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Best Value Public Administration and Social Service Professions Colleges

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

Empire State University delivers the most affordable path to public administration careers at just $11,147 net cost, while University of Virginia graduates command the highest earnings at $59,253 annually. This 81% earnings gap reflects the broad spectrum of opportunities within public administration and social service professions. The federal government employs over 2 million civilian workers, with many positions requiring specialized training in public policy, nonprofit management, and community development. Geographic location plays a major role in both costs and career prospects. State universities like Jacksonville State offer strong value propositions with $14,850 net costs and 51.1% graduation rates, while private institutions like New York University charge $35,035 but maintain 88.5% completion rates. Students can expect starting salaries ranging from $21,508 to $59,253, depending on their specialization and employer type. Government agencies, nonprofits, and consulting firms actively recruit graduates with skills in program evaluation, grant writing, and community outreach.
36
Programs
$11,147 – $44,876
Net Price Range
$39,662
Avg. Program Earnings
56.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

36 Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,147 $47,260 $7,630 29.3%
2 $13,550 $45,383 $12,383 16.8% 62.7%
3 $14,850 $49,058 $12,426 51.1% 78.5%
4 $22,881 $59,253 $20,986 95.3% 18.7%
5 $15,288 $35,060 $15,247 85.1% 37.3%
6 $16,157 $36,077 $12,345 36.9% 92.1%
7 $13,869 $27,947 $9,792 46.8% 94.8%
8 $18,486 $35,416 $10,408 63.9% 67.9%
9 $12,905 $21,508 $3,483 25.6% 98.3%
10 $35,035 $60,438 88.5% 12.5%
11 $34,802 $54,285 73.3% 85.2%
12 $21,953 $33,930 42.6% 69.1%
13 $21,619 $52,357 61.7% 52.2%
14 $15,987 $10,671 36.6% 98.5%
15 $21,043 $33,610 61.5% 79.1%
16 $18,686 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
17 $44,876 $64,701 92.4% 23.4%
18 $23,650 $21,450 53.5% 98.1%
19 $19,300 $32,890 46.4% 74.8%
20 $14,459 $29,790 54.8% 70.9%
21 $20,865 $11,400 48.9% 49.8%
22 $19,407 $16,586 67.6% 73.9%
23 $23,519 $17,239 85.0% 66.3%
24 $13,302 $15,820 65.1% 85.3%
25 $23,261 $19,112 76.4% 87.0%
26 $15,529 $16,400 30.0%
27 $18,516 $21,100 50.3% 74.0%
28 $17,185 $29,778 51.1% 65.0%
29 $16,179 $32,300 68.1% 90.5%
30 $32,116 $63,141 90.4% 6.8%
31 $25,702 $35,013 28.4% 74.2%
32 $14,514 $7,992 29.6%
33 $17,805 $34,540 41.8% 59.1%
34 $39,207 $53,090 77.3% 83.8%
35 $19,133 $10,017 47.4% 74.6%
36 $20,906 $35,685 35.9% 98.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $48,000 net cost difference between Empire State University and New York University?

Empire State University's $11,147 net cost reflects typical public university pricing with substantial state subsidies, while NYU's $35,035 represents private institution rates. Public universities generally offer lower tuition for in-state residents, with Empire State charging just $7,630 before aid. NYU's higher costs come with trade-offs including a 88.5% graduation rate compared to Empire State's 29.3%. Location also matters, as New York City's higher living costs impact overall expenses.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in this field?

Higher-cost programs generally show better completion rates, though exceptions exist. University of Virginia combines relatively moderate $22,881 net costs with an outstanding 95.3% graduation rate. Jacksonville State achieves a solid 51.1% rate at $14,850, while College of Coastal Georgia manages only 25.6% despite low $12,905 costs. Private institutions like Seattle University maintain 73.3% completion rates but charge $34,802 annually.

Where do public administration graduates find the highest-paying positions?

University of Virginia graduates earn the most at $59,253 annually, likely benefiting from proximity to Washington D.C. and federal agencies. UC Davis graduates earn $35,060 despite the program's strong reputation, reflecting California's competitive job market. Regional factors matter significantly, as College of Coastal Georgia graduates start at just $21,508. Federal positions typically offer higher salaries than local government or nonprofit roles.

Is student debt a major concern for public administration graduates?

Debt levels vary dramatically, from UC Davis graduates averaging $14,171 to Jacksonville State at $27,667. University of Virginia students graduate with $19,500 in debt but earn $59,253, creating favorable debt-to-income ratios. Troy University students face $26,500 in debt against $27,947 starting salaries, presenting repayment challenges. Public sector loan forgiveness programs can help graduates working in qualifying government positions.

Does acceptance rate indicate program quality or competitiveness?

Acceptance rates range from University of Virginia's selective 18.66% to College of Coastal Georgia's open 98.33% admission policy. NYU accepts just 12.46% of applicants and maintains 88.5% graduation rates, suggesting rigorous standards. Troy University admits 94.84% but graduates only 46.8%, indicating different institutional approaches. Selective programs often correlate with higher graduate earnings and better job placement rates.

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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.