2026 Best Value Public Policy Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Public Policy master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 248 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor reviewed 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 Policy Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is Brigham Young University Provo, our #1 best-value Public Policy school in the United States. Set in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $6,688 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $12,184 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,790. Set against $12,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at American Public University System earned it the #2 place in the United States. Set in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,400. Graduates carry a median of $23,438 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,409. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about American Public University System
Out of the 248 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Arizona State University Skysong landed the #3 spot. Set in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Arizona State University Skysong Public Policy students take on a median of $22,341 in debt. Arizona State University Skysong alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. Set against $22,341 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 67%. Read the full report on Arizona State University Skysong
Trinity College came in at #4 on this year's best-value Public Policy ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Hartford, CT. In-state tuition and fees average $70,770. Students borrow a median of $23,161 to complete their Public Policy program here. Trinity College alumni report median earnings of $90,779 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,161 median debt. Trinity College admits about 29% of applicants. See the full Trinity College profile
University Of California Berkeley came in at #5 on this year's best-value Public Policy ranking in the United States. Set in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. The median Public Policy program debt is $14,238. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,446 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,238 median debt. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Students borrow a median of $21,275 to complete their Public Policy program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,121 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report
Liberty University came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Based in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,173. The median Public Policy program debt is $27,414. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,813. Set against $27,414 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Liberty University report
Elizabethtown College placed #8 among the best-value Public Policy schools in the United States. Based in Elizabethtown, PA, Elizabethtown College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,950. Students borrow a median of $26,599 to complete their Public Policy program here. Ten years after enrolling, 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. Read the full report on Elizabethtown College
University Of Delaware landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Newark, DE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,810, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. University Of Delaware Public Policy students take on a median of $25,336 in debt. Median earnings reach $72,950 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,336 median debt. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Delaware
California Lutheran University came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Located in Thousand Oaks, CA, California Lutheran University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $52,560 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $22,727 to complete their Public Policy program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,712 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California Lutheran University admits about 76% of applicants. Read more about California Lutheran University
University Of Houston placed #11 among the best-value Public Policy schools in the United States. Based in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,717, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. University Of Houston Public Policy students take on a median of $21,255 in debt. Median earnings reach $62,377 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Houston has an acceptance rate of 74%. Read the full report on University Of Houston
University Of California Los Angeles placed #12 among the best-value Public Policy schools in the United States. University Of California Los Angeles is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Policy student debt is $16,097. Median earnings reach $82,511 ten years out. Set against $16,097 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of California Los Angeles
University Of Northern Iowa came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Set in Cedar Falls, IA, University Of Northern Iowa is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,936, compared with $21,712 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,635 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,177 ten years out. Set against $22,635 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Northern Iowa report
University Of Maryland Baltimore County placed #14 among the best-value Public Policy schools in the United States. Set in Baltimore, MD, University Of Maryland Baltimore County is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,256, with out-of-state students paying around $31,225. The median Public Policy program debt is $21,331. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,960. That is a strong return on a $21,331 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Maryland Baltimore County
George Washington University offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Based in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,710. The median Public Policy program debt is $22,910. George Washington University alumni report median earnings of $90,873 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. George Washington University has an acceptance rate of 47%. Read the full report on George Washington University
Texas A And M University College Station ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Policy schools. Based in College Station, TX, Texas A And M University College Station is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. 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. That is a strong return on a $20,031 median debt. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. See the full Texas A And M University College Station profile
Loyola University Chicago landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,710. The median Public Policy program debt is $23,521. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,530 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,521 median debt. Loyola University Chicago has an acceptance rate of 82%. More on Loyola University Chicago
Depaul University offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Depaul University is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $45,405. The median Public Policy program debt is $25,310. Depaul University alumni report median earnings of $68,751 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Depaul University admits about 76% of applicants. See the full Depaul University profile
University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Madison, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. University Of Wisconsin Madison Public Policy students take on a median of $21,813 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,792. That is a strong return on a $21,813 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Madison has an acceptance rate of 45%. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of California San Francisco came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Based in San Francisco, CA, University Of California San Francisco is a public institution. Read more about University Of California San Francisco
Harvard University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Set in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,676. Graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. Median earnings reach $101,817 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Harvard University admits about 4% of applicants. Read the full report on Harvard University
Princeton University placed #22 among the best-value Public Policy schools in the United States. Located in Princeton, NJ, Princeton University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $62,688. Students borrow a median of $10,527 to complete their Public Policy program here. Princeton University alumni report median earnings of $110,066 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted. See the full Princeton University profile
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public school based in Norman, OK. Students from in state pay about $9,797 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $27,377. The median Public Policy program debt is $23,138. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,126. Set against $23,138 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus admits about 77% of applicants. Get the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus report
Temple University placed #24 among the best-value Public Policy schools in the United States. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,005, while out-of-state students pay about $38,805. Temple University Public Policy students take on a median of $26,259 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,727. Set against $26,259 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Temple University report
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities placed #25 among the best-value Public Policy schools in the United States. Located in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,214, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. The median Public Policy program debt is $21,577. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,020 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,577 median debt. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities has an acceptance rate of 80%. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Public Policy Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
University Of Utah offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Set in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,620 in tuition and fees, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,798 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,170 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Utah has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read the full report on University Of Utah
