2026 Best Value Social Services Public Administration Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Social Services Public Administration doctoral 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 arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor reviewed schools to compile 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Walden University earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $11,067 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $52,672 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. Median earnings reach $42,810 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $52,672 median debt. Read the full report on Walden University
Hamline University came in at #2 on this year's best-value Social Services Public Administration ranking in the United States. Hamline University is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $50,004. Students borrow a median of $25,530 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,106. That is a strong return on a $25,530 median debt. Hamline University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full Hamline University report
A rank of #3 makes Capella University one of the best values in the United States. Capella University is a private for-profit school based in Minneapolis, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $14,400. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $35,998. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,189. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Capella University
You'll get strong value at California Baptist University, which ranked #4 this year. California Baptist University is a private not-for-profit school based in Riverside, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,228. Graduates carry a median of $39,244 in student loans. Median earnings reach $61,504 ten years out. Set against $39,244 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California Baptist University admits about 85% of applicants. Read more about California Baptist University
A rank of #5 makes West Chester University Of Pennsylvania one of the best values in the United States. Based in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,775, while out-of-state students pay about $22,599. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,258. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Get the full West Chester University Of Pennsylvania report
Aurora University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Aurora, IL, Aurora University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $29,170 in tuition and fees. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,709 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Aurora University admits about 81% of applicants. More on Aurora University
University Of St Thomas Minnesota ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. University Of St Thomas Minnesota is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $54,398. Students borrow a median of $23,923 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. University Of St Thomas Minnesota alumni report median earnings of $73,739 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,923 median debt. University Of St Thomas Minnesota admits about 85% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of St Thomas Minnesota
University Of California Berkeley offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. University Of California Berkeley is a public school based in Berkeley, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $13,719. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,446 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Berkeley has an acceptance rate of 11%. More on University Of California Berkeley
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Located in Kutztown, PA, Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,206, with out-of-state students paying around $16,330. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $26,624. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,775 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,624 median debt. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. More on Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Nebraska At Omaha ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. This public school is set in Omaha, NE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,718, compared with $23,206 for out-of-state students. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $19,930. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,909. Set against $19,930 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska At Omaha admits about 87% of applicants. Read more about University Of Nebraska At Omaha
Clemson University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. Set in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,554, with out-of-state students paying around $40,866. Clemson University Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $23,783 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,513 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,783 median debt. The acceptance rate is 38%. See the full Clemson University profile
University Of La Verne landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in La Verne, CA, University Of La Verne is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $49,470. Graduates carry a median of $29,333 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,464 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,333 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of La Verne
Cornell University placed #13 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Set in Ithaca, NY, Cornell University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $69,314. Students borrow a median of $15,750 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $104,043. Set against $15,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cornell University admits about 9% of applicants. Read the full report on Cornell University
University Of California Los Angeles offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. This public school is set in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,097 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. University Of California Los Angeles alumni report median earnings of $82,511 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Los Angeles admits about 9% of applicants. See the full University Of California Los Angeles profile
Kansas State University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. This public school is set in Manhattan, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,221, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. Graduates carry a median of $24,603 in student loans. Median earnings reach $57,262 ten years out. Set against $24,603 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Kansas State University profile
The University Of Texas At Austin placed #16 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Graduates carry a median of $21,506 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,121. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At Austin admits about 27% of applicants. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report
Millersville University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. This public school is set in Millersville, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,128, with out-of-state students paying around $22,952. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $27,937. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,246. That is a strong return on a $27,937 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Millersville University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Maryland Baltimore County ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. This public school is set in Baltimore, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,256, while out-of-state students pay about $31,225. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $22,500. Median earnings reach $69,960 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. University Of Maryland Baltimore County admits about 72% of applicants. Get the full University Of Maryland Baltimore County report
University Of Illinois At Springfield ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. Set in Springfield, IL, University Of Illinois At Springfield is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,557, while out-of-state students pay about $20,139. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $24,810. Median earnings reach $57,103 ten years out. Set against $24,810 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Springfield
Loma Linda University offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Loma Linda University is a private not-for-profit school based in Loma Linda, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $29,960. Loma Linda University Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $25,094 in debt. Loma Linda University alumni report median earnings of $89,816 a decade after entry. Set against $25,094 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Loma Linda University report
Valdosta State University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Based in Valdosta, GA, Valdosta State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,124, while out-of-state students pay about $17,836. Students borrow a median of $28,661 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,361 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,661 median debt. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Valdosta State University
University Of Houston ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. University Of Houston is a public school based in Houston, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,717, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. Students borrow a median of $21,255 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,377 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,255 median debt. University Of Houston has an acceptance rate of 74%. See the full University Of Houston profile
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Based in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Graduates carry a median of $21,577 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,020. That is a strong return on a $21,577 median debt. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities has an acceptance rate of 80%. Read more about University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
University Of Nevada Las Vegas placed #23 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Set in Las Vegas, NV, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,748, while out-of-state students pay about $27,411. Students borrow a median of $21,995 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. Median earnings reach $55,037 ten years out. Set against $21,995 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Nevada Las Vegas profile
