2026 Best Value Social Services Public Administration Associate’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Social Services Public Administration associate’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 1222 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, 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 Social Services Public Administration Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Camden County College earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Set in Blackwood, NJ, Camden County College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,320, while out-of-state students pay about $4,416. Graduates carry a median of $9,219 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,212 ten years after entry. Set against $9,219 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Camden County College
York County Community College came in at #2 on this year's best-value Social Services Public Administration ranking in the United States. Based in Wells, ME, York County Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,156 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,036. York County Community College Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $10,773 in debt. A decade after starting, 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
A rank of #3 makes The University Of Texas At Brownsville one of the best values in the United States. Set in Brownsville, TX, The University Of Texas At Brownsville is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,148, with out-of-state students paying around $4,948. Graduates carry a median of $10,550 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,900 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,550 median debt. See the full The University Of Texas At Brownsville profile
You'll get strong value at Century College, which ranked #4 this year. This public school is set in White Bear Lake, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $6,214. Century College Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $37,015 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,424 ten years after entry. Set against $37,015 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Century College
Out of the 1222 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Tyler Junior College landed the #5 spot. Tyler Junior College is a public school based in Tyler, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,424, while out-of-state students pay about $4,536. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,140. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Tyler Junior College report
Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College placed #6 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Based in New York, NY, Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,170, with out-of-state students paying around $8,050. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $7,860. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,306. That is a strong return on a $7,860 median debt. See the full Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College profile
Minneapolis Community And Technical College placed #8 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Minneapolis Community And Technical College is a public school based in Minneapolis, MN. Students from in state pay about $6,161 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $39,289 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,086. That is a strong return on a $39,289 median debt. Read more about Minneapolis Community And Technical College
San Juan College landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. San Juan College is a public school based in Farmington, NM. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,910, with out-of-state students paying around $5,393. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $16,150. Median earnings reach $36,513 ten years out. Set against $16,150 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on San Juan College
San Diego City College came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Located in San Diego, CA, San Diego City College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,146, with out-of-state students paying around $10,002. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $9,514. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,503 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $9,514 median debt. Read the full report on San Diego City College
Des Moines Area Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Based in Ankeny, IA, Des Moines Area Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. That is a strong return on a $23,320 median debt. Get the full Des Moines Area Community College report
Bristol Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Bristol Community College is a public school based in Fall River, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,832, while out-of-state students pay about $10,776. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $6,433. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,663. That is a strong return on a $6,433 median debt. Get the full Bristol Community College report
Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global placed #17 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Marion, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,648. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $41,804. Median earnings reach $59,986 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global
Austin Community College District landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Austin Community College District is a public school based in Austin, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,550, with out-of-state students paying around $10,590. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $17,922. Austin Community College District alumni report median earnings of $43,177 a decade after entry. Set against $17,922 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Austin Community College District report
Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Harrisburg, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,975, compared with $12,472 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $36,401 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,007. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg
Central Ohio Technical College placed #23 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Located in Newark, OH, Central Ohio Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,256, while out-of-state students pay about $8,016. Students borrow a median of $14,619 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,168. Set against $14,619 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Central Ohio Technical College profile
Hudson Valley Community College landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Troy, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,796, while out-of-state students pay about $11,852. Students borrow a median of $11,925 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,460 ten years after entry. Set against $11,925 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Hudson Valley Community College report
Passaic County Community College came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Located in Paterson, NJ, Passaic County Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,300 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,560 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,581 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. Median earnings reach $36,972 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Passaic County Community College report
University Of Phoenix Arizona landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Phoenix, AZ, University Of Phoenix Arizona is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,552. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $45,534. University Of Phoenix Arizona alumni report median earnings of $37,752 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on University Of Phoenix Arizona
Columbia College Missouri landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Columbia, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,276. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $36,544. Columbia College Missouri alumni report median earnings of $45,378 a decade after entry. Set against $36,544 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Columbia College Missouri
Stark State College ranked #31 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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,790, while out-of-state students pay about $7,886. Stark State College Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $25,177 in debt. Median earnings reach $34,661 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Stark State College profile
Community College Of Vermont ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. Set in Montpelier, VT, Community College Of Vermont is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,920 in tuition and fees, compared with $13,640 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $12,125. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,234. Set against $12,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Community College Of Vermont
Monroe Community College ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. Based in Rochester, NY, Monroe Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,006, with out-of-state students paying around $11,056. Students borrow a median of $17,984 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. Monroe Community College alumni report median earnings of $40,174 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Monroe Community College profile
