Best Public Administration Colleges in the Northeast (2026)
Updated
Regional list from Public Administration Colleges in the United States
This page ranks the 104 Public Administration programs in the Northeast by the median earnings of Public Administration graduates four years after completing. Cornell University leads the list at $126,767, followed by Princeton University at $107,792 and Brown University at $94,962.
Across the 100 schools with a reported completion median, median earnings reach $57,880, with a spread of $94,376 from $126,767 to $32,391. For 5 of the 104 listed programs the figure is the two-year completion median rather than the four-year one.
The list includes 47 public and 57 private nonprofit institutions. CUNY Hunter College posts the lowest average net price at $2,984, while Princeton University reports the highest six-year completion rate at 98%.
On Azimuth's composite ranking among the 1,467 public and private nonprofit four-year institutions Azimuth ranks nationally, CUNY Bernard M Baruch College ranks 2nd.
The ranked list
| Rank | School | Median Public Administration Earnings | Average net price | Net price, families under $30K | Admission rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cornell University · Ithaca, NY | $126,767 | $28,690 | $1,776 | 8.8% |
| Cornell University reports $126,767 in median earnings for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing, and ranks 47th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Public Policy Analysis (67 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Public Policy Analysis ($126,767) | |||||
| 2 | Princeton University · Princeton, NJ | $107,792 | $6,128 | $41 | 4.6% |
| With a six-year completion rate of 98%, Princeton University posts median earnings of $107,792 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Public Policy Analysis (120 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Public Policy Analysis ($107,792) | |||||
| 3 | Brown University · Providence, RI | $94,962 | $25,184 | -$420* | 5.4% |
| Brown University admits 5% of applicants and its Public Administration graduates earn a median of $94,962 four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Public Policy Analysis (30 graduates) | |||||
| 4 | Trinity College · Hartford, CT | $82,638 | $34,832 | $11,054 | 29.3% |
| Trinity College shows an average net price of $34,832 alongside median earnings of $82,638 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Public Policy Analysis (40 graduates) | |||||
| 5 | Syracuse University · Syracuse, NY | $81,280 | $38,793 | $15,817 | 45.9% |
| Syracuse University ranks 5th on this list, with median earnings of $81,280 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing and an admission rate of 46%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Public Administration (85 graduates), Human Services, General (24 graduates), Social Work (20 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Public Administration ($89,732) | |||||
| 6 | Brandeis University · Waltham, MA | $75,580 | $35,736 | $13,363 | 40.5% |
| Graduates of Brandeis University's Public Administration program earn a median of $75,580 four years after completing, and the school reports a six-year completion rate of 86%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Public Policy Analysis (111 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Public Policy Analysis ($75,580) | |||||
| 7 | Providence College · Providence, RI | $70,356 | $48,523 | $28,152 | 50.9% |
| Providence College carries an average net price of $48,523 and its Public Administration graduates earn a median of $70,356 four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (17 graduates), Community Organization and Advocacy (10 graduates) | |||||
| 8 | CUNY Hunter College · New York, NY | $70,273 | $2,984 | $1,029 | 53.8% |
| A public institution, CUNY Hunter College reports median earnings of $70,273 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing and an average net price of $2,984. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (43 graduates) | |||||
| 9 | CUNY Bernard M Baruch College · New York, NY | $69,033 | $3,033 | $607 | 47.5% |
| CUNY Bernard M Baruch College ranks 2nd on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions and its Public Administration graduates earn a median of $69,033 four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Public Administration (38 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Public Administration ($69,033) | |||||
| 10 | CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice · New York, NY | $66,834 | $3,203 | $1,073 | 57.1% |
| An admission rate of 57% coincides with median earnings of $66,834 for CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice's Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Human Services, General (65 graduates), Public Administration (43 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Public Administration ($66,834) | |||||
| 11 | Iona University · New Rochelle, NY | $66,417 | $29,188 | $25,785 | 86.9% |
| Iona University posts median earnings of $66,417 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing, alongside an average net price of $29,188. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (17 graduates) | |||||
| 12 | Fordham University · Bronx, NY | $66,349 | $44,338 | $32,474 | 59.3% |
