2026 Best Value Public Policy Schools
Looking for the best-value Public Policy programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 248 institutions 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 build 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 Policy Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Brigham Young University Provo tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Public Policy programs schools 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. The median Public Policy program debt is $12,184. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,790. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Provo has an acceptance rate of 68%. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo
You'll get strong value at Park University, which ranked #2 this year. Park University is a private not-for-profit school based in Parkville, MO. Students from in state pay about $12,116 in tuition and fees. Park University Public Policy students take on a median of $22,112 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,309. Set against $22,112 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Park University report
You'll get strong value at American Public University System, which ranked #3 this year. Located in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,400. Graduates carry a median of $23,438 in student loans. Median earnings reach $44,409 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about American Public University System
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of North Dakota earned it the #4 place in the United States. 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, compared with $15,570 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,110 to complete their Public Policy program here. Median earnings reach $63,552 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,110 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%. See the full University Of North Dakota profile
Out of the 248 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Arizona State University Skysong landed the #5 spot. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Students borrow a median of $22,341 to complete their Public Policy program here. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Set against $22,341 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University Skysong has an acceptance rate of 67%. More on Arizona State University Skysong
Capella University placed #6 among the best-value Public Policy schools in the United States. Capella University is a private for-profit school based in Minneapolis, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,400. The median Public Policy program debt is $35,998. Capella University alumni report median earnings of $42,189 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Capella University
University Of California Berkeley landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. University Of California Berkeley Public Policy students take on a median of $14,238 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,446. Set against $14,238 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Berkeley has an acceptance rate of 11%. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile
Salem State University placed #8 among the best-value Public Policy schools in the United States. Salem State University is a public school based in Salem, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $12,338, with out-of-state students paying around $19,531. Graduates carry a median of $27,176 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,662 ten years out. Set against $27,176 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Salem State University has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read the full report on Salem State University
Central Michigan University placed #10 among the best-value Public Policy schools in the United States. This public school is set in Mount Pleasant, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,480. Students borrow a median of $27,857 to complete their Public Policy program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,874. Set against $27,857 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full Central Michigan University profile
Liberty University offered strong value this year, earning the #11 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lynchburg, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,173. Liberty University Public Policy students take on a median of $27,414 in debt. Median earnings reach $44,813 ten years out. Set against $27,414 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Liberty University
Missouri State University Springfield landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Springfield, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $9,502, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. The median Public Policy program debt is $24,408. Median earnings reach $49,827 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Missouri State University Springfield
Clemson University placed #13 among the best-value Public Policy schools in the United States. This public school is set in Clemson, SC. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,554, while out-of-state students pay about $40,866. Graduates carry a median of $23,783 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,513 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,783 median debt. Clemson University admits about 38% of applicants. Read the full report on Clemson University
Ohio University Main Campus placed #14 among the best-value Public Policy schools in the United States. Ohio University Main Campus is a public school based in Athens, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $14,158, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. Typical Public Policy student debt is $24,546. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,581. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Ohio University Main Campus
The University Of Texas At Austin ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Policy schools. This public school is set in Austin, TX. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Graduates carry a median of $21,275 in student loans. Median earnings reach $75,121 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,275 median debt. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin
Elizabethtown College landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Elizabethtown, PA, Elizabethtown College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,950. Typical Public Policy student debt is $26,599. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,399. Set against $26,599 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Elizabethtown College admits about 78% of applicants. Get the full Elizabethtown College report
Loma Linda University placed #17 among the best-value Public Policy schools in the United States. Set in Loma Linda, CA, Loma Linda University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $29,960. Loma Linda University Public Policy students take on a median of $25,094 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $89,816. That is a strong return on a $25,094 median debt. More on Loma Linda University
California Lutheran University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Based in Thousand Oaks, CA, California Lutheran University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,560. Students borrow a median of $22,727 to complete their Public Policy program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,712. That is a strong return on a $22,727 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%. More on California Lutheran University
