2026 Best Value Social Services Public Administration Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Social Services Public Administration bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 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 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Minot State University tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Social Services Public Administration bachelor's degree schools in the United States. Set in Minot, ND, Minot State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,702. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,759. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Minot State University profile
You'll get strong value at Bemidji State University, which ranked #2 this year. Based in Bemidji, MN, Bemidji State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,237. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $27,000. Bemidji State University alumni report median earnings of $53,755 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Bemidji State University has an acceptance rate of 56%. See the full Bemidji State University profile
You'll get strong value at Brigham Young University Idaho, which ranked #3 this year. Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit school based 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,406. Set against $14,460 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Brigham Young University Idaho profile
Out of the 1222 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Granite State College landed the #4 spot. Set in Manchester, NH, Granite State College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,724, while out-of-state students pay about $9,284. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $37,605. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,479. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Granite State College report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Southwest Minnesota State University earned it the #5 place in the United States. Southwest Minnesota State University is a public school based in Marshall, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,361. Southwest Minnesota State University Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $27,016 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,342. That is a strong return on a $27,016 median debt. Southwest Minnesota State University admits about 62% of applicants. Read more about Southwest Minnesota State University
Colorado State University Global Campus came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Colorado State University Global Campus is a public school based in Denver, CO. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,000. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $44,111. Colorado State University Global Campus alumni report median earnings of $76,813 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Colorado State University Global Campus report
Metropolitan State University placed #7 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Metropolitan State University is a public school based in Saint Paul, MN. Students from in state pay about $9,840 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $29,696 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,705 ten years after entry. Set against $29,696 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. See the full Metropolitan State University profile
Western Carolina University placed #8 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Western Carolina University is a public school based in Cullowhee, NC. Students from in state pay about $4,630 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,630 for out-of-state students. Western Carolina University Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $22,116 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,458 ten years after entry. Set against $22,116 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. See the full Western Carolina University profile
Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global placed #9 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Marion, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,648. Students borrow a median of $41,804 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,986. Set against $41,804 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global profile
Bellevue University landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Bellevue, NE, Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,873. Students borrow a median of $10,312 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,289 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Bellevue University
Winona State University landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Winona, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,576, while out-of-state students pay about $17,308. Winona State University Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,532. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Winona State University has an acceptance rate of 76%. Get the full Winona State University report
University Of North Carolina At Pembroke placed #12 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Located in Pembroke, NC, University Of North Carolina At Pembroke is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,648, with out-of-state students paying around $7,648. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $43,407 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke has an acceptance rate of 93%. See the full University Of North Carolina At Pembroke profile
University Of Phoenix Arizona landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Phoenix, AZ, University Of Phoenix Arizona is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,552. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $45,534. Median earnings reach $37,752 ten years out. Set against $45,534 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on University Of Phoenix Arizona
University Of North Dakota offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. This public school is set in Grand Forks, ND. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,951, with out-of-state students paying around $15,570. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $26,000. Median earnings reach $63,552 ten years out. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Dakota has an acceptance rate of 77%. More on University Of North Dakota
University Of Wisconsin River Falls offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Located in River Falls, WI, University Of Wisconsin River Falls is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,008, with out-of-state students paying around $17,470. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $26,303. University Of Wisconsin River Falls alumni report median earnings of $54,458 a decade after entry. Set against $26,303 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin River Falls has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin River Falls
National University landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,284. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $31,603. Median earnings reach $67,548 ten years out. Set against $31,603 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about National University
Youngstown State University landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Set 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. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $33,422. Youngstown State University alumni report median earnings of $41,544 a decade after entry. Set against $33,422 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Youngstown State University has an acceptance rate of 84%. Read more about Youngstown State University
University Of Maryland University College placed #19 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. University Of Maryland University College is a public school based in Adelphi, MD. Students from in state pay about $8,136 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,336 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $29,202. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,287 ten years after entry. Set against $29,202 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on University Of Maryland University College
Walden University placed #20 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Set in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,067. Graduates carry a median of $52,672 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,810. That is a strong return on a $52,672 median debt. Get the full Walden University report
Minnesota State University Moorhead landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,428 in tuition and fees. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,527 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 59% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Minnesota State University Moorhead report
Columbia College Missouri offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Based in Columbia, MO, Columbia College Missouri is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,276. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $36,544. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,378. Set against $36,544 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Columbia College Missouri
Minnesota State University Mankato offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. This public school is set in Mankato, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $24,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,922. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on Minnesota State University Mankato
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire placed #26 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. This public school is set in Eau Claire, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,642, compared with $19,228 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,561 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire
University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh placed #27 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Located in Oshkosh, WI, University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,532, with out-of-state students paying around $16,446. Graduates carry a median of $26,732 in student loans. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh alumni report median earnings of $55,548 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh has an acceptance rate of 86%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Oshkosh report
Franklin University placed #31 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Set in Columbus, OH, Franklin University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,577. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $35,890. Franklin University alumni report median earnings of $51,892 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $35,890 median debt. Read the full report on Franklin University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Social Services Public Administration Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania placed #32 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Set in Shippensburg, PA, Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,570 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,824. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $26,982. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,351. Set against $26,982 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania admits about 86% of applicants. More on Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania
