Public Administration programs produce graduates with career earnings ranging from $14,436 to $97,427, demonstrating significant variation in program outcomes across 406 institutions. The median earnings of $44,448 for program graduates reflects the diverse pathways available in government careers and public policy, with top-performing programs delivering substantially higher returns on educational investment.
Leading the list is Duke University, achieving the highest program earnings at $97,427. Cornell University follows closely with $88,830, while University of Chicago rounds out the top tier at $85,597. These elite programs demonstrate exceptional MPA preparation and strong connections to high-paying public sector and nonprofit leadership roles, with graduates earning nearly double the program average.
| Rank | School | Location | Earnings | Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Dickinson CollegePrivate | Carlisle, PA | $109,508 Median Public Administration Earnings | $17,167 | 43.1% | 83.4% |
| #2 | Duke UniversityPrivate | Durham, NC | $97,427 Median Public Administration Earnings | $3,295 | 6.8% | 95.8% |
| #3 | Cornell UniversityPrivate | Ithaca, NY | $88,830 Median Public Administration Earnings | $4,079 | 8.2% | 95.1% |
| #4 | University Of ChicagoPrivate | Chicago, IL | $85,597 Median Public Administration Earnings | -$1,428 | 4.8% | 94.9% |
| #5 | Ann Arbor, MI | $76,823 Median Public Administration Earnings | $4,926 | 17.9% | 93.2% | |
| #6 | Northridge, CA | $76,049 Median Public Administration Earnings | $5,153 | 93.2% | 56.2% | |
| #7 | Riverside, CA | $69,338 Median Public Administration Earnings | $23,788 | 73.6% | 59.5% | |
| #8 | Barry UniversityPrivate | Miami, FL | $65,899 Median Public Administration Earnings | $20,514 | 59.1% | 36.6% |
| #9 | George Washington UniversityPrivate | Washington, DC | $65,687 Median Public Administration Earnings | $21,396 | 43.5% | 85.2% |
| #10 | Northwestern UniversityPrivate | Evanston, IL | $65,484 Median Public Administration Earnings | $1,243 | 7.1% | 95.9% |
| #11 | Molloy CollegePrivate | Rockville Centre, NY | $65,182 Median Public Administration Earnings | $20,330 | 75.6% | 71.8% |
| #12 | New York UniversityPrivate | New York, NY | $64,289 Median Public Administration Earnings | $16,816 | 9.4% | 88.5% |
| #13 | Dallas, TX | $63,791 Median Public Administration Earnings | $30,165 | 61.2% | 83.3% | |
| #14 | University Of La VernePrivate | La Verne, CA | $63,388 Median Public Administration Earnings | $26,754 | 48.5% | 65.5% |
| #15 | Reno, NV | $63,320 Median Public Administration Earnings | $12,126 | 85.3% | 62.5% | |
| #16 | Chapel Hill, NC | $63,152 Median Public Administration Earnings | $3,165 | 18.7% | 92.1% | |
| #17 | Belmont, CA | $62,448 Median Public Administration Earnings | — | — | 31.6% | |
| #18 | Bloomington, IN | $62,367 Median Public Administration Earnings | $6,125 | 80.4% | 81.2% | |
| #19 | Princeton UniversityPrivate | Princeton, NJ | $62,012 Median Public Administration Earnings | $2,518 | 4.5% | 97.1% |
| #20 | La Sierra UniversityPrivate | Riverside, CA | $60,961 Median Public Administration Earnings | $21,620 | 93.3% | 68.1% |
