2026 Best Value Public Policy Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Public Policy bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 248 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.
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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Our analysis found Arizona State University Skysong to be the best-value Public Policy school in the United States. This public school is set in Scottsdale, AZ. Students from in state pay about $11,627 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. The median Public Policy program debt is $22,341. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. Set against $22,341 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University Skysong has an acceptance rate of 67%. Get the full Arizona State University Skysong report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Augusta University earned it the #2 place in the United States. Set in Augusta, GA, Augusta University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,414, with out-of-state students paying around $24,734. The median Public Policy program debt is $25,745. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,472. That is a strong return on a $25,745 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Augusta University
Out of the 248 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, St Catherine University landed the #3 spot. Based in Saint Paul, MN, St Catherine University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,428. Students borrow a median of $29,883 to complete their Public Policy program here. Median earnings reach $59,282 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. See the full St Catherine University profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Missouri Southern State University earned it the #4 place in the United States. Located in Joplin, MO, Missouri Southern State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,600, compared with $18,300 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,241 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,620. Set against $22,241 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Missouri Southern State University report
You'll get strong value at Suny Empire State College, which ranked #5 this year. Based in Saratoga Springs, NY, Suny Empire State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,648, while out-of-state students pay about $17,558. Graduates carry a median of $25,239 in student loans. Median earnings reach $54,080 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,239 median debt. Read more about Suny Empire State College
Central Washington University offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. This public school is set in Ellensburg, WA. In-state tuition and fees average $9,417, compared with $27,526 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Policy student debt is $21,988. Median earnings reach $61,580 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Central Washington University has an acceptance rate of 91%. See the full Central Washington University profile
Cornell University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Cornell University is a private not-for-profit school based in Ithaca, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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 admits about 9% of applicants. More on Cornell University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Based in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,948, while out-of-state students pay about $37,764. Typical Public Policy student debt is $15,468. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $81,698. That is a strong return on a $15,468 median debt. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University has an acceptance rate of 55%. Read the full report on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Princeton University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Policy schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Princeton, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,688. Graduates carry a median of $10,527 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $110,066. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 5%. See the full Princeton University profile
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. This public school is set in Chapel Hill, NC. Students from in state pay about $8,994 in tuition and fees, compared with $41,203 for out-of-state students. The median Public Policy program debt is $15,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,200 ten years after entry. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 15% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill report
University Of Mississippi Main Campus landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in University, MS, University Of Mississippi Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,772, compared with $28,600 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,994. Set against $21,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Mississippi Main Campus
Rutgers University New Brunswick ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Policy schools. This public school is set in New Brunswick, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $17,929, compared with $37,441 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Policy student debt is $26,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,479 ten years after entry. Set against $26,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 58% of those who apply are admitted. More on Rutgers University New Brunswick
Duke University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Policy schools. Duke University is a private not-for-profit school based in Durham, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $68,758. The median Public Policy program debt is $10,500. Duke University alumni report median earnings of $97,800 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 6%. See the full Duke University profile
University Of Maryland College Park landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,809, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. Graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,860. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Maryland College Park report
Mercer University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Policy schools. Set in Macon, GA, Mercer University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,565. Graduates carry a median of $32,463 in student loans. Median earnings reach $58,354 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mercer University admits about 69% of applicants. See the full Mercer University profile
University Of California Los Angeles came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,233 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. The median Public Policy program debt is $16,097. University Of California Los Angeles alumni report median earnings of $82,511 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,097 median debt. University Of California Los Angeles admits about 9% of applicants. Read more about University Of California Los Angeles
Suny At Albany landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Suny At Albany is a public school based in Albany, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $10,601, with out-of-state students paying around $30,991. Suny At Albany Public Policy students take on a median of $23,521 in debt. Median earnings reach $67,979 ten years out. Set against $23,521 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Suny At Albany admits about 69% of applicants. Get the full Suny At Albany report
University Of Illinois At Chicago placed #18 among the best-value Public Policy schools in the United States. This public school is set in Chicago, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,949, compared with $32,009 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Policy student debt is $17,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,740 ten years after entry. Set against $17,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Illinois At Chicago
Olivet Nazarene University placed #19 among the best-value Public Policy schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bourbonnais, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,900. Typical Public Policy student debt is $26,797. Median earnings reach $53,213 ten years out. Set against $26,797 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Olivet Nazarene University admits about 56% of applicants. See the full Olivet Nazarene University profile
University Of Chicago placed #20 among the best-value Public Policy schools in the United States. Set in Chicago, IL, University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $69,324. The median Public Policy program debt is $17,492. University Of Chicago alumni report median earnings of $91,885 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Chicago
Brown University placed #21 among the best-value Public Policy schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Providence, RI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $71,312. Students borrow a median of $10,345 to complete their Public Policy program here. Brown University alumni report median earnings of $93,487 a decade after entry. Set against $10,345 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted. See the full Brown University profile
Washington State University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Policy schools. Located in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,391, compared with $29,950 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,903 to complete their Public Policy program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,905 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Washington State University admits about 87% of applicants. Read the full report on Washington State University
Regent University landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Virginia Beach, VA, Regent University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $21,650 in tuition and fees. The median Public Policy program debt is $24,500. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,498. Set against $24,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Regent University admits about 38% of applicants. See the full Regent University profile
University Of Delaware offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Set in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,810 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. Typical Public Policy student debt is $25,336. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,950 ten years after entry. Set against $25,336 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%. Read more about University Of Delaware
