2026 Best Value Public Administration Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Public Administration master’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. The rankings below weigh 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 evaluated 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Columbia Southern University tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Public Administration master's degree schools in the United States. Based in Orange Beach, AL, Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,224. Graduates carry a median of $25,447 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, 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
Out of the 501 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #2 spot. Set in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. The median Public Administration program debt is $25,260. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato
A rank of #3 makes University Of South Dakota one of the best values in the United States. Set in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,432, compared with $12,942 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Administration student debt is $26,322. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,926. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of South Dakota
You'll get strong value at Metropolitan State University, which ranked #4 this year. This public school is set in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $9,840. Typical Public Administration student debt is $30,822. Median earnings reach $64,705 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $30,822 median debt. Metropolitan State University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Get the full Metropolitan State University report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Brigham Young University Provo earned it the #5 place in the United States. Based in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. Graduates carry a median of $12,184 in student loans. Median earnings reach $75,790 ten years out. Set against $12,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Provo has an acceptance rate of 68%. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo
Anna Maria College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Administration schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Paxton, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,571. Students borrow a median of $26,734 to complete their Public Administration program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,651. Set against $26,734 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 50%. More on Anna Maria College
American Public University System ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Administration schools. Located in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,400. American Public University System Public Administration students take on a median of $23,438 in debt. Median earnings reach $44,409 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,438 median debt. Read the full report on American Public University System
Hamline University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Administration schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $50,004. Typical Public Administration student debt is $25,530. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,106. That is a strong return on a $25,530 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Hamline University
Park University offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Set in Parkville, MO, Park University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,116. Graduates carry a median of $22,112 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,309 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Park University
Drake University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Set in Des Moines, IA, Drake University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $51,960. Students borrow a median of $22,273 to complete their Public Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,901 ten years after entry. Set against $22,273 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Drake University admits about 64% of applicants. Get the full Drake University report
Westfield State University placed #11 among the best-value Public Administration schools in the United States. Westfield State University is a public school based in Westfield, MA. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,346. That is a strong return on a $25,910 median debt. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Westfield State University
Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Located in Teaneck, NJ, Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $37,010 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,770 to complete their Public Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,273 ten years after entry. Set against $24,770 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus admits about 91% of applicants. Read more about Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus
Post University placed #12 among the best-value Public Administration schools in the United States. Set in Waterbury, CT, Post University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,922. Students borrow a median of $35,364 to complete their Public Administration program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,696. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Post University profile
Arizona State University Skysong placed #14 among the best-value Public Administration schools in the United States. This public school is set in Scottsdale, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,742 to complete their Public Administration program here. 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. Get the full Arizona State University Skysong report
Northern Illinois University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Administration schools. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,060. The median Public Administration program debt is $25,209. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Northern Illinois University
Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham placed #16 among the best-value Public Administration schools in the United States. Based 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. Graduates carry a median of $24,701 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,273. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham report
Saint Cloud State University landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,245. Graduates carry a median of $25,076 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,813 ten years out. Set against $25,076 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Cloud State University has an acceptance rate of 95%. More on Saint Cloud State University
Seattle University offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. 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. Set against $22,289 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Seattle University
San Jose State University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Located in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,988. The acceptance rate is 85%. Get the full San Jose State University report
Marywood University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Set in Scranton, PA, Marywood University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $41,420. The median Public Administration program debt is $27,744. Median earnings reach $55,817 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Marywood University admits about 61% of applicants. More on Marywood University
Marist College placed #21 among the best-value Public Administration schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Poughkeepsie, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $47,620. The median Public Administration program debt is $25,962. Median earnings reach $77,819 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,962 median debt. Marist College admits about 56% of applicants. Get the full Marist College report
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Located in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,092. Students borrow a median of $23,917 to complete their Public Administration program here. Median earnings reach $56,346 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. More on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Walden University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,067. Walden University Public Administration students take on a median of $49,361 in debt. Median earnings reach $42,810 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Walden University
Lindenwood University placed #24 among the best-value Public Administration schools in the United States. Located in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,600. Graduates carry a median of $28,663 in student loans. Lindenwood University alumni report median earnings of $53,278 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. See the full Lindenwood University profile
California Baptist University placed #25 among the best-value Public Administration schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Riverside, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,228. Students borrow a median of $39,244 to complete their Public Administration program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,504. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California Baptist University has an acceptance rate of 85%. See the full California Baptist University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Public Administration Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Bellevue University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Bellevue, NE, Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $12,873 in tuition and fees. The median Public Administration program debt is $27,852. Bellevue University alumni report median earnings of $61,289 a decade after entry. Set against $27,852 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Bellevue University
Delaware State University landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Dover, DE, Delaware State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,670, with out-of-state students paying around $20,634. The median Public Administration program debt is $26,333. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,307. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Delaware State University admits about 47% of applicants. Read the full report on Delaware State University
Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Administration schools. Located in Marion, IN, Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,648. Students borrow a median of $32,807 to complete their Public Administration program here. Median earnings reach $59,986 ten years out. Set against $32,807 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global profile
Grand Canyon University placed #29 among the best-value Public Administration schools in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in Phoenix, AZ. Students from in state pay about $18,508 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $30,027 in student loans. Median earnings reach $42,186 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Grand Canyon University admits about 79% of applicants. Read the full report on Grand Canyon University
Golden Gate University San Francisco placed #30 among the best-value Public Administration schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Francisco, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,343. The median Public Administration program debt is $33,968. Graduates go on to earn a median of $87,434 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $33,968 median debt. Get the full Golden Gate University San Francisco report
National University came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Located in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $13,284 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $31,603 in student loans. Median earnings reach $67,548 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $31,603 median debt. More on National University
Aurora University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Aurora University is a private not-for-profit school based in Aurora, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $29,170. Typical Public Administration student debt is $24,507. Aurora University alumni report median earnings of $58,709 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,507 median debt. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Aurora University profile
Villanova University landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,776. Villanova University Public Administration students take on a median of $26,184 in debt. Villanova University alumni report median earnings of $100,423 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,184 median debt. The acceptance rate is 27%. See the full Villanova University profile
University Of North Dakota offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Located in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. Typical Public Administration student debt is $25,110. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,552. That is a strong return on a $25,110 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of North Dakota report
Arkansas State University Main Campus came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Jonesboro, AR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,090, compared with $14,522 for out-of-state students. The median Public Administration program debt is $23,399. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,617 ten years after entry. Set against $23,399 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read the full report on Arkansas State University Main Campus
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania placed #35 among the best-value Public Administration schools in the United States. Set in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on West Chester University Of Pennsylvania
Southeast Missouri State University placed #37 among the best-value Public Administration schools in the United States. This public school is set in Cape Girardeau, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,903. Graduates carry a median of $23,289 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,030. Set against $23,289 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 74%. Read more about Southeast Missouri State University
Lamar University placed #38 among the best-value Public Administration schools in the United States. This public school is set in Beaumont, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,905, compared with $18,745 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,988 in student loans. Lamar University alumni report median earnings of $49,652 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Lamar University report
California State University Northridge ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Administration schools. 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. Students borrow a median of $37,500 to complete their Public Administration program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,115. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Northridge has an acceptance rate of 93%. Read the full report on California State University Northridge
California State University Fresno landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Fresno, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,341, compared with $19,941 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,598 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,244. That is a strong return on a $15,598 median debt. The acceptance rate is 95%. Read more about California State University Fresno
California State University Sacramento offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. California State University Sacramento is a public school based in Sacramento, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,018, while out-of-state students pay about $20,618. Typical Public Administration student debt is $17,492. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,876 ten years after entry. Set against $17,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%. See the full California State University Sacramento profile
University Of Nebraska At Omaha landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Omaha, NE, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,718 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $23,206. The median Public Administration program debt is $21,783. Median earnings reach $53,909 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,783 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%. Read more about University Of Nebraska At Omaha
Indiana University South Bend placed #43 among the best-value Public Administration schools in the United States. Located in South Bend, IN, Indiana University South Bend is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,424, compared with $22,811 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,640 to complete their Public Administration program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,947. That is a strong return on a $24,640 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. More on Indiana University South Bend
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Administration schools. Based in Shippensburg, PA, Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,570, while out-of-state students pay about $15,824. The median Public Administration program debt is $26,307. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $56,351 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,307 median debt. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania admits about 86% of applicants. Get the full Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania report
Clemson University placed #45 among the best-value Public Administration schools in the United States. This public school is set in Clemson, SC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,554, while out-of-state students pay about $40,866. Students borrow a median of $23,783 to complete their Public Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,513 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Clemson University has an acceptance rate of 38%. Get the full Clemson University report
Liberty University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lynchburg, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,173. Students borrow a median of $27,414 to complete their Public Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,813 ten years after entry. Set against $27,414 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Liberty University admits about 99% of applicants. See the full Liberty University profile
California State University Bakersfield ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Administration schools. California State University Bakersfield is a public school based in Bakersfield, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,087, with out-of-state students paying around $20,687. Median earnings reach $59,009 ten years out. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full California State University Bakersfield report
The University Of Texas Pan American offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Set in Edinburg, TX, The University Of Texas Pan American is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,799, with out-of-state students paying around $19,645. Students borrow a median of $14,694 to complete their Public Administration program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,620. Set against $14,694 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full The University Of Texas Pan American report
University Of La Verne landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of La Verne is a private not-for-profit school based in La Verne, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,470. Students borrow a median of $29,333 to complete their Public Administration program here. Median earnings reach $65,464 ten years out. Set against $29,333 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of La Verne admits about 71% of applicants. Read more about University Of La Verne
Augusta University came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Augusta University is a public school based in Augusta, GA. Students from in state pay about $8,414 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,734 for out-of-state students. The median Public Administration program debt is $25,745. Median earnings reach $48,472 ten years out. Set against $25,745 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Augusta University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read the full report on Augusta University
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 Graduate Certificate 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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