2026 Best Value Social Services Public Administration Schools
Looking for the best-value Social Services Public Administration programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1222 schools 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.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor reviewed schools to produce 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 Social Services Public Administration Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Camden County College this year in the United States. Set in Blackwood, NJ, Camden County College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,320, with out-of-state students paying around $4,416. Camden County College Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $9,219 in debt. Camden County College alumni report median earnings of $41,212 a decade after entry. Set against $9,219 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Camden County College profile
Out of the 1222 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, York County Community College landed the #2 spot. Located in Wells, ME, York County Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,156 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,036. Students borrow a median of $10,773 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,873. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full York County Community College report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at The University Of Texas At Brownsville earned it the #3 place in the United States. The University Of Texas At Brownsville is a public school based in Brownsville, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $3,148, while out-of-state students pay about $4,948. The University Of Texas At Brownsville Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $10,550 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,900. That is a strong return on a $10,550 median debt. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Brownsville
Century College came in at #4 on this year's best-value Social Services Public Administration ranking in the United States. Century College is a public school based in White Bear Lake, MN. Students from in state pay about $6,214 in tuition and fees. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $37,015. Median earnings reach $46,424 ten years out. Set against $37,015 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Century College
Columbia Southern University came in at #5 on this year's best-value Social Services Public Administration ranking in the United States. Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit school based in Orange Beach, AL. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,224. Graduates carry a median of $25,447 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,534. Set against $25,447 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Columbia Southern University
Minot State University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. Set in Minot, ND, Minot State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,702. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $51,759 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Minot State University has an acceptance rate of 65%. Get the full Minot State University report
Tyler Junior College landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Tyler, TX, Tyler Junior College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,424, with out-of-state students paying around $4,536. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $12,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,140. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Tyler Junior College
Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Set in New York, NY, Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,170 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,050. Graduates carry a median of $7,860 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,306. Set against $7,860 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College
Minneapolis Community And Technical College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Minneapolis Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,161. Minneapolis Community And Technical College Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $39,289 in debt. Median earnings reach $40,086 ten years out. Set against $39,289 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Minneapolis Community And Technical College report
Bemidji State University came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Set in Bemidji, MN, Bemidji State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,237. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,755. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Bemidji State University report
Brigham Young University Idaho placed #13 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Rexburg, ID. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,800. Students borrow a median of $14,460 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. Brigham Young University Idaho alumni report median earnings of $53,406 a decade after entry. Set against $14,460 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Idaho
San Juan College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. This public school is set in Farmington, NM. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,910, while out-of-state students pay about $5,393. San Juan College Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $16,150 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,513 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,150 median debt. Read more about San Juan College
Granite State College offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Located in Manchester, NH, Granite State College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,724, with out-of-state students paying around $9,284. Graduates carry a median of $37,605 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,479. That is a strong return on a $37,605 median debt. Get the full Granite State College report
San Diego City College landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in San Diego, CA, San Diego City College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $1,146, while out-of-state students pay about $10,002. Graduates carry a median of $9,514 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,503. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about San Diego City College
Southwest Minnesota State University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Located in Marshall, MN, Southwest Minnesota State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,361. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $27,016. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,342. That is a strong return on a $27,016 median debt. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Southwest Minnesota State University
Colorado State University Global Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Set in Denver, CO, Colorado State University Global Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,000. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $44,111. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $76,813. That is a strong return on a $44,111 median debt. Colorado State University Global Campus admits about 98% of applicants. See the full Colorado State University Global Campus profile
University Of South Dakota came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. University Of South Dakota is a public school based in Vermillion, SD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,432, with out-of-state students paying around $12,942. Graduates carry a median of $26,322 in student loans. University Of South Dakota alumni report median earnings of $51,926 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of South Dakota admits about 99% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of South Dakota
Metropolitan State University placed #23 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Metropolitan State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,840. Graduates carry a median of $29,696 in student loans. Metropolitan State University alumni report median earnings of $64,705 a decade after entry. Set against $29,696 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. Read more about Metropolitan State University
Des Moines Area Community College landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Ankeny, IA, Des Moines Area Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,790, compared with $6,690 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,320 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,018. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Des Moines Area Community College profile
Brigham Young University Provo landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. Students from in state pay about $6,688 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $12,184 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. Median earnings reach $75,790 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Brigham Young University Provo profile
Bristol Community College placed #26 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Bristol Community College is a public school based in Fall River, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,832, compared with $10,776 for out-of-state students. Bristol Community College Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $6,433 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,663 ten years after entry. Set against $6,433 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Bristol Community College
American Public University System ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. Located in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,400. American Public University System Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $23,438 in debt. American Public University System alumni report median earnings of $44,409 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,438 median debt. See the full American Public University System profile
Concordia University Saint Paul offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Concordia University Saint Paul is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $25,600. Students borrow a median of $29,026 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,871. Set against $29,026 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. More on Concordia University Saint Paul
Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Located in Marion, IN, Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,648. Graduates carry a median of $41,804 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,986 ten years after entry. Set against $41,804 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global
Austin Community College District came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Based in Austin, TX, Austin Community College District is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,550 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,590 for out-of-state students. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $17,922. Median earnings reach $43,177 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,922 median debt. More on Austin Community College District