Norwich University placed #19 among the best-value Public Policy schools in the United States. Set in Northfield, VT, Norwich University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,740. The median Public Policy program debt is $24,103. Norwich University alumni report median earnings of $65,575 a decade after entry. Set against $24,103 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Norwich University admits about 74% of applicants. Get the full Norwich University report
University Of Maryland Baltimore County offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. University Of Maryland Baltimore County is a public school based in Baltimore, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,256, compared with $31,225 for out-of-state students. The median Public Policy program debt is $21,331. University Of Maryland Baltimore County alumni report median earnings of $69,960 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,331 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Maryland Baltimore County profile
University Of Houston ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Policy schools. University Of Houston is a public school based in Houston, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,255 to complete their Public Policy program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,377. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Houston has an acceptance rate of 74%. See the full University Of Houston profile
University Of Nevada Las Vegas landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public school based in Las Vegas, NV. In-state tuition and fees average $9,748, while out-of-state students pay about $27,411. Students borrow a median of $21,181 to complete their Public Policy program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,037. Set against $21,181 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Nevada Las Vegas
Augusta University placed #23 among the best-value Public Policy schools in the United States. This public school is set in Augusta, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,414, compared with $24,734 for out-of-state students. Augusta University Public Policy students take on a median of $25,745 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,472. That is a strong return on a $25,745 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. See the full Augusta University profile
University Of Northern Iowa offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. University Of Northern Iowa is a public school based in Cedar Falls, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,936, with out-of-state students paying around $21,712. Students borrow a median of $22,635 to complete their Public Policy program here. Median earnings reach $55,177 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,635 median debt. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Northern Iowa
George Washington University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Policy schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,710. George Washington University Public Policy students take on a median of $22,910 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $90,873. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 47% of applicants are accepted. More on George Washington University
Texas A And M University College Station landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,995, while out-of-state students pay about $40,124. Students borrow a median of $20,031 to complete their Public Policy program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,097. Set against $20,031 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas A And M University College Station has an acceptance rate of 57%. Read the full report on Texas A And M University College Station
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Public Policy Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
St Catherine University landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Saint Paul, MN, St Catherine University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $38,428 in tuition and fees. Typical Public Policy student debt is $29,883. St Catherine University alumni report median earnings of $59,282 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,883 median debt. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Read more about St Catherine University
University Of Arkansas came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Fayetteville, AR. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $29,966. Typical Public Policy student debt is $24,019. University Of Arkansas alumni report median earnings of $58,191 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,019 median debt. The acceptance rate is 74%. See the full University Of Arkansas profile
Loyola University Chicago offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Set in Chicago, IL, Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $53,710. Students borrow a median of $23,521 to complete their Public Policy program here. Median earnings reach $71,530 ten years out. Set against $23,521 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%. More on Loyola University Chicago
Missouri Southern State University offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. This public school is set in Joplin, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $9,600, with out-of-state students paying around $18,300. Students borrow a median of $22,241 to complete their Public Policy program here. Median earnings reach $42,620 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 97%. More on Missouri Southern State University
Saint Louis University Main Campus placed #32 among the best-value Public Policy schools in the United States. Located in Saint Louis, MO, Saint Louis University Main Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $55,760 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,586 to complete their Public Policy program here. Median earnings reach $70,783 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,586 median debt. Saint Louis University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 75%. More on Saint Louis University Main Campus
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. This public school is set in Charlotte, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,239, with out-of-state students paying around $22,492. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte Public Policy students take on a median of $24,673 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,289. Set against $24,673 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Charlotte report
Southern University And A And M College came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Located in Baton Rouge, LA, Southern University And A And M College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,922, while out-of-state students pay about $17,272. The median Public Policy program debt is $33,288. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,371 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern University And A And M College admits about 35% of applicants. Read the full report on Southern University And A And M College
University Of California San Francisco placed #35 among the best-value Public Policy schools in the United States. Set in San Francisco, CA, University Of California San Francisco is a public institution. See the full University Of California San Francisco profile
Trinity College offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Hartford, CT. Students from in state pay about $70,770 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $23,161 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $90,779 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Trinity College admits about 29% of applicants. Read more about Trinity College
