University
Golden Gate University San Francisco landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in San Francisco, CA, Golden Gate University San Francisco is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,343. Golden Gate University San Francisco Public Administration students take on a median of $33,968 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $87,434. That is a strong return on a $33,968 median debt. Read more about Golden Gate University San Francisco
Aurora University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Based in Aurora, IL, Aurora University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $29,170. Students borrow a median of $24,507 to complete their Public Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,709 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%. See the full Aurora University profile
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Based in Shippensburg, PA, Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,570, compared with $15,824 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Administration student debt is $26,307. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,351. That is a strong return on a $26,307 median debt. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 86%. Get the full Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania report
Columbia College Missouri came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Columbia College Missouri is a private not-for-profit school based in Columbia, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,276. The median Public Administration program debt is $29,213. Columbia College Missouri alumni report median earnings of $45,378 a decade after entry. Set against $29,213 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Columbia College Missouri report
California State University Northridge came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Based in Northridge, CA, California State University Northridge is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,458, with out-of-state students paying around $20,058. California State University Northridge Public Administration students take on a median of $37,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,115. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. More on California State University Northridge
Arkansas State University Main Campus placed #48 among the best-value Public Administration schools in the United States. Located in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,090 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $14,522. Graduates carry a median of $23,399 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,617 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Arkansas State University Main Campus report
Southeast Missouri State University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Administration schools. Southeast Missouri State University is a public school based in Cape Girardeau, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,903. Southeast Missouri State University Public Administration students take on a median of $23,289 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,030. That is a strong return on a $23,289 median debt. Southeast Missouri State University admits about 74% of applicants. Read more about Southeast Missouri State University
California Baptist University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. California Baptist University is a private not-for-profit school based in Riverside, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $41,228. Typical Public Administration student debt is $39,244. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,504. Set against $39,244 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California Baptist University has an acceptance rate of 85%. See the full California Baptist University profile
Best Value Public Administration Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Value Public Administration Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Administration Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Administration Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Administration Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Administration Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Administration Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Administration Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled 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 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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