2026 Best Value Social Services Public Administration Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Social Services Public Administration certificate degree 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 arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor evaluated 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 Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
York County Community College earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. York County Community College is a public school based in Wells, ME. Students from in state pay about $4,156 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,036 for out-of-state students. York County Community College Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $10,773 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,873 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,773 median debt. See the full York County Community College profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Century College earned it the #2 place in the United States. Set in White Bear Lake, MN, Century College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,214. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $37,015. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,424. Set against $37,015 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Century College
You'll get strong value at San Diego City College, which ranked #3 this year. 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. San Diego City College Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $9,514 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,503. That is a strong return on a $9,514 median debt. Get the full San Diego City College report
Out of the 1222 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Tyler Junior College landed the #5 spot. Located in Tyler, TX, Tyler Junior College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,424, while out-of-state students pay about $4,536. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,140 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Tyler Junior College
University Of Phoenix Arizona ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. Set in Phoenix, AZ, University Of Phoenix Arizona is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,552. University Of Phoenix Arizona Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $45,534 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,752. That is a strong return on a $45,534 median debt. See the full University Of Phoenix Arizona profile
Bristol Community College landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Fall River, MA, Bristol Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,832, while out-of-state students pay about $10,776. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $6,433. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,663. Set against $6,433 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Bristol Community College
Central Ohio Technical College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Based in Newark, OH, Central Ohio Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,256, compared with $8,016 for out-of-state students. Central Ohio Technical College Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $14,619 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,168 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Central Ohio Technical College profile
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. This public school is set in Eau Claire, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,642, compared with $19,228 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $23,000 in debt. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire alumni report median earnings of $58,561 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,000 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire
University Of Phoenix California placed #12 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. University Of Phoenix California is a private for-profit school based in Ontario, CA. Students from in state pay about $9,552 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $50,453 in student loans. University Of Phoenix California alumni report median earnings of $37,752 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $50,453 median debt. Read the full report on University Of Phoenix California
University Of Wisconsin Green Bay offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Based in Green Bay, WI, University Of Wisconsin Green Bay is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,700, while out-of-state students pay about $17,288. Students borrow a median of $25,237 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,528 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,237 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Green Bay
Central Michigan University landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Central Michigan University is a public school based in Mount Pleasant, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,480. Central Michigan University Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $27,452 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,874. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Central Michigan University admits about 90% of applicants. More on Central Michigan University
Cuny Hunter College landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in New York, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,382, while out-of-state students pay about $15,332. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $9,608. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,163. That is a strong return on a $9,608 median debt. About 54% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Cuny Hunter College profile
Eastern Kentucky University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Based in Richmond, KY, Eastern Kentucky University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,320, with out-of-state students paying around $21,230. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $30,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,795 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%. Get the full Eastern Kentucky University report
Henderson State University placed #17 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Henderson State University is a public school based in Arkadelphia, AR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,244, compared with $10,620 for out-of-state students. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $22,239. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,459. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Henderson State University profile
Florida Atlantic University landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Boca Raton, FL, Florida Atlantic University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,879, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $19,749. Florida Atlantic University alumni report median earnings of $56,746 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 66%. See the full Florida Atlantic University profile
San Antonio College placed #20 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. This public school is set in San Antonio, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,412, while out-of-state students pay about $9,952. Students borrow a median of $11,839 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,711. That is a strong return on a $11,839 median debt. More on San Antonio College
University Of Alaska Anchorage offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Located in Anchorage, AK, University Of Alaska Anchorage is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,738, compared with $21,322 for out-of-state students. University Of Alaska Anchorage Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $31,750 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,871 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full University Of Alaska Anchorage profile
Wichita State University offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Located in Wichita, KS, Wichita State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,684, compared with $19,869 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $51,532 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Wichita State University report
Liberty University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Set in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,173. Graduates carry a median of $29,000 in student loans. Liberty University alumni report median earnings of $44,813 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. More on Liberty University
Eastern Washington University placed #26 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Set in Cheney, WA, Eastern Washington University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,586, while out-of-state students pay about $26,583. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $17,109. Median earnings reach $57,897 ten years out. Set against $17,109 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read the full report on Eastern Washington University
Indiana Wesleyan University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. Located in Marion, IN, Indiana Wesleyan University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $32,352 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $41,804 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. Median earnings reach $59,986 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $41,804 median debt. Indiana Wesleyan University has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read more about Indiana Wesleyan University
