2026 Best Value Public Administration Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Public Administration graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 501 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor analyzed schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Public Administration Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Our analysis found Columbia Southern University to be the best-value Public Administration school in the United States. Based in Orange Beach, AL, Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $6,224 in tuition and fees. Columbia Southern University Public Administration students take on a median of $25,447 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,534. Set against $25,447 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Columbia Southern University
You'll get strong value at Minnesota State University Mankato, which ranked #2 this year. Based in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Administration student debt is $25,260. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on Minnesota State University Mankato
Out of the 501 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of South Dakota landed the #3 spot. University Of South Dakota is a public school based in Vermillion, SD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,432, compared with $12,942 for out-of-state students. The median Public Administration program debt is $26,322. University Of South Dakota alumni report median earnings of $51,926 a decade after entry. Set against $26,322 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of South Dakota
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus earned it the #4 place in the United States. Based in Teaneck, NJ, Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,010. Graduates carry a median of $24,770 in student loans. Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,273 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Liberty University earned it the #5 place in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lynchburg, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,173. Graduates carry a median of $27,414 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,813. That is a strong return on a $27,414 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%. Read the full report on Liberty University
University Of North Dakota landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,552. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of North Dakota report
Seattle University offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Seattle, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $56,721. Typical Public Administration student debt is $22,289. Seattle University alumni report median earnings of $75,272 a decade after entry. Set against $22,289 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Seattle University admits about 77% of applicants. See the full Seattle University profile
Walden University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Walden University is a private for-profit school based in Minneapolis, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,067. Walden University Public Administration students take on a median of $49,361 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,810. Set against $49,361 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Walden University
Villanova University offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Villanova University is a private not-for-profit school based in Villanova, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,776. Typical Public Administration student debt is $26,184. Villanova University alumni report median earnings of $100,423 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,184 median debt. Villanova University has an acceptance rate of 27%. Read the full report on Villanova University
Kansas State University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Set in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,221 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,568 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Administration student debt is $23,546. Median earnings reach $57,262 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Kansas State University admits about 82% of applicants. More on Kansas State University
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in West Chester, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,775, while out-of-state students pay about $22,599. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $61,258 a decade after entry. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. See the full West Chester University Of Pennsylvania profile
Wichita State University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Wichita, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,684, while out-of-state students pay about $19,869. Wichita State University Public Administration students take on a median of $24,262 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,532. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Wichita State University has an acceptance rate of 94%. Get the full Wichita State University report
University Of Illinois At Springfield placed #13 among the best-value Public Administration schools in the United States. This public school is set in Springfield, IL. Students from in state pay about $12,557 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,139 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,925 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,103 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,925 median debt. University Of Illinois At Springfield admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Springfield
University Of Nebraska At Omaha came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Set in Omaha, NE, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,718, while out-of-state students pay about $23,206. Graduates carry a median of $21,783 in student loans. University Of Nebraska At Omaha alumni report median earnings of $53,909 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Nebraska At Omaha admits about 87% of applicants. More on University Of Nebraska At Omaha
California State University Northridge offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Set in Northridge, CA, California State University Northridge is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,458 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,058 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $37,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,115 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. Get the full California State University Northridge report
Clemson University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Set in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,554, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Administration student debt is $23,783. Median earnings reach $71,513 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Clemson University
Texas A And M University College Station offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Located in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Students borrow a median of $20,031 to complete their Public Administration program here. Texas A And M University College Station alumni report median earnings of $72,097 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,031 median debt. The acceptance rate is 57%. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile
California State University Long Beach placed #18 among the best-value Public Administration schools in the United States. Set in Long Beach, CA, California State University Long Beach is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,374 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,974. Students borrow a median of $15,671 to complete their Public Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,403 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Long Beach has an acceptance rate of 46%. Read the full report on California State University Long Beach
Golden Gate University San Francisco ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Administration schools. Golden Gate University San Francisco is a private not-for-profit school based in San Francisco, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,343. Golden Gate University San Francisco Public Administration students take on a median of $33,968 in debt. A decade after starting, 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
Belhaven University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Jackson, MS, Belhaven University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $30,250 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $34,181 in student loans. Median earnings reach $46,440 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Belhaven University has an acceptance rate of 50%. More on Belhaven University
Central Michigan University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. This public school is set in Mount Pleasant, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $15,480. Central Michigan University Public Administration students take on a median of $27,500 in debt. 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
Missouri State University Springfield offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Set in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,502, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. The median Public Administration program debt is $24,408. Missouri State University Springfield alumni report median earnings of $49,827 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Missouri State University Springfield has an acceptance rate of 90%. Get the full Missouri State University Springfield report
Western Kentucky University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Located in Bowling Green, KY, Western Kentucky University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,652 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $27,000. Graduates carry a median of $24,499 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,889. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Western Kentucky University
University Of Kansas offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Set in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,102, compared with $30,432 for out-of-state students. The median Public Administration program debt is $23,608. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,945. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Kansas has an acceptance rate of 94%. More on University Of Kansas
Bowie State University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Administration schools. Bowie State University is a public school based in Bowie, MD. Students from in state pay about $9,218 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,938 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $28,474 in student loans. Bowie State University alumni report median earnings of $54,537 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,474 median debt. Bowie State University has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read the full report on Bowie State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Public Administration Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Norwich University placed #26 among the best-value Public Administration schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Northfield, VT. In-state tuition and fees average $49,740. Graduates carry a median of $24,103 in student loans. Median earnings reach $65,575 ten years out. Set against $24,103 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Norwich University
