2026 Best Value Social Services Public Administration Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Social Services Public Administration graduate certificate 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.
So you can compare your options, 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Columbia Southern University earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Based in Orange Beach, AL, Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,224. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $25,447. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,534. Set against $25,447 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Columbia Southern University report
Out of the 1222 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #2 spot. This public school is set in Mankato, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Minnesota State University Mankato Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $24,250 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. Set against $24,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report
You'll get strong value at University Of South Dakota, which ranked #3 this year. University Of South Dakota is a public school based in Vermillion, SD. Students from in state pay about $9,432 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,942. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $26,322. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,926. Set against $26,322 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of South Dakota admits about 99% of applicants. See the full University Of South Dakota profile
A rank of #4 makes Park University one of the best values in the United States. Based in Parkville, MO, Park University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,116. Graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. Park University alumni report median earnings of $56,309 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. See the full Park University profile
You'll get strong value at American Public University System, which ranked #5 this year. Set in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,400. Graduates carry a median of $23,438 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,409. Set against $23,438 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on American Public University System
Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus placed #6 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus is a private not-for-profit school based in Teaneck, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,010. Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $24,770 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,273 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,770 median debt. Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus admits about 91% of applicants. See the full Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus profile
Montclair State University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. Montclair State University is a public school based in Montclair, NJ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,912, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $61,415 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Montclair State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full Montclair State University profile
Western New Mexico University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Western New Mexico University is a public school based in Silver City, NM. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,855, compared with $14,341 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $35,448 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,095 ten years after entry. Set against $35,448 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Western New Mexico University
Liberty University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lynchburg, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,173. Liberty University Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $29,000 in debt. 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. Liberty University has an acceptance rate of 99%. See the full Liberty University profile
University Of North Dakota ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. Located in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. University Of North Dakota alumni report median earnings of $63,552 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of North Dakota
Seattle University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. Based in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $56,721. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $22,289. Median earnings reach $75,272 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,289 median debt. Seattle University has an acceptance rate of 77%. More on Seattle University
Aurora University placed #12 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Located in Aurora, IL, Aurora University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $29,170. Aurora University Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,709. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Aurora University
Villanova University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Villanova University is a private not-for-profit school based in Villanova, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,776. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $26,184. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $100,423. That is a strong return on a $26,184 median debt. Villanova University has an acceptance rate of 27%. More on Villanova University
Walden University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $11,067 in tuition and fees. Walden University Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $52,672 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,810. That is a strong return on a $52,672 median debt. Read more about Walden University
Salem State University placed #15 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. This public school is set in Salem, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,338, compared with $19,531 for out-of-state students. Salem State University Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,662 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%. Read more about Salem State University
Kansas State University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Set in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,221, compared with $28,568 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $24,603. Kansas State University alumni report median earnings of $57,262 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Kansas State University has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read more about Kansas State University
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Set in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,775, with out-of-state students paying around $22,599. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,258. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about West Chester University Of Pennsylvania
Wichita State University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. This public school is set in Wichita, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,684, with out-of-state students paying around $19,869. Wichita State University Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $31,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,532. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%. See the full Wichita State University profile
University Of Illinois At Springfield placed #20 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Located in Springfield, IL, University Of Illinois At Springfield is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,557, while out-of-state students pay about $20,139. Students borrow a median of $24,810 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,103. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read more about University Of Illinois At Springfield
University Of California Berkeley offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. University Of California Berkeley is a public school based in Berkeley, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $13,719. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,446. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Berkeley admits about 11% of applicants. Get the full University Of California Berkeley report
University Of North Alabama landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Florence, AL, University Of North Alabama is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,120, with out-of-state students paying around $22,320. Graduates carry a median of $30,500 in student loans. University Of North Alabama alumni report median earnings of $45,415 a decade after entry. Set against $30,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%. See the full University Of North Alabama profile
University Of Nebraska At Omaha placed #23 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. This public school is set in Omaha, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,718, compared with $23,206 for out-of-state students. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $19,930. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,909 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Nebraska At Omaha
East Central University landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Ada, OK. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,032, while out-of-state students pay about $17,842. Graduates carry a median of $26,324 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,962 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 58%. More on East Central University
California State University Northridge came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. California State University Northridge is a public school based in Northridge, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,458, with out-of-state students paying around $20,058. Graduates carry a median of $24,975 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,115. Set against $24,975 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Northridge has an acceptance rate of 93%. See the full California State University Northridge profile
Clemson University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Clemson University is a public school based in Clemson, SC. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,554, with out-of-state students paying around $40,866. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $23,783. 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. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. See the full Clemson University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Social Services Public Administration Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Texas A And M University College Station ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. This public school is set in College Station, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Texas A And M University College Station Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $20,031 in debt. Texas A And M University College Station alumni report median earnings of $72,097 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,031 median debt. The acceptance rate is 57%. More on Texas A And M University College Station