Ohio State University Main Campus ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Policy schools. Located in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,244 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,022. Students borrow a median of $14,500 to complete their Public Policy program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,409. Set against $14,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ohio State University Main Campus admits about 61% of applicants. More on Ohio State University Main Campus
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Public Policy Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Northwestern University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Policy schools. Located in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,322. Graduates carry a median of $18,750 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $89,363 ten years after entry. Set against $18,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northwestern University has an acceptance rate of 8%. More on Northwestern University
Georgia State University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Atlanta, GA, Georgia State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,664, compared with $24,840 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $30,750 in student loans. Georgia State University alumni report median earnings of $47,384 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. See the full Georgia State University profile
College Of William And Mary placed #28 among the best-value Public Policy schools in the United States. Based in Williamsburg, VA, College Of William And Mary is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,734, with out-of-state students paying around $51,038. The median Public Policy program debt is $22,000. College Of William And Mary alumni report median earnings of $73,490 a decade after entry. Set against $22,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 34% of those who apply are admitted. More on College Of William And Mary
Carnegie Mellon University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit school based in Pittsburgh, PA. Students from in state pay about $65,636 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $23,529 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $114,862. Set against $23,529 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 12%. See the full Carnegie Mellon University profile
Siena College offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Set in Loudonville, NY, Siena College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $45,805. Typical Public Policy student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $76,079 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 69%. More on Siena College
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor placed #31 among the best-value Public Policy schools in the United States. Based in Ann Arbor, MI, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,848, compared with $63,081 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $83,648 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,000 median debt. Roughly 16% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
University Of Pennsylvania ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Policy schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,686. University Of Pennsylvania Public Policy students take on a median of $16,155 in debt. University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $111,371 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 5%. Get the full University Of Pennsylvania report
Trinity College came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Trinity College is a private not-for-profit school based in Hartford, CT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,770. The median Public Policy program debt is $23,161. Median earnings reach $90,779 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,161 median debt. Roughly 29% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Trinity College
University Of Virginia Main Campus came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Charlottesville, VA. Students from in state pay about $23,118 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. Graduates carry a median of $18,627 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $86,863 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,627 median debt. Roughly 17% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Virginia Main Campus
Michigan State University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Located in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,079, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Graduates carry a median of $26,337 in student loans. Michigan State University alumni report median earnings of $67,253 a decade after entry. Set against $26,337 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. More on Michigan State University
The University Of Texas At Dallas placed #36 among the best-value Public Policy schools in the United States. Based in Richardson, TX, The University Of Texas At Dallas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,644, while out-of-state students pay about $40,144. The median Public Policy program debt is $16,750. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,227. That is a strong return on a $16,750 median debt. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. See the full The University Of Texas At Dallas profile
Vanderbilt University landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,498. Vanderbilt University Public Policy students take on a median of $13,975 in debt. Vanderbilt University alumni report median earnings of $91,565 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,975 median debt. Vanderbilt University admits about 6% of applicants. Read more about Vanderbilt University
University Of Southern California ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Policy schools. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $71,647 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $18,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,498 ten years after entry. Set against $18,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 10% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Southern California profile
Depaul University placed #40 among the best-value Public Policy schools in the United States. Depaul University is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,405. Graduates carry a median of $25,310 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,751 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Depaul University
Mount St Marys College came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $49,564. The median Public Policy program debt is $27,555. Median earnings reach $72,379 ten years out. Set against $27,555 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mount St Marys College has an acceptance rate of 73%. Read more about Mount St Marys College
University Of Denver offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Set in Denver, CO, University Of Denver is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,398. Graduates carry a median of $22,534 in student loans. University Of Denver alumni report median earnings of $71,155 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Denver admits about 78% of applicants. Read more about University Of Denver
Brandeis University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Policy schools. Located in Waltham, MA, Brandeis University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $68,080. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Public Policy program here. Median earnings reach $77,231 ten years out. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brandeis University admits about 40% of applicants. Get the full Brandeis University report
University Of California Riverside landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of California Riverside is a public school based in Riverside, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $14,636, compared with $46,524 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,161 to complete their Public Policy program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,699. That is a strong return on a $19,161 median debt. University Of California Riverside admits about 76% of applicants. See the full University Of California Riverside profile
Saint Joseph College ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Policy schools. Set in West Hartford, CT, Saint Joseph College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $47,278. Typical Public Policy student debt is $27,798. Median earnings reach $59,908 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. More on Saint Joseph College
Southern Methodist University placed #47 among the best-value Public Policy schools in the United States. Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit school based in Dallas, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,040. Southern Methodist University Public Policy students take on a median of $19,615 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,354 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,615 median debt. Southern Methodist University has an acceptance rate of 63%. Get the full Southern Methodist University report
University Of Connecticut placed #48 among the best-value Public Policy schools in the United States. Set in Storrs, CT, University Of Connecticut is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,044, with out-of-state students paying around $43,712. The median Public Policy program debt is $25,964. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,997. Set against $25,964 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 52%. More on University Of Connecticut
University Of Rhode Island ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Policy schools. Based in Kingston, RI, University Of Rhode Island is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,942, with out-of-state students paying around $37,146. University Of Rhode Island Public Policy students take on a median of $23,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,743 ten years after entry. Set against $23,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Rhode Island profile
Delaware Valley College ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Policy schools. Read the full report on Delaware Valley College
Knox College
Knox College offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. More on Knox College
Susquehanna University placed #50 among the best-value Public Policy schools in the United States. See the full Susquehanna University profile
Related Public Policy Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Public Policy Schools (All Levels)
- 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 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. 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 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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