| Fordham University reports a six-year completion rate of 82% and median earnings of $66,349 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (16 graduates) | |||||
| 13 | Adelphi University · Garden City, NY | $66,162 | $30,783 | $24,095 | 65.9% |
| Adelphi University reports $66,162 in median earnings for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing, alongside a six-year completion rate of 67%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (43 graduates) | |||||
| 14 | Dominican University New York · Orangeburg, NY | $64,672 | $41,832 | $40,695 | 63.3% |
| With an average net price of $40,695 for families earning under $30,000, Dominican University New York ranks 14th on this list and posts median earnings of $64,672 four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (6 graduates) | |||||
| 15 | University of Connecticut · Storrs, CT | $64,389 | $25,097 | $15,193 | 52.4% |
| A public university in Storrs, University of Connecticut admits 52% of applicants and shows median earnings of $64,389 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Public Policy Analysis (31 graduates), Social Work (14 graduates) | |||||
| 16 | Seton Hall University · South Orange, NJ | $63,559 | $31,446 | $19,623 | 73.3% |
| Seton Hall University ranks 16th on this list, with an admission rate of 73% and median earnings of $63,559 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (17 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($63,559) | |||||
| 17 | Simmons University · Boston, MA | $62,992 | $25,265 | $18,027 | 70.0% |
| Graduates of Simmons University earn a median of $62,992 four years after completing, and the school reports a six-year completion rate of 72%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (19 graduates) | |||||
| 18 | CUNY Lehman College · Bronx, NY | $62,955 | $3,148 | $1,589 | 56.6% |
| CUNY Lehman College posts an average net price of $3,148 and median earnings of $62,955 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (133 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($62,955) | |||||
| 19 | Centenary University · Hackettstown, NJ | $62,373 | $20,503 | $13,329 | 83.1% |
| Ranking 19th on this list, Centenary University reports median earnings of $62,373 four years after completing and an admission rate of 83%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (12 graduates) | |||||
| 20 | Albertus Magnus College · New Haven, CT | $62,035 | $34,028 | $35,343 | 59.3% |
| Albertus Magnus College shows median earnings of $62,035 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing, with an average net price of $35,343 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Community Organization and Advocacy (17 graduates) | |||||
| 21 | Eastern Connecticut State University · Willimantic, CT | $61,908 | $21,067 | $17,654 | 83.0% |
| A public university in Willimantic, Eastern Connecticut State University graduates 58% of its students within six years and reports median earnings of $61,908 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (39 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($61,908) | |||||
| 22 | Anna Maria College · Paxton, MA | $61,652 | $28,333 | $25,554 | 50.3% |
| Anna Maria College ranks 22nd on this list, with an admission rate of 50% and median earnings of $61,652 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (16 graduates), Human Services, General (6 graduates), Community Organization and Advocacy (5 graduates) | |||||
| 23 | College of Staten Island CUNY · Staten Island, NY | $61,558 | $5,579 | $3,903 | 92.3% |
| With an average net price of $5,579, College of Staten Island CUNY reports median earnings of $61,558 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (25 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($61,558) | |||||
| 24 | Skidmore College · Saratoga Springs, NY | $61,428 | $32,297 | $9,932 | 21.1% |
| Skidmore College admits 21% of applicants and posts median earnings of $61,428 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing, alongside a six-year completion rate of 83%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (17 graduates) | |||||
| 25 | Northeastern University · Boston, MA | $61,152 | $30,915 | $2,264 | 5.2% |
| Northeastern University reports $61,152 in median earnings for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing, alongside a 91% six-year completion rate. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Human Services, General (18 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Human Services, General ($61,152) | |||||
| 26 | College of Our Lady of the Elms · Chicopee, MA | $60,938 | $17,545 | $8,099 | 85.3% |
| With an average net price of $8,099 for families earning under $30,000, College of Our Lady of the Elms ranks 26th on this list. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (46 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($60,938) | |||||
| 27 | CUNY York College · Jamaica, NY | $60,820 | $4,456 | $2,861 | 64.1% |
| CUNY York College posts a 64% admission rate and ranks 157th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (81 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($60,820) | |||||
| 28 | Siena University · Loudonville, NY | $60,100 | $33,733 | $26,417 | 69.0% |
| Siena University, a private nonprofit university in Loudonville, shows median earnings of $60,100 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (15 graduates) | |||||