California State University Long Beach ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. California State University Long Beach is a public school based in Long Beach, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,374, compared with $19,974 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $11,276. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,403. Set against $11,276 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Long Beach admits about 46% of applicants. More on California State University Long Beach
Golden Gate University San Francisco ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. Based in San Francisco, CA, Golden Gate University San Francisco is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,343. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $33,968. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $87,434. Set against $33,968 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Golden Gate University San Francisco
Ohio University Main Campus placed #30 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Ohio University Main Campus is a public school based in Athens, OH. Students from in state pay about $14,158 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. Students borrow a median of $23,570 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. Median earnings reach $52,581 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,570 median debt. Ohio University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 85%. Get the full Ohio University Main Campus report
University Of Wyoming ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. Located in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,768, while out-of-state students pay about $24,178. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $22,033. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,880 ten years after entry. Set against $22,033 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wyoming has an acceptance rate of 97%. Get the full University Of Wyoming report
Florida Atlantic University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Boca Raton, FL, Florida Atlantic University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,879, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Florida Atlantic University Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $19,749 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,746 ten years after entry. Set against $19,749 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 66%. More on Florida Atlantic University
Missouri State University Springfield offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. This public school is set in Springfield, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,502, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. Missouri State University Springfield Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $25,085 in debt. Median earnings reach $49,827 ten years out. Set against $25,085 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Missouri State University Springfield profile
Belhaven University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Located in Jackson, MS, Belhaven University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $30,250 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $34,181 in student loans. Median earnings reach $46,440 ten years out. Set against $34,181 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted. See the full Belhaven University profile
Central Michigan University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Central Michigan University is a public school based in Mount Pleasant, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,480. Central Michigan University Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $27,452 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,874 ten years after entry. Set against $27,452 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Central Michigan University admits about 90% of applicants. See the full Central Michigan University profile
Western Kentucky University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Located in Bowling Green, KY, Western Kentucky University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,652, with out-of-state students paying around $27,000. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $26,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,889. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%. See the full Western Kentucky University profile
University Of Kansas landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Lawrence, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,102, with out-of-state students paying around $30,432. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $24,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,945. That is a strong return on a $24,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%. Get the full University Of Kansas report
Millersville University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Set in Millersville, PA, Millersville University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,128, with out-of-state students paying around $22,952. Graduates carry a median of $27,937 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,246 ten years after entry. Set against $27,937 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. See the full Millersville University Of Pennsylvania profile
Bowie State University placed #39 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Set in Bowie, MD, Bowie State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,218, compared with $19,938 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $31,000. Bowie State University alumni report median earnings of $54,537 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bowie State University admits about 72% of applicants. Get the full Bowie State University report
Norwich University landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Northfield, VT, Norwich University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $49,740. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $24,103. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,575. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Norwich University admits about 74% of applicants. Read more about Norwich University
Towson University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. Towson University is a public school based in Towson, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,728, with out-of-state students paying around $29,820. Students borrow a median of $21,250 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. Towson University alumni report median earnings of $64,390 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,250 median debt. Towson University admits about 82% of applicants. More on Towson University
University Of North Carolina At Wilmington ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. University Of North Carolina At Wilmington is a public school based in Wilmington, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,277, compared with $24,152 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $22,361. University Of North Carolina At Wilmington alumni report median earnings of $54,967 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 64%. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Wilmington
University Of Arkansas At Little Rock ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. Set in Little Rock, AR, University Of Arkansas At Little Rock is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,911 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,721. University Of Arkansas At Little Rock Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $26,980 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,265. Set against $26,980 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 59% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Arkansas At Little Rock report
East Carolina University placed #44 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Located in Greenville, NC, East Carolina University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,361, with out-of-state students paying around $23,638. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,146 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. See the full East Carolina University profile
Troy University placed #45 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Troy University is a public school based in Troy, AL. In-state tuition and fees average $10,176, compared with $20,352 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $30,410. Troy University alumni report median earnings of $42,062 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $30,410 median debt. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Troy University
Colorado State University Fort Collins placed #45 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Based in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,373, with out-of-state students paying around $35,061. Students borrow a median of $23,387 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,543. That is a strong return on a $23,387 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Colorado State University Fort Collins profile
Loyola University Chicago landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Chicago, IL, Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,710. Loyola University Chicago Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $21,133 in debt. Median earnings reach $71,530 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read the full report on Loyola University Chicago
Murray State University landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Murray State University is a public school based in Murray, KY. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,900, with out-of-state students paying around $19,836. Murray State University Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $28,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,737. That is a strong return on a $28,000 median debt. Murray State University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Get the full Murray State University report
North Carolina State University At Raleigh landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,799, while out-of-state students pay about $32,847. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $20,791. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,758 ten years after entry. Set against $20,791 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Blacksburg, VA. Students from in state pay about $15,948 in tuition and fees, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $15,468. Median earnings reach $81,698 ten years out. Set against $15,468 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. More on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Northern Arizona University ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. This public school is set in Flagstaff, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,619, compared with $20,044 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,384. Set against $20,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northern Arizona University admits about 90% of applicants. Read more about Northern Arizona University
Related Social Services Public Administration Value Rankings
See value rankings for 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 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. Rankings consider 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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