2026 Best Social Services Public Administration Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best Social Services Public Administration master’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1222 schools by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor analyzed schools to build this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Social Services Public Administration Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
Princeton University earned the #1 spot in this year's ranking in the United States. Based in Princeton, NJ, Princeton University is a private not-for-profit institution. Princeton University posts a six-year graduation rate of 98%. In-state tuition and fees average $62,688. Princeton University Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $10,527 in debt. See the full Princeton University profile
Out of the 1222 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Harvard University landed the #2 spot. Based in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 98%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,676. Harvard University Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $16,616 in debt. See the full Harvard University profile
You'll be in good company at University Of California Berkeley, which ranked #3 this year. Based in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. University Of California Berkeley posts a six-year graduation rate of 93%. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $13,719. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile
A rank of #4 makes Duke University one of the top choices in the United States. Based in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. Duke University graduates 97% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $68,758 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $10,500 in student loans. Read more about Duke University
A rank of #5 makes Johns Hopkins University one of the top choices in the United States. Located in Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 94%. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,730. Johns Hopkins University Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $13,426 in debt. Get the full Johns Hopkins University report
Elizabethtown College landed the #6 spot in the United States this year. Set in Elizabethtown, PA, Elizabethtown College is a private not-for-profit institution. Elizabethtown College posts a six-year graduation rate of 76%. Students from in state pay about $37,950 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,599 in student loans. More on Elizabethtown College
Georgetown University placed #7 among Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Located in Washington, DC, Georgetown University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 95% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,089. Students borrow a median of $16,483 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. Get the full Georgetown University report
Northwestern University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best Social Services Public Administration schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Evanston, IL. Northwestern University posts a six-year graduation rate of 95%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,322. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $18,608. Read more about Northwestern University
University Of South Dakota landed the #9 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Vermillion, SD. University Of South Dakota posts a six-year graduation rate of 60%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,432, with out-of-state students paying around $12,942. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $26,322. Read the full report on University Of South Dakota
University Of Chicago did well this year, earning the #10 position. Located in Chicago, IL, University Of Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Chicago posts a six-year graduation rate of 96%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,324. Students borrow a median of $17,492 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. More on University Of Chicago
Winona State University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best Social Services Public Administration schools. Winona State University is a public school based in Winona, MN. Roughly 56% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,576, compared with $17,308 for out-of-state students. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $27,000. Read more about Winona State University
St Catherine University did well this year, earning the #12 position. Set in Saint Paul, MN, St Catherine University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 61%. In-state tuition and fees average $38,428. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $30,912. Read more about St Catherine University
Brown University did well this year, earning the #13 position. Located in Providence, RI, Brown University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $71,312. Students borrow a median of $10,345 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. Read more about Brown University
Cornell University landed the #14 spot in the United States this year. Set in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Cornell University graduates 95% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,314. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $15,750. See the full Cornell University profile
University Of Maryland Baltimore ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best Social Services Public Administration schools. Set in Baltimore, MD, University Of Maryland Baltimore is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,638, with out-of-state students paying around $44,811. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $21,500. See the full University Of Maryland Baltimore profile
San Jose State University did well this year, earning the #16 position. Located in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. About 69% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. Read more about San Jose State University
Carnegie Mellon University came in at #17 in this year's ranking. Set in Pittsburgh, PA, Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,636. Students borrow a median of $23,529 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. More on Carnegie Mellon University
University Of California Los Angeles ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best Social Services Public Administration schools. University Of California Los Angeles is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. University Of California Los Angeles graduates 93% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $14,233, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. Graduates carry a median of $16,097 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of California Los Angeles
George Washington University did well this year, earning the #19 position. Located in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. George Washington University graduates 84% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,710. Graduates carry a median of $22,910 in student loans. More on George Washington University
University Of Southern California did well this year, earning the #20 position. University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit school based in Los Angeles, CA. University Of Southern California graduates 92% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $71,647. University Of Southern California Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $18,000 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Southern California
University Of Pennsylvania placed #21 among Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Based in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Pennsylvania graduates 96% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,686. Students borrow a median of $16,155 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. See the full University Of Pennsylvania profile
University Of San Francisco did well this year, earning the #22 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Francisco, CA. About 70% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $60,522. Graduates carry a median of $23,935 in student loans. Get the full University Of San Francisco report
Clemson University did well this year, earning the #23 position. This public school is set in Clemson, SC. Roughly 87% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $15,554 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,783 in student loans. Get the full Clemson University report
Marquette University came in at #24 in this year's ranking. Marquette University is a private not-for-profit school based in Milwaukee, WI. The six-year graduation rate is 83%. In-state tuition and fees run about $51,170. Marquette University Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. Read more about Marquette University
Villanova University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best Social Services Public Administration schools. Set in Villanova, PA, Villanova University is a private not-for-profit institution. Villanova University posts a six-year graduation rate of 92%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,776. Villanova University Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $26,184 in debt. See the full Villanova University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best Social Services Public Administration Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s ranking:
University Of St Thomas Minnesota placed #26 among Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Based in Saint Paul, MN, University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. About 77% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $54,398. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $23,923. Read the full report on University Of St Thomas Minnesota