University Of Virginia Main Campus came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public school based in Charlottesville, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,118, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. Typical Public Policy student debt is $18,627. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $86,863. Set against $18,627 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 17% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Virginia Main Campus
College Of William And Mary came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. College Of William And Mary is a public school based in Williamsburg, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,734, with out-of-state students paying around $51,038. Graduates carry a median of $22,000 in student loans. College Of William And Mary alumni report median earnings of $73,490 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,000 median debt. College Of William And Mary admits about 34% of applicants. Read more about College Of William And Mary
Portland State University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Portland State University is a public school based in Portland, OR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,118, compared with $29,136 for out-of-state students. The median Public Policy program debt is $26,475. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,906. That is a strong return on a $26,475 median debt. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Portland State University profile
Simmons College ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Policy schools. Simmons College is a private not-for-profit school based in Boston, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $46,874. Typical Public Policy student debt is $26,740. Median earnings reach $63,494 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Simmons College profile
University Of Maryland College Park offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Based in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,809, compared with $41,186 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,860. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 45%. Get the full University Of Maryland College Park report
Georgetown University placed #32 among the best-value Public Policy schools in the United States. Set in Washington, DC, Georgetown University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $68,089. Typical Public Policy student debt is $16,483. Graduates go on to earn a median of $103,494 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,483 median debt. Georgetown University has an acceptance rate of 13%. Get the full Georgetown University report
George Mason University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. This public school is set in Fairfax, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $14,220, with out-of-state students paying around $38,688. George Mason University Public Policy students take on a median of $23,529 in debt. George Mason University alumni report median earnings of $76,343 a decade after entry. Set against $23,529 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full George Mason University report
Carnegie Mellon University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Based in Pittsburgh, PA, Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,636. Graduates carry a median of $23,529 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $114,862. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Carnegie Mellon University has an acceptance rate of 12%. Read the full report on Carnegie Mellon University
University Of Chicago came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Set in Chicago, IL, University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,324. University Of Chicago Public Policy students take on a median of $17,492 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $91,885. Set against $17,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Chicago admits about 4% of applicants. Get the full University Of Chicago report
Duke University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Durham, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,758. The median Public Policy program debt is $10,500. Median earnings reach $97,800 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $10,500 median debt. Duke University admits about 6% of applicants. Get the full Duke University report
The University Of Texas At Arlington offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Based in Arlington, TX, The University Of Texas At Arlington is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,950, while out-of-state students pay about $29,582. Graduates carry a median of $21,632 in student loans. Median earnings reach $63,199 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,632 median debt. The University Of Texas At Arlington has an acceptance rate of 80%. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Arlington
Rutgers University New Brunswick came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in New Brunswick, NJ. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,929, with out-of-state students paying around $37,441. Students borrow a median of $26,500 to complete their Public Policy program here. 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. Read the full report on Rutgers University New Brunswick
Walden University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Set in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,067. Typical Public Policy student debt is $49,361. Walden University alumni report median earnings of $42,810 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Walden University profile
American University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. American University is a private not-for-profit school based in Washington, DC. Students from in state pay about $58,771 in tuition and fees. Typical Public Policy student debt is $24,139. American University alumni report median earnings of $77,370 a decade after entry. Set against $24,139 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 62% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on American University
University Of Illinois At Chicago offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. University Of Illinois At Chicago is a public school based in Chicago, IL. Students from in state pay about $15,949 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $32,009. University Of Illinois At Chicago Public Policy students take on a median of $17,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,740 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,000 median debt. University Of Illinois At Chicago admits about 77% of applicants. Get the full University Of Illinois At Chicago report
The University Of Texas At Dallas offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Based in Richardson, TX, The University Of Texas At Dallas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,644, with out-of-state students paying around $40,144. Graduates carry a median of $16,750 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,227. Set against $16,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas At Dallas has an acceptance rate of 65%. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Dallas
Washington State University came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Based in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,391, with out-of-state students paying around $29,950. Graduates carry a median of $21,903 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,905 ten years after entry. Set against $21,903 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. See the full Washington State University profile
University Of New Hampshire Main Campus came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Based in Durham, NH, University Of New Hampshire Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $19,202 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $39,852. Graduates carry a median of $26,368 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $66,479. That is a strong return on a $26,368 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of New Hampshire Main Campus
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor placed #44 among the best-value Public Policy schools in the United States. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public school based in Ann Arbor, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,848, with out-of-state students paying around $63,081. Students borrow a median of $21,000 to complete their Public Policy program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $83,648. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 16% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
University Of California Irvine offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Set in Irvine, CA, University Of California Irvine is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,752, while out-of-state students pay about $46,640. Graduates carry a median of $16,539 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $80,735. That is a strong return on a $16,539 median debt. University Of California Irvine admits about 29% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of California Irvine
Brown University landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Providence, RI, Brown University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $71,312. Students borrow a median of $10,345 to complete their Public Policy program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $93,487. Set against $10,345 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 5% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Brown University report
Rutgers University Camden offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Based in Camden, NJ, Rutgers University Camden is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,764, with out-of-state students paying around $37,276. Graduates carry a median of $24,577 in student loans. Median earnings reach $74,479 ten years out. Set against $24,577 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted. More on Rutgers University Camden
University Of New Mexico Main Campus came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Set in Albuquerque, NM, University Of New Mexico Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,140, compared with $33,060 for out-of-state students. University Of New Mexico Main Campus Public Policy students take on a median of $19,738 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,792 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,738 median debt. University Of New Mexico Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants. See the full University Of New Mexico Main Campus profile
Vanderbilt University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Public Policy schools. 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $91,565 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,975 median debt. Roughly 6% of applicants are accepted. More on Vanderbilt University
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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Policy Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Public Policy Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 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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