University Of North Texas offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. University Of North Texas is a public school based in Denton, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $22,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,010 ten years after entry. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of North Texas
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Social Services Public Administration Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of Memphis placed #26 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. This public school is set in Memphis, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,728, with out-of-state students paying around $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. University Of Memphis has an acceptance rate of 72%. More on University Of Memphis
University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. University Of Wisconsin Madison Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $21,398 in debt. Median earnings reach $73,792 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,398 median debt. The acceptance rate is 45%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile
Loyola University Chicago landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $53,710. Loyola University Chicago Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $21,133 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,530 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Loyola University Chicago admits about 82% of applicants. Read the full report on Loyola University Chicago
University Of Baltimore landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Baltimore is a public school based in Baltimore, MD. Students from in state pay about $9,992 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $23,984. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $37,809. University Of Baltimore alumni report median earnings of $61,335 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Baltimore report
Jackson State University offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Based in Jackson, MS, Jackson State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,965, compared with $11,965 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $36,403. Median earnings reach $39,060 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read the full report on Jackson State University
George Washington University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. Students from in state pay about $67,710 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $22,910 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $90,873 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. George Washington University has an acceptance rate of 47%. Get the full George Washington University report
University Of Arkansas offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Set in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $29,966. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,191. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of Arkansas has an acceptance rate of 74%. Get the full University Of Arkansas report
Saint Louis University Main Campus ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. Located in Saint Louis, MO, Saint Louis University Main Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $55,760. Graduates carry a median of $22,875 in student loans. Median earnings reach $70,783 ten years out. Set against $22,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Saint Louis University Main Campus profile
Morgan State University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Morgan State University is a public school based in Baltimore, MD. Students from in state pay about $8,229 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,124. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $35,000. Median earnings reach $50,698 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $35,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%. See the full Morgan State University profile
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. This public school is set in Charlotte, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,239, while out-of-state students pay about $22,492. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $24,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,289 ten years after entry. Set against $24,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of North Carolina At Charlotte profile
University Of Utah offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. This public school is set in Salt Lake City, UT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,620, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. University Of Utah Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $15,038 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,170. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Utah
Southern University And A And M College offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Set in Baton Rouge, LA, Southern University And A And M College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,922, compared with $17,272 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $32,634 in student loans. Southern University And A And M College alumni report median earnings of $43,371 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $32,634 median debt. Roughly 35% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Southern University And A And M College
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $15,468 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $81,698. Set against $15,468 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 55%. See the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University profile
University Of Pennsylvania landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,686. Students borrow a median of $16,155 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. Median earnings reach $111,371 ten years out. Set against $16,155 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Pennsylvania admits about 5% of applicants. Get the full University Of Pennsylvania report
New York University landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. Students from in state pay about $62,796 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,509. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on New York University
University Of Colorado Denver ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. Located in Denver, CO, University Of Colorado Denver is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,383, compared with $29,391 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $33,510 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,270 ten years after entry. Set against $33,510 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Colorado Denver has an acceptance rate of 75%. Read the full report on University Of Colorado Denver
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Located in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,344 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign alumni report median earnings of $81,054 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 42%. Get the full University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign report
University Of Washington Seattle Campus landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Seattle, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $17,396. University Of Washington Seattle Campus alumni report median earnings of $78,466 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,396 median debt. About 39% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus profile
University Of Kansas came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Set in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,102, while out-of-state students pay about $30,432. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $24,000. University Of Kansas alumni report median earnings of $61,945 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,000 median debt. University Of Kansas has an acceptance rate of 94%. More on University Of Kansas
Harvard University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Based in Cambridge, MA, Harvard University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $61,676 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $16,616 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $101,817 ten years after entry. Set against $16,616 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. See the full Harvard University profile
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Based in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,398 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,398. Students borrow a median of $29,610 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,990. That is a strong return on a $29,610 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee report
Fordham University came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Set in Bronx, NY, Fordham University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $64,470. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $85,569. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Fordham University admits about 59% of applicants. Read the full report on Fordham University
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,994, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $15,000. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill alumni report median earnings of $72,200 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 15%. More on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
University Of Louisville placed #49 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Set in Louisville, KY, University Of Louisville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,136, with out-of-state students paying around $29,482. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $25,209. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,899 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,209 median debt. University Of Louisville has an acceptance rate of 79%. More on University Of Louisville
Widener University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Based in Chester, PA, Widener University Main Campus is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $55,730. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $30,750. Graduates go on to earn a median of $70,920 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Widener University Main Campus admits about 71% of applicants. More on Widener University Main Campus
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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Social Services Public Administration Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Social Services Public Administration Master’s 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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