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public school based in Minneapolis, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Students borrow a median of $21,577 to complete their Public Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,020 ten years after entry. Set against $21,577 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%. See the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities profile
East Carolina University landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Greenville, NC, East Carolina University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,361, with out-of-state students paying around $23,638. East Carolina University Public Administration students take on a median of $24,747 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,146. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Get the full East Carolina University report
Troy University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Administration schools. Set in Troy, AL, Troy University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,176, with out-of-state students paying around $20,352. Troy University Public Administration students take on a median of $26,439 in debt. Troy University alumni report median earnings of $42,062 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,439 median debt. Troy University has an acceptance rate of 96%. See the full Troy University profile
North Carolina State University At Raleigh landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Raleigh, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. Graduates carry a median of $22,113 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,758. Set against $22,113 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Carolina State University At Raleigh has an acceptance rate of 42%. More on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,698 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 55%. More on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Tennessee State University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Located in Nashville, TN, Tennessee State University is a public institution. 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,730. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Tennessee State University has an acceptance rate of 70%. Read the full report on Tennessee State University
University Of Alabama At Birmingham placed #33 among the best-value Public Administration schools in the United States. Located in Birmingham, AL, University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,098 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,562. University Of Alabama At Birmingham Public Administration students take on a median of $26,162 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,501. Set against $26,162 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full University Of Alabama At Birmingham profile
Indiana University Northwest ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Administration schools. Set in Gary, IN, Indiana University Northwest is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,424, with out-of-state students paying around $22,811. Students borrow a median of $26,434 to complete their Public Administration program here. Indiana University Northwest alumni report median earnings of $43,361 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,434 median debt. The acceptance rate is 73%. More on Indiana University Northwest
University Of Virginia Main Campus came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Set in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,118, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,627 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $86,863 ten years after entry. Set against $18,627 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Virginia Main Campus admits about 17% of applicants. Get the full University Of Virginia Main Campus report
University Of Arkansas At Little Rock came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Little Rock, AR. Students from in state pay about $9,911 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,721 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,093 in student loans. University Of Arkansas At Little Rock alumni report median earnings of $45,265 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 59%. Get the full University Of Arkansas At Little Rock report
University Of Nevada Las Vegas offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Set in Las Vegas, NV, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,748, compared with $27,411 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,181 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,037 ten years out. Set against $21,181 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nevada Las Vegas admits about 96% of applicants. Read more about University Of Nevada Las Vegas
University Of North Carolina At Greensboro landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Greensboro, NC, University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,661, compared with $24,012 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,977 in student loans. University Of North Carolina At Greensboro alumni report median earnings of $48,160 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full University Of North Carolina At Greensboro profile
The University Of Texas At Arlington landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Arlington, TX, The University Of Texas At Arlington is a public institution. 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,199. Set against $21,632 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Get the full The University Of Texas At Arlington report
University Of Missouri Columbia placed #41 among the best-value Public Administration schools in the United States. Based in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,818 to complete their Public Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,403 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Missouri Columbia
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte placed #42 among the best-value Public Administration schools in the United States. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public school based in Charlotte, NC. Students from in state pay about $7,239 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,492 for out-of-state students. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte Public Administration students take on a median of $24,673 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,289. Set against $24,673 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
Florida International University offered strong value this year, earning the #43 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. Graduates carry a median of $27,022 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,249. Set against $27,022 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Florida International University admits about 55% of applicants. Read more about Florida International University
Appalachian State University placed #43 among the best-value Public Administration schools in the United States. Set in Boone, NC, Appalachian State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,579, while out-of-state students pay about $25,212. The median Public Administration program debt is $21,992. Median earnings reach $51,836 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,992 median debt. Appalachian State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Get the full Appalachian State University report
Johns Hopkins University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit school based in Baltimore, MD. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,730. The median Public Administration program debt is $13,426. Median earnings reach $87,555 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 6% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Johns Hopkins University
Florida Gulf Coast University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Administration schools. Located in Fort Myers, FL, Florida Gulf Coast University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,118, with out-of-state students paying around $25,162. Typical Public Administration student debt is $20,015. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,560 ten years after entry. Set against $20,015 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 63% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Florida Gulf Coast University
Savannah State University placed #47 among the best-value Public Administration schools in the United States. Set in Savannah, GA, Savannah State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,750, compared with $19,043 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $31,576 to complete their Public Administration program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,981. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Savannah State University profile
University Of North Florida placed #48 among the best-value Public Administration schools in the United States. Located in Jacksonville, FL, University Of North Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,964, compared with $19,407 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,523 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,343. That is a strong return on a $18,523 median debt. University Of North Florida admits about 53% of applicants. See the full University Of North Florida profile
University Of Central Oklahoma came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Edmond, OK. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,818, compared with $19,704 for out-of-state students. University Of Central Oklahoma Public Administration students take on a median of $23,321 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,351 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Central Oklahoma admits about 78% of applicants. Get the full University Of Central Oklahoma report
Suny College At Buffalo offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. This public school is set in Buffalo, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,533, while out-of-state students pay about $19,653. Graduates carry a median of $25,257 in student loans. Median earnings reach $52,334 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,257 median debt. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Suny College At Buffalo
New York University came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. New York University is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,796. New York University Public Administration students take on a median of $21,897 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,509 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 9%. See the full New York University profile
Related Public Administration Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at 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 Bachelor’s 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. The methodology weighs 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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