2026 Best Value Social Services Public Administration Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Social Services Public Administration master’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 evaluated 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Our analysis found Columbia Southern University to be the best-value Social Services Public Administration school in the United States. Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit school based in Orange Beach, AL. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,224. Columbia Southern University Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $25,447 in debt. Columbia Southern University alumni report median earnings of $63,534 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Columbia Southern University profile
Minnesota State University Mankato came in at #2 on this year's best-value Social Services Public Administration ranking in the United States. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Graduates carry a median of $24,250 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,922. That is a strong return on a $24,250 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato
University Of South Dakota came in at #3 on this year's best-value Social Services Public Administration ranking in the United States. University Of South Dakota is a public school based in Vermillion, SD. In-state tuition and fees average $9,432, compared with $12,942 for out-of-state students. University Of South Dakota Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $26,322 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,926 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of South Dakota admits about 99% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of South Dakota
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Winona State University earned it the #4 place in the United States. This public school is set in Winona, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,576, with out-of-state students paying around $17,308. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. Winona State University alumni report median earnings of $58,532 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Winona State University admits about 76% of applicants. Get the full Winona State University report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Spring Arbor University earned it the #5 place in the United States. Located in Spring Arbor, MI, Spring Arbor University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,014. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $29,893. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,732. Set against $29,893 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 52% of applicants are accepted. See the full Spring Arbor University profile
Metropolitan State University placed #6 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Metropolitan State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,840. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $29,696. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,705. That is a strong return on a $29,696 median debt. Metropolitan State University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read the full report on Metropolitan State University
Brigham Young University Provo came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Located in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,688. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $12,184. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,790. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Brigham Young University Provo profile
Westfield State University offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Set in Westfield, MA, Westfield State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,179, with out-of-state students paying around $18,259. Westfield 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 $57,346. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Westfield State University
Newman University placed #9 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Located in Wichita, KS, Newman University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,500. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $24,562. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,041. That is a strong return on a $24,562 median debt. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Newman University
Anna Maria College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. Located in Paxton, MA, Anna Maria College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,571. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,651 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 50%. Get the full Anna Maria College report
Ferris State University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. Based in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,778. Ferris State University Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $25,750 in debt. Median earnings reach $54,735 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ferris State University admits about 91% of applicants. Read the full report on Ferris State University
Concordia University Saint Paul ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. Concordia University Saint Paul is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. Students from in state pay about $25,600 in tuition and fees. Concordia University Saint Paul Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $29,026 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,871. Set against $29,026 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Concordia University Saint Paul has an acceptance rate of 79%. Read the full report on Concordia University Saint Paul
Youngstown State University landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Youngstown State University is a public school based in Youngstown, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,926, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. Youngstown State University Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $33,422 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,544 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $33,422 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%. Get the full Youngstown State University report
American Public University System ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. Based in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,400. Students borrow a median of $23,438 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. American Public University System alumni report median earnings of $44,409 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about American Public University System
Hamline University offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Hamline University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $50,004. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $25,530. Hamline University alumni report median earnings of $61,106 a decade after entry. Set against $25,530 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Hamline University admits about 88% of applicants. Read the full report on Hamline University
Fort Hays State University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. Located in Hays, KS, Fort Hays State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,923, while out-of-state students pay about $17,741. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,928. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Fort Hays State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read more about Fort Hays State University
Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global is a private not-for-profit school based in Marion, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,648. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $41,804. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,986. That is a strong return on a $41,804 median debt. More on Indiana Wesleyan University National And Global
Drake University placed #18 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Located in Des Moines, IA, Drake University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $51,960 in tuition and fees. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $22,273. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,901 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 64%. Get the full Drake University report
Post University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Based in Waterbury, CT, Post University is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,922. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $54,002. Median earnings reach $38,696 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Post University profile
Arizona State University Skysong placed #20 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Set in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $22,523. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. Set against $22,523 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University Skysong admits about 67% of applicants. See the full Arizona State University Skysong profile
West Texas A And M University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Located in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,101, compared with $10,996 for out-of-state students. West Texas A And M University Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $25,399 in debt. West Texas A And M University alumni report median earnings of $50,741 a decade after entry. Set against $25,399 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. West Texas A And M University admits about 99% of applicants. See the full West Texas A And M University profile
Park University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. Set in Parkville, MO, Park University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $12,116 in tuition and fees. Park University Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $15,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,309 ten years after entry. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Park University profile
Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Teaneck, NJ. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,010. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $24,770. Median earnings reach $57,273 ten years out. Set against $24,770 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus admits about 91% of applicants. Read more about Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus
Northeastern State University placed #23 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. This public school is set in Tahlequah, OK. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,810, while out-of-state students pay about $17,290. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $30,785. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,379. Set against $30,785 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Northeastern State University report
