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Best Value Public Administration Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Public Administration graduates command surprisingly wide salary ranges, with Colorado State University Global alumni earning $61,020 compared to $27,669 at Indian River State College. This 120% earnings gap reflects the field's versatility across federal agencies, local governments, and nonprofit sectors that collectively employ over 22 million Americans. CUNY Baruch College delivers the lowest net cost at $2,978 while maintaining a strong 72% graduation rate, proving that affordable public service education doesn't sacrifice quality. California dominates the value market with five institutions offering sub-$6,000 net costs, though regional job markets significantly influence post-graduation earnings. The data reveals that students can access quality Public Administration training for under $3,000 annually at top-tier urban campuses, particularly in New York where government employment opportunities abound at city, state, and federal levels.
50
Programs
$2,978 – $41,026
Net Price Range
$41,639
Avg. Program Earnings
59.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Public Administration Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,046 $40,481 $7,470 55.5% 50.7%
2 $3,659 $43,240 $7,064 46.9% 89.1%
3 $2,978 $33,138 $7,464 72.1% 49.5%
4 $5,646 $42,682 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
5 $5,918 $36,848 $7,675 54.7% 91.1%
6 $5,825 $33,993 $7,696 49.3% 86.6%
7 $6,276 $34,526 $8,179 44.7% 85.8%
8 $5,202 $27,669 $2,764 42.5%
9 $9,133 $41,193 $6,565 73.9% 63.9%
10 $8,001 $35,823 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
11 $14,099 $61,020 $8,400 96.9%
12 $12,579 $52,107 $4,532 59.1% 84.8%
13 $10,011 $41,205 $9,142 50.1% 85.3%
14 $13,571 $54,494 $9,552 19.5%
15 $11,408 $39,074 $10,449 53.9% 82.9%
16 $10,666 $35,995 $7,584 46.8% 96.4%
17 $20,841 $69,338 $9,101 47.3% 91.6%
18 $11,234 $36,668 $8,991 51.2% 86.9%
19 $11,513 $36,042 $9,254 32.5% 80.7%
20 $15,342 $45,034 $11,790 81.2% 82.4%
21 $12,168 $34,381 $13,426 43.4% 82.6%
22 $12,878 $36,058 $8,342 53.1% 89.6%
23 $14,609 $40,896 $9,728 68.9% 95.0%
24 $18,287 $48,823 $13,815 69.3% 90.0%
25 $23,172 $61,516 $19,000 41.5% 54.2%
26 $10,650 $28,236 $6,368 75.1% 41.0%
27 $22,978 $58,673 $33,450 36.6% 59.6%
28 $27,384 $69,338 $39,720 59.5% 79.9%
29 $31,058 $74,576 $13,320 50.0%
30 $17,365 $40,647 $11,700 68.8% 87.8%
31 $15,960 $36,272 $13,626 65.9% 86.8%
32 $26,925 $60,094 $47,000 65.4% 73.5%
33 $15,374 $33,993 $9,651 71.2% 74.3%
34 $16,174 $33,993 $8,290 78.3% 39.3%
35 $17,084 $35,060 $15,510 45.5% 83.2%
36 $17,435 $35,772 $14,564 70.8% 84.7%
37 $14,773 $30,173 $14,297 56.5% 75.3%
38 $20,015 $40,641 $11,954 71.0% 75.7%
39 $17,096 $33,880 $14,628 68.6% 90.4%
40 $18,292 $35,914 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
41 $16,065 $31,127 $12,613 48.9% 85.3%
42 $16,438 $30,554 $11,450 56.2% 87.7%
43 $21,816 $40,281 $13,576 80.9% 78.3%
44 $23,553 $41,025 $13,544 51.6% 87.8%
45 $21,782 $36,221 $15,669 71.5% 86.3%
46 $27,662 $41,992 $17,809 81.8% 87.9%
47 $23,897 $35,600 $12,536 79.2% 43.7%
48 $29,951 $41,007 $26,610 55.9% 81.0%
49 $24,026 $32,711 $14,742 49.7%
50 $41,026 $41,937 $63,061 81.4% 51.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive earnings gap between Public Administration programs?

Graduate earnings span from $27,669 to $61,020, largely reflecting regional job markets and career paths. Colorado State University Global leads at $61,020, likely due to its online format attracting working professionals in higher-level positions. Geographic location matters significantly, as federal agencies in major metropolitan areas typically offer higher starting salaries than local government positions in smaller communities. Career specialization also drives earnings differences, with federal contracting and policy analysis roles commanding premium salaries.

How do CUNY schools compare in Public Administration value?

CUNY Baruch College offers the absolute lowest net cost at $2,978 with strong outcomes including 72% graduation rates and $33,138 median earnings. John Jay College costs slightly more at $3,046 but produces higher-earning graduates at $40,481, reflecting its criminal justice focus and connections to law enforcement agencies. Both schools accept around 50% of applicants, maintaining selectivity while serving New York's massive public sector job market. The CUNY system's urban location provides unmatched internship and networking opportunities with city agencies.

Does attending a California State University campus affect job prospects?

Five California State University campuses appear in this ranking, with graduates earning between $33,993 and $43,240 annually. CSU Dominguez Hills leads in earnings at $43,240 despite a 47% graduation rate, suggesting strong job placement for completers. Fullerton offers the best balance with $42,682 earnings and 69% graduation rates, while maintaining reasonable debt levels at $12,981. California's large state government apparatus and numerous municipalities create steady demand for public administration graduates across all CSU locations.

Where can students find sub-$6,000 Public Administration programs?

Seven schools offer net costs under $6,000, concentrated primarily in California and New York. CUNY Baruch leads at $2,978, followed by John Jay at $3,046 and CSU Dominguez Hills at $3,659. Indian River State College in Florida provides the lowest published tuition at $2,764 in-state, though graduates earn just $27,669 annually. These low-cost options prove that quality public administration education remains accessible, particularly at urban public universities with strong government connections.

Is debt load manageable for Public Administration graduates?

Average debt ranges from $12,904 to $38,250, with most public universities keeping borrowing reasonable relative to earning potential. California State schools consistently maintain debt levels around $13,000, creating favorable debt-to-income ratios for graduates. University of Phoenix represents an outlier with $38,250 average debt despite $54,494 earnings, highlighting the importance of choosing accredited public institutions. Most graduates at public universities graduate with debt levels representing less than 50% of their first-year salary, supporting long-term financial stability.

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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.