University Of Washington Tacoma Campus did well this year, earning the #27 position. This public school is set in Tacoma, WA. About 63% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,168, with out-of-state students paying around $43,404. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $17,396. Read more about University Of Washington Tacoma Campus
Kansas State University placed #28 among Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Based in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 71%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,221, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $24,603. Read the full report on Kansas State University
Golden Gate University San Francisco landed the #29 spot in the United States this year. Located in San Francisco, CA, Golden Gate University San Francisco is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,343. Golden Gate University San Francisco Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $33,968 in debt. Read the full report on Golden Gate University San Francisco
Columbia University In The City Of New York ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best Social Services Public Administration schools. Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. Columbia University In The City Of New York posts a six-year graduation rate of 96%. In-state tuition and fees average $70,517. Students borrow a median of $23,258 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. Read the full report on Columbia University In The City Of New York
Trinity College ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best Social Services Public Administration schools. Based in Hartford, CT, Trinity College is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $70,770. Trinity College Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $23,161 in debt. Read more about Trinity College
University Of Nevada Reno did well this year, earning the #32 position. This public school is set in Reno, NV. University Of Nevada Reno posts a six-year graduation rate of 61%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,578, compared with $27,720 for out-of-state students. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $17,905. Get the full University Of Nevada Reno report
American University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best Social Services Public Administration schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. Roughly 76% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $58,771 in tuition and fees. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $24,139. Get the full American University report
Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #34 spot in the United States this year. Minnesota State University Mankato is a public school based in Mankato, MN. Minnesota State University Mankato graduates 54% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Graduates carry a median of $24,250 in student loans. Read more about Minnesota State University Mankato
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #35 in this year's ranking. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. The University Of Texas At Austin posts a six-year graduation rate of 89%. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,506 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. Read more about The University Of Texas At Austin
New York University placed #36 among Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Set in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 88% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,796. New York University Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Read the full report on New York University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University landed the #37 spot in the United States this year. Located in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Students borrow a median of $15,468 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. Get the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University report
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor landed the #38 spot in the United States this year. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public school based in Ann Arbor, MI. About 93% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $18,848, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $21,000. Read the full report on University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
California State University Monterey Bay placed #39 among Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. California State University Monterey Bay is a public school based in Seaside, CA. California State University Monterey Bay posts a six-year graduation rate of 59%. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,779, with out-of-state students paying around $20,379. Graduates carry a median of $14,480 in student loans. More on California State University Monterey Bay
Metropolitan State University did well this year, earning the #40 position. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Metropolitan State University is a public institution. About 44% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,840. Students borrow a median of $29,696 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. Read the full report on Metropolitan State University
College Of William And Mary placed #41 among Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Set in Williamsburg, VA, College Of William And Mary is a public institution. College Of William And Mary posts a six-year graduation rate of 89%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,734, while out-of-state students pay about $51,038. Graduates carry a median of $22,000 in student loans. Read the full report on College Of William And Mary
University Of Washington Seattle Campus landed the #42 spot in the United States this year. Based in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. About 85% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,396 in student loans. More on University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Boston University came in at #43 in this year's ranking. Boston University is a private not-for-profit school based in Boston, MA. Roughly 89% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $68,102 in tuition and fees. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $25,232. More on Boston University
University Of North Dakota ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best Social Services Public Administration schools. Located in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. University Of North Dakota graduates 60% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $10,951 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,570. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. See the full University Of North Dakota profile
Washington University In St Louis came in at #45 in this year's ranking. Based in St. Louis, MO, Washington University In St Louis is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $65,790. Students borrow a median of $17,553 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. More on Washington University In St Louis
University Of Virginia Main Campus ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best Social Services Public Administration schools. Based in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,118, while out-of-state students pay about $61,591. Graduates carry a median of $20,362 in student loans. Read the full report on University Of Virginia Main Campus
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign landed the #47 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Champaign, IL. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign graduates 85% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $18,267 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Graduates carry a median of $19,344 in student loans. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report
Boston College placed #48 among Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chestnut Hill, MA. The six-year graduation rate is 91%. Students from in state pay about $70,702 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $18,101 in student loans. Read the full report on Boston College
California State University Fresno came in at #49 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Fresno, CA. The six-year graduation rate is 57%. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,341, compared with $19,941 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $12,000. See the full California State University Fresno profile
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities landed the #50 spot in the United States this year. Located in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities posts a six-year graduation rate of 85%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Graduates carry a median of $21,577 in student loans. See the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities profile
Related Social Services Public Administration Rankings
Compare rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Social Services Public Administration Schools (All Levels)
- Best Social Services Public Administration Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Social Services Public Administration Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Social Services Public Administration Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Social Services Public Administration Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Social Services Public Administration Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Social Services Public Administration Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 1222 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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