| 29 | St. Joseph's University-New York · Brooklyn, NY | $60,091 | $19,035 | $16,876 | 72.1% |
| St. Joseph's University-New York reports a six-year completion rate of 69% and an average net price of $19,035. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Human Services, General (14 graduates) | |||||
| 30 | Salem State University · Salem, MA | $60,026 | $15,996 | $10,516 | 95.9% |
| Salem State University admits 96% of applicants and lists median earnings of $60,026 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (48 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($60,026) | |||||
| 31 | Rutgers University-New Brunswick · New Brunswick, NJ | $60,017 | $24,406 | $16,343 | 58.2% |
| Ranking 30th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, Rutgers University-New Brunswick reports $60,017 in median earnings for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (83 graduates), Public Policy Analysis (18 graduates) | |||||
| 32 | State University of New York at Plattsburgh · Plattsburgh, NY | $59,925 | $17,156 | $9,400 | 78.4% |
| State University of New York at Plattsburgh posts an average net price of $9,400 for families earning under $30,000 and a 59% six-year completion rate. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (38 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($59,925) | |||||
| 33 | Widener University · Chester, PA | $59,654 | $25,759 | $21,200 | 70.9% |
| Widener University reports median earnings of $59,654 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing, and admits 71% of applicants. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (8 graduates) | |||||
| 34 | New York University · New York, NY | $59,593 | $37,050 | $16,977 | 9.2% |
| With a 9% admission rate, New York University lists median earnings of $59,593 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (31 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($59,593) | |||||
| 35 | Bridgewater State University · Bridgewater, MA | $59,510 | $16,383 | $10,007 | 87.8% |
| Bridgewater State University reports a six-year completion rate of 53% and an average net price of $10,007 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (92 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($59,510) | |||||
| 36 | University at Albany · Albany, NY | $59,475 | $17,167 | $11,112 | 69.1% |
| University at Albany ranks 113th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports $59,475 in median earnings for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Public Policy Analysis (29 graduates), Social Work (22 graduates) | |||||
| 37 | University of Saint Joseph · West Hartford, CT | $59,465 | $27,989 | $24,563 | 78.6% |
| 37th on this list, University of Saint Joseph reports median earnings of $59,465 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (13 graduates) | |||||
| 38 | Stony Brook University · Stony Brook, NY | $59,449 | $18,784 | $12,943 | 49.0% |
| Stony Brook University graduates 76% within six years and reports median earnings of $59,449 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (62 graduates) | |||||
| 39 | Southern Connecticut State University · New Haven, CT | $59,438 | $20,857 | $17,736 | 91.5% |
| Admitting 91% of applicants, Southern Connecticut State University posts median earnings of $59,438 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (64 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($59,438) | |||||
| 40 | Long Island University · Brookville, NY | $59,425 | $33,062 | $22,019 | 86.2% |
| Long Island University carries an average net price of $33,062 and reports median earnings of $59,425 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (17 graduates) | |||||
| 41 | Central Connecticut State University · New Britain, CT | $59,309 | $16,857 | $13,589 | 73.3% |
| 41st on this list, Central Connecticut State University shows a six-year completion rate of 48% alongside median earnings of $59,309 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (50 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($59,309) | |||||
| 42 | CUNY Medgar Evers College · Brooklyn, NY | $59,211 | $5,718 | $4,368 | 86.1% |
| CUNY Medgar Evers College has an average net price of $4,368 for families earning under $30,000 and reports median earnings of $59,211 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (66 graduates), Public Administration (19 graduates) | |||||
| 43 | Monmouth University · West Long Branch, NJ | $59,147 | $30,988 | $18,924 | 89.0% |
| Monmouth University admits 89% of applicants and its Public Administration graduates earn a median of $59,147 four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (36 graduates) | |||||
| 44 | Molloy University · Rockville Centre, NY | $59,130 | $24,347 | $17,548 | 81.7% |
| Molloy University ranks 212th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions and graduates 70% within six years. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (11 graduates) | |||||
| 45 | Stockton University · Galloway, NJ | $59,102 | $20,670 | $15,135 | 88.9% |
| Stockton University reports median earnings of $59,102 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing and an average net price of $20,670. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (83 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($59,102) | |||||
