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Public Administration and Social Service Professions Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

Public Administration and Social Service Professions programs show stark cost differences across institutional types, with University of California-Davis charging $15,247 in-state tuition while private schools like LaGrange College reach $34,540. The earnings gap proves equally telling, as Jacksonville State University graduates earn $49,058 compared to College of Coastal Georgia's $21,508. These programs prepare students for careers in federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, and local government offices where demand continues growing as public sector employment expands nationwide. Empire State University in Saratoga Springs offers the lowest net cost at $11,147, making quality public service education accessible. Acceptance rates vary dramatically from UC Davis's selective 37% to Eastern Oregon University's open-access 98% policy. Graduation rates span from 16.8% at Northeastern Illinois University to an impressive 85.1% at UC Davis, reflecting different institutional missions and student support systems.
21
Programs
$11,147 – $19,407
Net Price Range
$37,214
Avg. Program Earnings
49.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

21 Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,147 $7,630 29.3%
2 $12,905 $3,483 25.6% 98.3%
3 $13,302 $15,820 65.1% 85.3%
4 $13,550 $12,383 16.8% 62.7%
5 $13,869 $9,792 46.8% 94.8%
6 $14,459 $29,790 54.8% 70.9%
7 $14,514 $7,992 29.6%
8 $14,850 $12,426 51.1% 78.5%
9 $15,288 $15,247 85.1% 37.3%
10 $15,529 $16,400 30.0%
11 $15,987 $10,671 36.6% 98.5%
12 $16,157 $12,345 36.9% 92.1%
13 $16,179 $32,300 68.1% 90.5%
14 $17,185 $29,778 51.1% 65.0%
15 $17,805 $34,540 41.8% 59.1%
16 $18,486 $10,408 63.9% 67.9%
17 $18,516 $21,100 50.3% 74.0%
18 $18,686 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
19 $19,133 $10,017 47.4% 74.6%
20 $19,300 $32,890 46.4% 74.8%
21 $19,407 $16,586 67.6% 73.9%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive earnings difference between graduates?

Jacksonville State University graduates earn $49,058 annually while College of Coastal Georgia graduates earn $21,508, creating a $27,550 gap. Geographic location plays a major role, as Alabama and Georgia have different public sector pay scales and job markets. Program specialization within Public Administration also affects outcomes, with some focusing on federal employment while others target local government roles. The debt-to-earnings ratio varies significantly, with UC Davis graduates carrying $14,171 in debt versus Troy University's $26,500.

How do public and private school costs compare for these programs?

Public institutions charge between $7,630 and $15,820 for in-state tuition, while private schools range from $12,345 to $34,540. However, net costs tell a different story due to financial aid differences. Trevecca Nazarene University's $14,459 net cost makes it competitive with public options despite a $29,790 sticker price. Public schools like University of Maryland Global Campus offer strong value at $7,992 in-state tuition with a $14,514 net cost.

Does graduation rate correlate with program selectivity?

UC Davis combines a 37% acceptance rate with an 85.1% graduation rate, demonstrating how selective admissions can predict student success. In contrast, Eastern Oregon University accepts 98.52% of applicants but graduates only 36.6% of students. University of New Hampshire at Manchester achieves a 65.1% graduation rate while accepting 85% of applicants, showing that moderate selectivity can still yield strong outcomes. The correlation isn't absolute, as some open-access schools like Troy University maintain respectable 46.8% graduation rates.

What makes Empire State University such an affordable option?

Empire State University offers the lowest net cost at $11,147 despite charging $7,630 in-state tuition, indicating substantial financial aid availability. The school's location in Saratoga Springs provides access to New York's extensive public sector while maintaining lower living costs than New York City. Graduates earn $47,260 annually, creating a strong return on investment given the minimal debt burden. The 29.3% graduation rate reflects the school's working adult population and flexible degree completion programs.

Where do these programs offer the best value for career preparation?

Jacksonville State University delivers strong value with $49,058 graduate earnings against a $14,850 net cost and $27,667 average debt. UC Davis provides premium education at $15,288 net cost with strong 85.1% graduation rates and $35,060 earnings. Troy University balances affordability at $13,869 net cost with solid career outcomes and $27,947 earnings. These three schools represent different paths to public service careers while maintaining reasonable debt loads.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.