2026 Best Value Public Policy Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Public Policy graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 248 colleges 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.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor reviewed 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Park University tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Public Policy graduate certificate degree schools in the United States. Set in Parkville, MO, Park University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,116. Students borrow a median of $22,112 to complete their Public Policy program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,309. That is a strong return on a $22,112 median debt. See the full Park University profile
A rank of #2 makes University Of North Dakota one of the best values in the United States. Based 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 Policy program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,552. That is a strong return on a $25,110 median debt. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of North Dakota report
You'll get strong value at Liberty University, which ranked #3 this year. Liberty University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lynchburg, VA. Students from in state pay about $16,173 in tuition and fees. Typical Public Policy student debt is $27,414. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,813 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. See the full Liberty University profile
A rank of #4 makes Salem State University one of the best values in the United States. Based in Salem, MA, Salem State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,338, compared with $19,531 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,176 to complete their Public Policy program here. Median earnings reach $56,662 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,176 median debt. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. More on Salem State University
Missouri State University Springfield placed #6 among the best-value Public Policy schools in the United States. Set in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,502, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,408 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,827. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read more about Missouri State University Springfield
Ohio University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Located in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,158, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. Ohio University Main Campus Public Policy students take on a median of $24,546 in debt. Median earnings reach $52,581 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ohio University Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants. Read more about Ohio University Main Campus
Norwich University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Policy schools. Based in Northfield, VT, Norwich University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $49,740. Students borrow a median of $24,103 to complete their Public Policy program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,575. That is a strong return on a $24,103 median debt. Norwich University has an acceptance rate of 74%. Get the full Norwich University report
Walden University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Policy schools. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,067. Typical Public Policy student debt is $49,361. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,810. Set against $49,361 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Walden University
Tennessee State University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Policy schools. Based in Nashville, TN, Tennessee State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,616, compared with $22,416 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Policy student debt is $29,489. Median earnings reach $42,730 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 70%. See the full Tennessee State University profile
University Of Maryland College Park placed #12 among the best-value Public Policy schools in the United States. Set in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,809, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. Graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $82,860 ten years out. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Maryland College Park report
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Policy schools. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public school based in Minneapolis, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. The median Public Policy program debt is $21,577. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities alumni report median earnings of $69,020 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Portland State University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Set in Portland, OR, Portland State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,118, with out-of-state students paying around $29,136. Typical Public Policy student debt is $26,475. Median earnings reach $57,906 ten years out. Set against $26,475 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Portland State University report
University Of Kentucky placed #15 among the best-value Public Policy schools in the United States. Set in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,502, with out-of-state students paying around $34,140. Students borrow a median of $24,094 to complete their Public Policy program here. Median earnings reach $59,025 ten years out. Set against $24,094 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Kentucky
University Of Chicago landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Chicago, IL, University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,324. Students borrow a median of $17,492 to complete their Public Policy program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $91,885 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,492 median debt. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Chicago
University Of Pennsylvania landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,686. Typical Public Policy student debt is $16,155. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $111,371. That is a strong return on a $16,155 median debt. About 5% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Pennsylvania
Suny At Albany placed #18 among the best-value Public Policy schools in the United States. This public school is set in Albany, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,601, compared with $30,991 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,521 to complete their Public Policy program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,979 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,521 median debt. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted. See the full Suny At Albany profile
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus placed #19 among the best-value Public Policy schools in the United States. Set in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,363, while out-of-state students pay about $28,697. Typical Public Policy student debt is $23,530. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $54,810 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,530 median debt. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis placed #20 among the best-value Public Policy schools in the United States. Set in Indianapolis, IN, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,762, compared with $34,891 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Policy student debt is $23,146. Median earnings reach $55,198 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,146 median debt. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
The University Of Texas At Dallas offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. This public school is set in Richardson, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,644, while out-of-state students pay about $40,144. Graduates carry a median of $16,750 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,227. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full The University Of Texas At Dallas report
Suny At Binghamton offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Suny At Binghamton is a public school based in Vestal, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,567, with out-of-state students paying around $30,447. Typical Public Policy student debt is $20,691. Median earnings reach $80,596 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Suny At Binghamton admits about 39% of applicants. More on Suny At Binghamton