| 46 | Sacred Heart University · Fairfield, CT | $58,384 | $46,174 | $38,691 | 65.4% |
| Sacred Heart University graduates 73% within six years and its Public Administration graduates earn a median of $58,384 four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (14 graduates) | |||||
| 47 | Ramapo College of New Jersey · Mahwah, NJ | $58,371 | $18,173 | $9,008 | 70.6% |
| Ramapo College of New Jersey has an average net price of $9,008 for families earning under $30,000 and reports median earnings of $58,371 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (57 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($58,371) | |||||
| 48 | University of New Hampshire-Main Campus · Durham, NH | $58,308 | $23,805 | $16,523 | 88.2% |
| University of New Hampshire-Main Campus admits 88% of applicants and its Public Administration graduates earn a median of $58,308 four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (54 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($58,308) | |||||
| 49 | Kean University · Union, NJ | $58,100 | $12,447 | $7,374 | 75.9% |
| Kean University reports $58,100 in median earnings for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing, and its average net price is $12,447. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Public Administration (17 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Public Administration ($58,100) | |||||
| 50 | Mount Saint Mary College · Newburgh, NY | $57,910 | $25,522 | $18,747 | 88.9% |
| With a six-year completion rate of 65%, Mount Saint Mary College ranks 50th on this list and posts median earnings of $57,910 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Human Services, General (7 graduates) | |||||
| 51 | Daemen University · Amherst, NY | $57,850 | $18,693 | $10,773 | 68.3% |
| Daemen University admits 68% of applicants and its Public Administration graduates earn a median of $57,850 four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (19 graduates) | |||||
| 52 | CUNY New York City College of Technology · Brooklyn, NY | $56,827 | $5,127 | $3,810 | 80.3% |
| CUNY New York City College of Technology, a public institution in Brooklyn, reports an average net price of $5,127 alongside median earnings of $56,827 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Human Services, General (101 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Human Services, General ($56,827) | |||||
| 53 | Alvernia University · Reading, PA | $56,243 | $28,138 | $23,436 | 58.1% |
| Alvernia University ranks 811th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, and its Public Administration graduates earn a median of $56,243 four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (18 graduates) | |||||
| 54 | University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus · Pittsburgh, PA | $56,092 | $30,434 | $14,709 | 58.1% |
| Graduating 86% of its students within six years, University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus reports median earnings of $56,092 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (22 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($56,092) | |||||
| 55 | Western Connecticut State University · Danbury, CT | $56,058 | $17,604 | $13,507 | 87.0% |
| Western Connecticut State University posts an average net price of $17,604 and its Public Administration graduates earn a median of $56,058 four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (35 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($56,058) | |||||
| 56 | Westfield State University · Westfield, MA | $55,699 | $16,721 | $10,751 | 81.4% |
| With an admission rate of 81%, Westfield State University ranks 56th on this list and reports median earnings of $55,699 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (32 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($55,699) | |||||
| 57 | SUNY Brockport · Brockport, NY | $55,602 | $16,353 | $10,911 | 70.7% |
| SUNY Brockport ranks 344th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, and its Public Administration graduates earn a median of $55,602 four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (57 graduates) | |||||
| 58 | Marist University · Poughkeepsie, NY | $55,501 | $41,544 | $26,083 | 56.5% |
| Marist University reports a six-year completion rate of 80% and median earnings of $55,501 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (19 graduates) | |||||
| 59 | La Salle University · Philadelphia, PA | $55,431 | $19,409 | $16,545 | 96.6% |
| Admitting 97% of applicants, La Salle University posts median earnings of $55,431 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (34 graduates) | |||||
| 60 | Gordon College · Wenham, MA | $55,315 | $24,883 | $21,829 | 69.2% |
| Gordon College reports an average net price of $24,883 and its Public Administration graduates earn a median of $55,315 four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (12 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($55,315) | |||||
| 61 | Mercy University · Dobbs Ferry, NY | $55,158 | $14,072 | $11,974 | 85.8% |
| Mercy University, a private nonprofit university in Dobbs Ferry, reports $55,158 in median earnings for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing and an average net price of $14,072. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (30 graduates), Human Services, General (21 graduates), Public Policy Analysis (8 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($59,024), Human Services, General ($49,634) | |||||