Youngstown State University placed #41 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Based in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $33,422. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,544. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Youngstown State University has an acceptance rate of 84%. See the full Youngstown State University profile
Onondaga Community College ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. This public school is set in Syracuse, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,102, compared with $11,392 for out-of-state students. Onondaga Community College Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $12,019 in debt. Median earnings reach $41,190 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Onondaga Community College profile
Capital Community College placed #43 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Located in New Britain, CT, Capital Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,338, with out-of-state students paying around $15,596. Graduates carry a median of $12,059 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,344. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Capital Community College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Social Services Public Administration Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Ferris State University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Ferris State University is a public school based in Big Rapids, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,778. Students borrow a median of $25,750 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,735. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ferris State University has an acceptance rate of 91%. See the full Ferris State University profile
Cuny New York City College Of Technology landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Cuny New York City College Of Technology is a public school based in Brooklyn, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,332, compared with $15,282 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,000 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,365. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 80%. Read the full report on Cuny New York City College Of Technology
Elizabethtown College landed the #51 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Elizabethtown, PA, Elizabethtown College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,950. Students borrow a median of $26,599 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. Median earnings reach $62,399 ten years out. Set against $26,599 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. More on Elizabethtown College
Cuny Medgar Evers College offered strong value this year, earning the #57 position. Cuny Medgar Evers College is a public school based in Brooklyn, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,352, compared with $15,302 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,142 in student loans. Cuny Medgar Evers College alumni report median earnings of $46,498 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,142 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. See the full Cuny Medgar Evers College profile
Suny Empire State College landed the #58 spot for value in the United States this year. Suny Empire State College is a public school based in Saratoga Springs, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,648, compared with $17,558 for out-of-state students. Suny Empire State College Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $25,339 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,080 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,339 median debt. Get the full Suny Empire State College report
Wayland Baptist University offered strong value this year, earning the #59 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Plainview, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,782. Graduates carry a median of $27,258 in student loans. Median earnings reach $51,838 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Wayland Baptist University report
Western New Mexico University landed the #60 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Silver City, NM. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,855, with out-of-state students paying around $14,341. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $35,448. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,095. That is a strong return on a $35,448 median debt. See the full Western New Mexico University profile
Brescia University landed the #62 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Owensboro, KY. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,550. Students borrow a median of $48,125 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. Median earnings reach $45,500 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 35% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Brescia University report
Touro College ranked #63 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. Set in New York, NY, Touro College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $20,052. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $31,525. Median earnings reach $53,419 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Touro College admits about 61% of applicants. Read the full report on Touro College
Southern Adventist University came in at #65 in this year's value ranking. Located in Collegedale, TN, Southern Adventist University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $27,300. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $24,575. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,723. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Adventist University has an acceptance rate of 66%. More on Southern Adventist University
Ohio University Main Campus ranked #67 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. Based in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,158, with out-of-state students paying around $24,838. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $23,570. Median earnings reach $52,581 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,570 median debt. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Ohio University Main Campus
San Antonio College landed the #68 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in San Antonio, TX, San Antonio College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,412, with out-of-state students paying around $9,952. San Antonio College Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $11,839 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,711 ten years after entry. Set against $11,839 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full San Antonio College report
Cornerstone University ranked #70 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. Set in Grand Rapids, MI, Cornerstone University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $23,000. Cornerstone University Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,314. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Cornerstone University has an acceptance rate of 78%. Get the full Cornerstone University report
Metropolitan College Of New York ranked #71 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $20,188. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $44,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,236 ten years after entry. Set against $44,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Metropolitan College Of New York has an acceptance rate of 90%. Get the full Metropolitan College Of New York report
Vincennes University landed the #75 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Vincennes, IN, Vincennes University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,126 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,858. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $17,500. Median earnings reach $41,110 ten years out. Set against $17,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Vincennes University profile
Mount St Marys College ranked #76 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $49,564. Graduates carry a median of $30,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,379. Set against $30,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Mount St Marys College has an acceptance rate of 73%. Read the full report on Mount St Marys College
Concord University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. More on Concord University
County College Of Morris came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. See the full County College Of Morris profile
Hamline University placed #44 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Read the full report on Hamline University
Livingstone College landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Livingstone College profile
Marymount University landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Marymount University profile
Salisbury University landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full Salisbury University report
Southern Utah University landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on Southern Utah University
Suffolk University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. Get the full Suffolk University report
Chicago State University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. More on Chicago State University
Related Social Services Public Administration Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Social Services Public Administration Schools (All Levels)
- 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 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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