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Social Services Public Administration Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Hamline University placed #32 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Hamline University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $50,004. Hamline University Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $25,530 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,106. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Hamline University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on Hamline University
Minnesota State University Mankato placed #34 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Set in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $24,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. Set against $24,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on Minnesota State University Mankato
Winona State University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. Located in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,576, compared with $17,308 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,532 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 Winona State University
Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Located in Harrisburg, PA, Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,975, while out-of-state students pay about $12,472. Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $36,401 in debt. Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg alumni report median earnings of $42,007 a decade after entry. Set against $36,401 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg
Western Carolina University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Set in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,630 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,630. Graduates carry a median of $22,116 in student loans. Median earnings reach $49,458 ten years out. Set against $22,116 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read more about Western Carolina University
Westfield State University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Westfield, MA. Students from in state pay about $12,179 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,259. Westfield State University Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $57,346 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Westfield State University admits about 81% of applicants. More on Westfield State University
Central Ohio Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Central Ohio Technical College is a public school based in Newark, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,256, compared with $8,016 for out-of-state students. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $14,619. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,168. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Central Ohio Technical College
Passaic County Community College came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Passaic County Community College is a public school based in Paterson, NJ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,300, with out-of-state students paying around $10,560. Passaic County Community College Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $9,581 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,972 ten years after entry. Set against $9,581 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Passaic County Community College profile
Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus placed #43 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Teaneck, NJ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,010. Graduates carry a median of $24,770 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,273 ten years after entry. Set against $24,770 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read the full report on Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus
Hudson Valley Community College placed #45 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Located in Troy, NY, Hudson Valley Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,796, with out-of-state students paying around $11,852. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $11,925. Hudson Valley Community College alumni report median earnings of $45,460 a decade after entry. Set against $11,925 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Hudson Valley Community College
Youngstown State University landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Youngstown State University is a public school based in Youngstown, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $33,422. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,544 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $33,422 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%. Read the full report on Youngstown State University
Newman University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Newman University is a private not-for-profit school based in Wichita, KS. Students from in state pay about $35,500 in tuition and fees. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $24,562. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,041 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. More on Newman University
Bellevue University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. Set in Bellevue, NE, Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,873. Students borrow a median of $10,312 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. Median earnings reach $61,289 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Bellevue University report
Drake University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Set in Des Moines, IA, Drake University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $51,960. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $22,273. Drake University alumni report median earnings of $71,901 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 64% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Drake University
Anna Maria College landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Paxton, MA, Anna Maria College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $44,571 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,651. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 50% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Anna Maria College report
University Of Wisconsin River Falls came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in River Falls, WI. Students from in state pay about $9,008 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,470. University Of Wisconsin River Falls Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $26,303 in debt. University Of Wisconsin River Falls alumni report median earnings of $54,458 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin River Falls
Park University came in at #54 in this year's value ranking. Based in Parkville, MO, Park University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,116. Graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,309 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. Read more about Park University
University Of Maryland University College offered strong value this year, earning the #55 position. This public school is set in Adelphi, MD. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,136, with out-of-state students paying around $12,336. Students borrow a median of $29,202 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,287. Set against $29,202 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about University Of Maryland University College
Arizona State University Skysong offered strong value this year, earning the #57 position. This public school is set in Scottsdale, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $22,523. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. That is a strong return on a $22,523 median debt. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Arizona State University Skysong
Spring Arbor University offered strong value this year, earning the #58 position. Spring Arbor University is a private not-for-profit school based in Spring Arbor, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,014. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $29,893. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,732 ten years after entry. Set against $29,893 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 52% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Spring Arbor University profile
Fort Hays State University ranked #59 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. Located in Hays, KS, Fort Hays State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,923, while out-of-state students pay about $17,741. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,928. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Fort Hays State University admits about 90% of applicants. Read more about Fort Hays State University
Ferris State University placed #60 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. This public school is set in Big Rapids, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,778. Graduates carry a median of $25,750 in student loans. Median earnings reach $54,735 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,750 median debt. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Ferris State University report
University Of Phoenix Arizona placed #61 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Set in Phoenix, AZ, University Of Phoenix Arizona is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,552. Graduates carry a median of $45,534 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,752 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about University Of Phoenix Arizona
Stark State College ranked #62 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. Stark State College is a public school based in North Canton, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,790, while out-of-state students pay about $7,886. Graduates carry a median of $25,177 in student loans. Median earnings reach $34,661 ten years out. Set against $25,177 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Stark State College
Minnesota State University Moorhead came in at #63 in this year's value ranking. Located in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,428. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,527 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Minnesota State University Moorhead has an acceptance rate of 59%. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Moorhead
Best Value Social Services Public Administration Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Value Social Services Public Administration Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Social Services Public Administration Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Social Services Public Administration Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Social Services Public Administration Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Social Services Public Administration Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Social Services Public Administration Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Social Services Public Administration 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 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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