St Catherine University placed #25 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Located in Saint Paul, MN, St Catherine University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,428. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $30,912. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,282. Set against $30,912 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Read more about St Catherine University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Social Services Public Administration Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Universidad Del Este landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Carolina, PR, Universidad Del Este is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $7,750 in tuition and fees. Universidad Del Este Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $19,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $24,328 ten years out. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Universidad Del Este
Northwest Nazarene University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Nampa, ID. In-state tuition and fees average $40,824. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $27,562. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,719 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northwest Nazarene University admits about 65% of applicants. See the full Northwest Nazarene University profile
Augsburg College ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. Augsburg College is a private not-for-profit school based in Minneapolis, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $45,452. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $25,737. Augsburg College alumni report median earnings of $58,829 a decade after entry. Set against $25,737 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Augsburg College report
Northern Illinois University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Based in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,060. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $27,000. Northern Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $57,808 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. More on Northern Illinois University
Marywood University offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Based in Scranton, PA, Marywood University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $41,420 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,744 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,817 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 61% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Marywood University
Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. Located in Madison, NJ, Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,468. Students borrow a median of $24,701 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,273 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,701 median debt. Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham has an acceptance rate of 95%. See the full Fairleigh Dickinson University College At Florham profile
Saint Cloud State University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,245. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $27,996. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,813. That is a strong return on a $27,996 median debt. Saint Cloud State University admits about 95% of applicants. Get the full Saint Cloud State University report
Walden University landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,067. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $52,672. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,810 ten years after entry. Set against $52,672 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Walden University
San Jose State University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. This public school is set in San Jose, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,988 ten years after entry. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read more about San Jose State University
Western Illinois University landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,572. Graduates carry a median of $29,850 in student loans. Median earnings reach $54,163 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Illinois University admits about 71% of applicants. Read more about Western Illinois University
Montclair State University landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Montclair State University is a public school based in Montclair, NJ. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,912, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $25,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,415. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Montclair State University profile
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. Set in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,092. Typical Social Services Public Administration student debt is $25,000. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumni report median earnings of $56,346 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 98%. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Marist College came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Located in Poughkeepsie, NY, Marist College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $47,620. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $24,251. Graduates go on to earn a median of $77,819 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,251 median debt. The acceptance rate is 56%. Get the full Marist College report
Salisbury University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Located in Salisbury, MD, Salisbury University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,084, with out-of-state students paying around $22,174. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $23,552. Salisbury University alumni report median earnings of $61,515 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,552 median debt. Salisbury University admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about Salisbury University
Seattle University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Set in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $56,721. Graduates carry a median of $22,289 in student loans. Seattle University alumni report median earnings of $75,272 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Seattle University admits about 77% of applicants. Get the full Seattle University report
Aurora University placed #41 among the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools in the United States. Set in Aurora, IL, Aurora University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $29,170. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,709 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 81%. Get the full Aurora University report
Union University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Set in Jackson, TN, Union University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,398. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $39,415. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,990 ten years after entry. Set against $39,415 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 60%. More on Union University
California Baptist University offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Riverside, CA. Students from in state pay about $41,228 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $39,244 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,504. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read more about California Baptist University
Delaware State University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Delaware State University is a public school based in Dover, DE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,670, while out-of-state students pay about $20,634. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,307. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. About 47% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Delaware State University
Southern Adventist University came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Set in Collegedale, TN, Southern Adventist University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $27,300. Southern Adventist University Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $24,575 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,723 ten years after entry. Set against $24,575 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 66%. More on Southern Adventist University
The College Of Saint Scholastica ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Social Services Public Administration schools. Set in Duluth, MN, The College Of Saint Scholastica is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,778. The median Social Services Public Administration program debt is $37,059. The College Of Saint Scholastica alumni report median earnings of $65,934 a decade after entry. Set against $37,059 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. More on The College Of Saint Scholastica
Lindenwood University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Charles, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $21,600. Lindenwood University Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,278 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 57%. Get the full Lindenwood University report
Illinois State University came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Normal, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Social Services Public Administration program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,117. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full Illinois State University profile
Trinity College landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Hartford, CT, Trinity College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $70,770. Trinity College Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $23,161 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $90,779. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 29%. More on Trinity College
Concordia University Chicago came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Set in River Forest, IL, Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,488. Concordia University Chicago Social Services Public Administration students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,089 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Concordia University Chicago report
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 Graduate Certificate 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. 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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