Harvard University placed #38 among the best-value Public Policy schools in the United States. Based in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $61,676. Students borrow a median of $16,616 to complete their Public Policy program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $101,817. That is a strong return on a $16,616 median debt. Harvard University has an acceptance rate of 4%. Read more about Harvard University
Suny Empire State College came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Located in Saratoga Springs, NY, Suny Empire State College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,648, while out-of-state students pay about $17,558. Suny Empire State College Public Policy students take on a median of $25,239 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,080. Set against $25,239 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Suny Empire State College
Tennessee State University came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Nashville, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,616, while out-of-state students pay about $22,416. Graduates carry a median of $29,489 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,730 ten years after entry. Set against $29,489 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Tennessee State University admits about 70% of applicants. Get the full Tennessee State University report
University Of California Los Angeles landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Los Angeles, CA. Students from in state pay about $14,233 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. Graduates carry a median of $16,097 in student loans. University Of California Los Angeles alumni report median earnings of $82,511 a decade after entry. Set against $16,097 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of California Los Angeles profile
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Based in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,797, compared with $27,377 for out-of-state students. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus Public Policy students take on a median of $23,138 in debt. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus alumni report median earnings of $63,126 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read the full report on University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Central Washington University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Policy schools. Central Washington University is a public school based in Ellensburg, WA. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,417, compared with $27,526 for out-of-state students. Central Washington University Public Policy students take on a median of $21,988 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,580. That is a strong return on a $21,988 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. More on Central Washington University
Temple University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $23,005 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $38,805. Typical Public Policy student debt is $26,259. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,727 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Temple University admits about 80% of applicants. Read more about Temple University
Cornell University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Set in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,314. Students borrow a median of $15,750 to complete their Public Policy program here. Cornell University alumni report median earnings of $104,043 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,750 median debt. Cornell University has an acceptance rate of 9%. Get the full Cornell University report
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,577 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,020. Set against $21,577 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities admits about 80% of applicants. Read more about University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
University Of Kansas ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Policy schools. This public school is set in Lawrence, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,102, while out-of-state students pay about $30,432. Typical Public Policy student debt is $23,608. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,945. That is a strong return on a $23,608 median debt. University Of Kansas has an acceptance rate of 94%. See the full University Of Kansas profile
University Of Utah landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,620, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. University Of Utah Public Policy students take on a median of $20,798 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,170. Set against $20,798 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. Get the full University Of Utah report
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University placed #49 among the best-value Public Policy schools in the United States. This public school is set in Blacksburg, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,948, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University Public Policy students take on a median of $15,468 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,698 ten years after entry. Set against $15,468 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University admits about 55% of applicants. Get the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University report
Depaul University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Policy schools. Based in Chicago, IL, Depaul University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $45,405. The median Public Policy program debt is $25,310. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,751. Set against $25,310 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Depaul University has an acceptance rate of 76%. Read more about Depaul University
Princeton University landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Princeton University is a private not-for-profit school based in Princeton, NJ. Students from in state pay about $62,688 in tuition and fees. Princeton University Public Policy students take on a median of $10,527 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $110,066. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Princeton University
Portland State University placed #52 among the best-value Public Policy schools in the United States. Set in Portland, OR, Portland State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,118, with out-of-state students paying around $29,136. The median Public Policy program debt is $26,475. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,906. That is a strong return on a $26,475 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%. More on Portland State University
University Of Wisconsin Madison offered strong value this year, earning the #52 position. Located in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Typical Public Policy student debt is $21,813. University Of Wisconsin Madison alumni report median earnings of $73,792 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,813 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Madison has an acceptance rate of 45%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Madison
Best Value Public Policy Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Public Policy Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Policy Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Policy Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Policy Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Policy Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Policy Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Policy Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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 248 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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