Park University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Set in Parkville, MO, Park University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,116. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $15,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,309. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. Read the full report on Park University
University Of Phoenix California ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. Located in Ontario, CA, University Of Phoenix California is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,552. Students borrow a median of $50,453 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,752. That is a strong return on a $50,453 median debt. See the full University Of Phoenix California profile
Western Illinois University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Set in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,572. Students borrow a median of $29,850 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. Western Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $54,163 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,850 median debt. Western Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 71%. Get the full Western Illinois University report
University Of Akron Main Campus placed #35 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. University Of Akron Main Campus is a public school based in Akron, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $13,135, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $27,708. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,600 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Akron Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 60%. Get the full University Of Akron Main Campus report
University Of Wisconsin Superior came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. University Of Wisconsin Superior is a public school based in Superior, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $8,812, while out-of-state students pay about $16,726. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $29,166. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,606. That is a strong return on a $29,166 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Superior
Arizona State University Skysong ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,627 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Arizona State University Skysong Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $22,523 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University Skysong admits about 67% of applicants. More on Arizona State University Skysong
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Based in Slippery Rock, PA, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,568, while out-of-state students pay about $14,676. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,032. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania admits about 72% of applicants. Read more about Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Based in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,092. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $25,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,346 ten years after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has an acceptance rate of 98%. More on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
West Texas A And M University landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,101 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,996 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $25,399. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,741. Set against $25,399 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. West Texas A And M University admits about 99% of applicants. Get the full West Texas A And M University report
Saint Cloud State University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Set in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,245. Students borrow a median of $27,996 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,813. Set against $27,996 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Saint Cloud State University
Midwestern State University placed #45 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Based in Wichita Falls, TX, Midwestern State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,950 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,770. Graduates carry a median of $35,135 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,747. Set against $35,135 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Midwestern State University admits about 94% of applicants. More on Midwestern State University
Northeastern University Global Network placed #46 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Northeastern University Global Network is a private not-for-profit school based in Boston, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $50,688. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $26,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,538. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Northeastern University Global Network report
University Of Nebraska At Kearney offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Set in Kearney, NE, University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,564 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $16,484. University Of Nebraska At Kearney Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $24,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,105. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Nebraska At Kearney profile
Fort Hays State University offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Based in Hays, KS, Fort Hays State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,923 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,741. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,928 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Fort Hays State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read the full report on Fort Hays State University
Indian River State College came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Set in Fort Pierce, FL, Indian River State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,764, compared with $10,201 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $13,583 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,315. That is a strong return on a $13,583 median debt. Read the full report on Indian River State College
California State University Northridge placed #50 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. This public school is set in Northridge, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,458, while out-of-state students pay about $20,058. California State University Northridge Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $24,975 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,115. That is a strong return on a $24,975 median debt. California State University Northridge admits about 93% of applicants. See the full California State University Northridge profile
Ferris State University landed the #52 spot for value in the United States this year. Ferris State University is a public school based in Big Rapids, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,778. Ferris State University Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $25,750 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,735 ten years after entry. Set against $25,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Ferris State University report
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania came in at #53 in this year's value ranking. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Kutztown, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,206, while out-of-state students pay about $16,330. Students borrow a median of $26,624 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,775. That is a strong return on a $26,624 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania report
Thomas University placed #54 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Thomasville, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,640. Students borrow a median of $29,000 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. Thomas University alumni report median earnings of $49,716 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,000 median debt. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Thomas University
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater landed the #55 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Whitewater, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $8,616, compared with $18,716 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,550 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,356. Set against $26,550 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater admits about 86% of applicants. See the full University Of Wisconsin Whitewater profile
Coppin State University offered strong value this year, earning the #57 position. Coppin State University is a public school based in Baltimore, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,100, compared with $14,024 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $28,750 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,490 ten years after entry. Set against $28,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 46%. More on Coppin State University
Central Michigan University ranked #58 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. Located in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,480. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $27,452. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,874 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,452 median debt. Central Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 90%. See the full Central Michigan University profile
University Of Memphis landed the #59 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,728, while out-of-state students pay about $15,384. Students borrow a median of $36,506 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,458. That is a strong return on a $36,506 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read the full report on University Of Memphis
Cuny York College ranked #59 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. Cuny York College is a public school based in Jamaica, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,358, with out-of-state students paying around $15,308. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $9,500. Median earnings reach $56,945 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny York College has an acceptance rate of 64%. Read the full report on Cuny York College
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 Associate’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
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 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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