University Of Maryland Baltimore County landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Baltimore, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,256, with out-of-state students paying around $31,225. University Of Maryland Baltimore County Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $22,500 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,960. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%. Get the full University Of Maryland Baltimore County report
Madonna University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Located in Livonia, MI, Madonna University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $28,440 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,597 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,058. That is a strong return on a $25,597 median debt. About 63% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Madonna University report
The College Of Saint Scholastica placed #30 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Based in Duluth, MN, The College Of Saint Scholastica is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,778. The College Of Saint Scholastica Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $37,059 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,934. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. More on The College Of Saint Scholastica
University Of Arkansas placed #30 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. University Of Arkansas is a public school based in Fayetteville, AR. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,104, with out-of-state students paying around $29,966. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,191 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Arkansas has an acceptance rate of 74%. Read the full report on University Of Arkansas
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Social Services Public Administration Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of Wisconsin Madison offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. This public school is set in Madison, WI. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Students borrow a median of $21,398 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,792. That is a strong return on a $21,398 median debt. The acceptance rate is 45%. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Located in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Graduates carry a median of $21,506 in student loans. The University Of Texas At Austin alumni report median earnings of $75,121 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. See the full The University Of Texas At Austin profile
Boise State University placed #34 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Based in Boise, ID, Boise State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,048, while out-of-state students pay about $27,788. Students borrow a median of $28,350 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,658. Set against $28,350 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Boise State University has an acceptance rate of 87%. Read the full report on Boise State University
Metropolitan State College Of Denver offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. This public school is set in Denver, CO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,124, while out-of-state students pay about $30,684. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $29,598. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,093 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,598 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%. Read the full report on Metropolitan State College Of Denver
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a public school based in Indianapolis, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,762, compared with $34,891 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $20,736. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis alumni report median earnings of $55,198 a decade after entry. Set against $20,736 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis has an acceptance rate of 76%. Read the full report on Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus placed #37 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a public school based in Pittsburgh, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $21,926, compared with $41,430 for out-of-state students. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $24,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,125. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus has an acceptance rate of 58%. Read more about University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus
The University Of Texas At Arlington offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. This public school is set in Arlington, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,950, while out-of-state students pay about $29,582. Graduates carry a median of $21,546 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,199. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Read more about The University Of Texas At Arlington
Siena College landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Siena College is a private not-for-profit school based in Loudonville, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $45,805. Siena College Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $26,970 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $76,079 ten years after entry. Set against $26,970 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 69%. Read more about Siena College
University Of Massachusetts Amherst offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. This public school is set in Amherst, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,772, with out-of-state students paying around $40,449. Students borrow a median of $25,234 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. Median earnings reach $71,631 ten years out. Set against $25,234 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 60% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Massachusetts Amherst
Southeastern University placed #42 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Southeastern University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lakeland, FL. Students from in state pay about $32,950 in tuition and fees. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $24,993. Median earnings reach $46,744 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southeastern University has an acceptance rate of 53%. More on Southeastern University
Vincennes University placed #43 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Based in Vincennes, IN, Vincennes University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,126, compared with $16,858 for out-of-state students. Vincennes University Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $17,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $41,110 ten years out. Set against $17,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Vincennes University
Providence College came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Based in Providence, RI, Providence College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $63,550. Graduates carry a median of $26,833 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $87,054. That is a strong return on a $26,833 median debt. Providence College has an acceptance rate of 51%. Read the full report on Providence College
Albright College
Albright College offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. More on Albright College
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Read more about California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
Cuny Hostos Community College came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Cuny Hostos Community College
Curry College
Curry College offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. More on Curry College
Delaware Valley College came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Delaware Valley College report
Frostburg State University offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. More on Frostburg State University
North Central University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. More on North Central University
Rowan University
Rowan University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. Read the full report on Rowan University
San Juan College
San Juan College offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. See the full San Juan College profile
Southeastern Louisiana University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. Read more about Southeastern Louisiana University
Universidad Del Este offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. More on Universidad Del Este
University Of Vermont came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. See the full University Of Vermont profile
California State University Long Beach placed #50 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Read more about California State University Long Beach
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 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
These rankings are produced 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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