2026 Best Value Public Administration Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Public Administration bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 501 schools 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 help you make your decision, Course Advisor reviewed 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 Public Administration Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is Colorado State University Global Campus, our #1 best-value Public Administration school in the United States. Set in Denver, CO, Colorado State University Global Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,000. Graduates carry a median of $31,361 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $76,813 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. See the full Colorado State University Global Campus profile
Out of the 501 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Brigham Young University Idaho landed the #2 spot. This private not-for-profit school is set in Rexburg, ID. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,800. Students borrow a median of $13,287 to complete their Public Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,406 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Idaho admits about 96% of applicants. See the full Brigham Young University Idaho profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Western Carolina University earned it the #3 place in the United States. Set in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University is a public institution. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,458. Set against $18,375 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%. Get the full Western Carolina University report
Out of the 501 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Winona State University landed the #4 spot. Set in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,576, with out-of-state students paying around $17,308. The median Public Administration program debt is $24,551. Median earnings reach $58,532 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,551 median debt. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Winona State University profile
National University came in at #5 on this year's best-value Public Administration ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,284. Typical Public Administration student debt is $31,603. National University alumni report median earnings of $67,548 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on National University
University Of North Dakota ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Administration schools. Located in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,951 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. Graduates carry a median of $25,110 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,552. Set against $25,110 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of North Dakota
University Of Maryland University College came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Based in Adelphi, MD, University Of Maryland University College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,136, compared with $12,336 for out-of-state students. The median Public Administration program debt is $29,202. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,287. That is a strong return on a $29,202 median debt. Read the full report on University Of Maryland University College
Park University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Administration schools. Located in Parkville, MO, Park University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $12,116 in tuition and fees. The median Public Administration program debt is $22,112. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,309. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Park University profile
University Of Phoenix Arizona ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Administration schools. Based in Phoenix, AZ, University Of Phoenix Arizona is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,552. The median Public Administration program debt is $45,656. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,752. That is a strong return on a $45,656 median debt. More on University Of Phoenix Arizona
Franklin University placed #10 among the best-value Public Administration schools in the United States. Located in Columbus, OH, Franklin University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,577. Students borrow a median of $35,890 to complete their Public Administration program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,892. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Franklin University
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. Located in Shippensburg, PA, Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,570, with out-of-state students paying around $15,824. The median Public Administration program debt is $26,307. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,351. Set against $26,307 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 86%. See the full Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania profile
Youngstown State University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Set in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,926 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. Youngstown State University Public Administration students take on a median of $26,373 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,544. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Youngstown State University report
California State University Northridge ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Administration schools. This public school is set in Northridge, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $7,458, while out-of-state students pay about $20,058. California State University Northridge Public Administration students take on a median of $37,500 in debt. California State University Northridge alumni report median earnings of $59,115 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $37,500 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Get the full California State University Northridge report
Indian River State College offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Set in Fort Pierce, FL, Indian River State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,764, while out-of-state students pay about $10,201. Students borrow a median of $10,492 to complete their Public Administration program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,315. Set against $10,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Indian River State College
West Texas A And M University placed #15 among the best-value Public Administration schools in the United States. Based in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,101 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,996. Graduates carry a median of $24,798 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,741. Set against $24,798 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. West Texas A And M University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read more about West Texas A And M University
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania placed #16 among the best-value Public Administration schools in the United States. Located in Kutztown, PA, Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,206, with out-of-state students paying around $16,330. Typical Public Administration student debt is $26,867. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,775. That is a strong return on a $26,867 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%. See the full Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania profile
Walden University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. This private for-profit school is set in Minneapolis, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $11,067. Students borrow a median of $49,361 to complete their Public Administration program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,810. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Walden University
Columbia College Missouri ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Administration schools. Columbia College Missouri is a private not-for-profit school based in Columbia, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $12,276. The median Public Administration program debt is $29,213. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,378 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,213 median debt. More on Columbia College Missouri
Central Michigan University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Administration schools. Set in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,480. Graduates carry a median of $27,500 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,874. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. Get the full Central Michigan University report
University Of Northern Iowa offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Located in Cedar Falls, IA, University Of Northern Iowa is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,936, compared with $21,712 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Administration student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,177. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Northern Iowa
Mount Vernon Nazarene University placed #21 among the best-value Public Administration schools in the United States. Based in Mount Vernon, OH, Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $27,193. Mount Vernon Nazarene University Public Administration students take on a median of $26,602 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,555 ten years after entry. Set against $26,602 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Ashford University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Set in San Diego, CA, Ashford University is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,960. The median Public Administration program debt is $41,250. Median earnings reach $35,404 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Ashford University
California State University Bakersfield came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Located in Bakersfield, CA, California State University Bakersfield is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,087, with out-of-state students paying around $20,687. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,009. California State University Bakersfield has an acceptance rate of 94%. Read more about California State University Bakersfield
University Of Wisconsin La Crosse landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in La Crosse, WI, University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,070, compared with $19,517 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse Public Administration students take on a median of $20,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,378. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. More on University Of Wisconsin La Crosse
Tarleton State University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Stephenville, TX, Tarleton State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,302, while out-of-state students pay about $18,142. Students borrow a median of $23,222 to complete their Public Administration program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,040. That is a strong return on a $23,222 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on Tarleton State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Public Administration Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Henderson State University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Administration schools. Set in Arkadelphia, AR, Henderson State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,244 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,620. The median Public Administration program debt is $23,234. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,459. Set against $23,234 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Henderson State University