George Mason University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Located in Fairfax, VA, George Mason University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,220 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,688. Typical Public Policy student debt is $23,529. Median earnings reach $76,343 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on George Mason University
University Of Vermont ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Policy schools. Set in Burlington, VT, University Of Vermont is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $19,058, compared with $45,502 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,607 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,472. That is a strong return on a $22,607 median debt. University Of Vermont admits about 65% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Vermont
University Of Missouri St Louis offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. This public school is set in Saint Louis, MO. Students from in state pay about $15,120 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $37,620. Typical Public Policy student debt is $25,943. Median earnings reach $53,037 ten years out. Set against $25,943 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Missouri St Louis has an acceptance rate of 63%. See the full University Of Missouri St Louis profile
The University Of Montana offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Set in Missoula, MT, The University Of Montana is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,552, with out-of-state students paying around $33,671. Students borrow a median of $24,342 to complete their Public Policy program here. Median earnings reach $44,511 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,342 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%. See the full The University Of Montana profile
American University offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Located in Washington, DC, American University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $58,771. American University Public Policy students take on a median of $24,139 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $77,370 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,139 median debt. The acceptance rate is 62%. See the full American University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Public Policy Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Ann Arbor, MI, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,848 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $63,081. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor Public Policy students take on a median of $21,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $83,648. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 16%. More on University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
University Of Southern Maine ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Policy schools. University Of Southern Maine is a public school based in Portland, ME. In-state tuition and fees average $12,090, while out-of-state students pay about $29,940. The median Public Policy program debt is $23,593. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,958. Set against $23,593 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Southern Maine admits about 79% of applicants. Read more about University Of Southern Maine
Syracuse University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Located in Syracuse, NY, Syracuse University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $65,528. Students borrow a median of $26,130 to complete their Public Policy program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $79,164 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Syracuse University
Columbia University In The City Of New York ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Policy schools. Located in New York, NY, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,517. Typical Public Policy student debt is $23,258. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $102,491. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Columbia University In The City Of New York has an acceptance rate of 4%. Read more about Columbia University In The City Of New York
The University Of Tennessee came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. The University Of Tennessee is a public school based in Knoxville, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,812, while out-of-state students pay about $33,256. Graduates carry a median of $22,859 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,249 ten years after entry. Set against $22,859 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Tennessee has an acceptance rate of 42%. Read the full report on The University Of Tennessee
Suny Empire State College came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Saratoga Springs, NY. Students from in state pay about $7,648 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,558 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Policy student debt is $25,239. Median earnings reach $54,080 ten years out. Set against $25,239 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Suny Empire State College
University Of Southern California placed #34 among the best-value Public Policy schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Angeles, CA. Students from in state pay about $71,647 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $18,000 to complete their Public Policy program here. University Of Southern California alumni report median earnings of $92,498 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 10% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Southern California
University Of Connecticut came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Storrs, CT. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,044, with out-of-state students paying around $43,712. Students borrow a median of $25,964 to complete their Public Policy program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,997. Set against $25,964 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 52% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Connecticut
Suffolk University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Policy schools. Read the full report on Suffolk University
Hobart William Smith Colleges came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. More on Hobart William Smith Colleges
Xavier University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Get the full Xavier University report
Mount St Marys College landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on Mount St Marys College
The University Of Texas At Arlington came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Read more about The University Of Texas At Arlington
University Of Denver landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on University Of Denver
Jacksonville University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Policy schools. Read the full report on Jacksonville University
Boston University placed #41 among the best-value Public Policy schools in the United States. See the full Boston University profile
University Of Illinois At Chicago came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. More on University Of Illinois At Chicago
University Of Delaware ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Policy schools. Get the full University Of Delaware report
Brown University
Brown University placed #44 among the best-value Public Policy schools in the United States. See the full Brown University profile
University Of New Mexico Main Campus landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. More on University Of New Mexico Main Campus
Florida Atlantic University placed #46 among the best-value Public Policy schools in the United States. More on Florida Atlantic University
Young Harris College ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Policy schools. More on Young Harris College
American Public University System ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Policy schools. More on American Public University System
Lindenwood University placed #49 among the best-value Public Policy schools in the United States. Get the full Lindenwood University report
Southern University And A And M College offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. More on Southern University And A And M College
Related Public Policy Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Policy Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Policy 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 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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