Liberty University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lynchburg, VA. Students from in state pay about $16,173 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,414 to complete their Public Administration program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,813. Set against $27,414 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Liberty University admits about 99% of applicants. More on Liberty University
Stephen F Austin State University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Nacogdoches, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,128, while out-of-state students pay about $20,968. Stephen F Austin State University Public Administration students take on a median of $24,759 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,634. That is a strong return on a $24,759 median debt. Stephen F Austin State University admits about 94% of applicants. Get the full Stephen F Austin State University report
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Administration schools. Based in Whitewater, WI, University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,616, with out-of-state students paying around $18,716. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater Public Administration students take on a median of $27,187 in debt. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater alumni report median earnings of $55,356 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Wisconsin Whitewater profile
Florida Atlantic University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Administration schools. Located in Boca Raton, FL, Florida Atlantic University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,879, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. The median Public Administration program debt is $19,804. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,746 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,804 median debt. The acceptance rate is 66%. Get the full Florida Atlantic University report
Eastern Michigan University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Eastern Michigan University is a public school based in Ypsilanti, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,990. Typical Public Administration student debt is $28,781. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,793 ten years after entry. Set against $28,781 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Eastern Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 80%. Read more about Eastern Michigan University
University Of Wisconsin Green Bay ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Administration schools. Set in Green Bay, WI, University Of Wisconsin Green Bay is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,700, compared with $17,288 for out-of-state students. The median Public Administration program debt is $24,477. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,528. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Green Bay
Cuny Medgar Evers College landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Brooklyn, NY. Students from in state pay about $7,352 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,302. Typical Public Administration student debt is $19,187. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,498. Set against $19,187 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny Medgar Evers College has an acceptance rate of 86%. More on Cuny Medgar Evers College
Cleveland State University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Set in Cleveland, OH, Cleveland State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,982, with out-of-state students paying around $18,502. Students borrow a median of $26,336 to complete their Public Administration program here. Median earnings reach $52,131 ten years out. Set against $26,336 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. See the full Cleveland State University profile
Florida International University offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Located in Miami, FL, Florida International University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,565, compared with $18,964 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Administration student debt is $27,022. Median earnings reach $60,249 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 55%. See the full Florida International University profile
Northern Arizona University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. This public school is set in Flagstaff, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,619, while out-of-state students pay about $20,044. The median Public Administration program debt is $21,645. Median earnings reach $54,384 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,645 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full Northern Arizona University profile
University Of Illinois At Springfield placed #38 among the best-value Public Administration schools in the United States. Located in Springfield, IL, University Of Illinois At Springfield is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,557, compared with $20,139 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Administration student debt is $24,925. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,103. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. See the full University Of Illinois At Springfield profile
Kentucky State University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Administration schools. Located in Frankfort, KY, Kentucky State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,387, with out-of-state students paying around $13,578. Kentucky State University Public Administration students take on a median of $29,774 in debt. Median earnings reach $36,382 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $29,774 median debt. Kentucky State University admits about 96% of applicants. Get the full Kentucky State University report
St Petersburg College landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in St. Petersburg, FL, St Petersburg College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,682, with out-of-state students paying around $9,286. The median Public Administration program debt is $31,809. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,557. That is a strong return on a $31,809 median debt. See the full St Petersburg College profile
Washburn University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Set in Topeka, KS, Washburn University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,945, while out-of-state students pay about $20,949. Typical Public Administration student debt is $21,175. Washburn University alumni report median earnings of $49,774 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Washburn University profile
Saginaw Valley State University landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in University Center, MI, Saginaw Valley State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,930, with out-of-state students paying around $30,450. The median Public Administration program debt is $28,091. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,955. That is a strong return on a $28,091 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%. More on Saginaw Valley State University
Harding University offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Based in Searcy, AR, Harding University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $25,962. Typical Public Administration student debt is $26,715. Median earnings reach $52,876 ten years out. Set against $26,715 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Harding University has an acceptance rate of 70%. More on Harding University
Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in New York, NY. Students from in state pay about $7,470 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,420. Graduates carry a median of $13,895 in student loans. Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice alumni report median earnings of $56,195 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,895 median debt. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. See the full Cuny John Jay College Of Criminal Justice profile
Grand Valley State University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Grand Valley State University is a public school based in Allendale, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $15,502, while out-of-state students pay about $21,894. The median Public Administration program debt is $25,697. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,118. That is a strong return on a $25,697 median debt. The acceptance rate is 83%. See the full Grand Valley State University profile
California State University Fullerton landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Fullerton, CA, California State University Fullerton is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,470, with out-of-state students paying around $20,070. California State University Fullerton Public Administration students take on a median of $13,273 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,951. That is a strong return on a $13,273 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on California State University Fullerton
Indiana University Northwest landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Gary, IN, Indiana University Northwest is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,424, while out-of-state students pay about $22,811. Typical Public Administration student debt is $26,434. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,361. That is a strong return on a $26,434 median debt. Indiana University Northwest has an acceptance rate of 73%. More on Indiana University Northwest
University Of Missouri St Louis came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. University Of Missouri St Louis is a public school based in Saint Louis, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Median earnings reach $53,037 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,943 median debt. About 63% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Missouri St Louis
Barry University landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Miami, FL, Barry University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,350. Students borrow a median of $25,728 to complete their Public Administration program here. Median earnings reach $55,966 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,728 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Barry University
San Diego State University placed #52 among the best-value Public Administration schools in the United States. Set in San Diego, CA, San Diego State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,728, while out-of-state students pay about $21,328. Typical Public Administration student debt is $15,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,909. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 36%. More on San Diego State University
Flagler College St Augustine came in at #52 in this year's value ranking. Set in Saint Augustine, FL, Flagler College St Augustine is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $29,900. The median Public Administration program debt is $21,485. Median earnings reach $49,483 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Flagler College St Augustine has an acceptance rate of 81%. More on Flagler College St Augustine
Related Public Administration Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Public Administration Schools (All Levels)
- 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Administration Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Administration Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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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