| 62 | Keuka College · Keuka Park, NY | $54,540 | $24,338 | $19,368 | 68.1% |
| Keuka College admits 68% of applicants and posts a six-year completion rate of 58%, while its Public Administration graduates earn a median of $54,540 four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (95 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($54,540) | |||||
| 63 | University of Vermont · Burlington, VT | $54,235 | $19,343 | $11,127 | 65.3% |
| Graduating 79% of its students within six years, University of Vermont shows median earnings of $54,235 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing and an average net price of $19,343. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (29 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($54,235) | |||||
| 64 | Temple University · Philadelphia, PA | $54,166 | $28,198 | $22,694 | 80.4% |
| Temple University ranks 125th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports $54,166 in median earnings for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (64 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($54,166) | |||||
| 65 | SUNY at Fredonia · Fredonia, NY | $53,223 | $15,897 | $9,395 | 77.7% |
| With an average net price of $15,897, SUNY at Fredonia reports median earnings of $53,223 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing and a six-year completion rate of 50%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (36 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($53,223) | |||||
| 66 | SUNY Buffalo State University · Buffalo, NY | $53,130 | $11,346 | $7,405 | 73.0% |
| SUNY Buffalo State University, a public university in Buffalo, posts an average net price of $7,405 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (61 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($53,130) | |||||
| 67 | Fitchburg State University · Fitchburg, MA | $52,945 | $14,262 | $10,204 | 86.9% |
| Admitting 87% of applicants, Fitchburg State University reports median earnings of $52,945 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing and a six-year completion rate of 55%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Human Services, General (30 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Human Services, General ($52,945) | |||||
| 68 | University of Southern Maine · Portland, ME | $52,903 | $13,596 | $9,999 | 79.2% |
| University of Southern Maine ranks 509th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions and shows median earnings of $52,903 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (27 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($52,903) | |||||
| 69 | Elizabethtown College · Elizabethtown, PA | $52,669 | $26,598 | $17,776 | 77.9% |
| Elizabethtown College graduates 76% of its students within six years and reports median earnings of $52,669 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing, with an average net price of $26,598. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Human Services, General (9 graduates), Social Work (6 graduates) | |||||
| 70 | Nazareth University · Rochester, NY | $52,667 | $29,357 | $22,796 | 74.7% |
| Nazareth University admits 75% of applicants and posts a six-year completion rate of 73%, with an average net price of $29,357. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (28 graduates), Community Organization and Advocacy (6 graduates) | |||||
| 71 | Plymouth State University · Plymouth, NH | $52,587 | $19,216 | $14,676 | 87.5% |
| Plymouth State University reports an average net price of $19,216 and median earnings of $52,587 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing, alongside a six-year completion rate of 52%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (19 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($52,587) | |||||
| 72 | Messiah University · Mechanicsburg, PA | $52,511 | $26,502 | $19,393 | 79.0% |
| Messiah University ranks 1292nd on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports median earnings of $52,511 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (17 graduates) | |||||
| 73 | University of Scranton · Scranton, PA | $52,172 | $32,568 | $23,896 | 81.2% |
| University of Scranton, a private nonprofit university in Scranton, reports median earnings of $52,172 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Human Services, General (30 graduates) | |||||
| 74 | Touro University · New York, NY | $51,886 | $29,627 | $26,605 | 60.8% |
| Touro University admits 61% of applicants and shows a six-year completion rate of 72%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Human Services, General (42 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Human Services, General ($51,886) | |||||
| 75 | University of Rhode Island · Kingston, RI | $51,697 | $21,440 | $14,368 | 72.2% |
| University of Rhode Island posts an average net price of $21,440, and its Public Administration graduates earn a median of $51,697 four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Public Policy Analysis (41 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Public Policy Analysis ($51,697) | |||||
| 76 | Montclair State University · Montclair, NJ | $51,646 | $15,566 | $10,880 | 87.9% |
| Montclair State University ranks 56th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, alongside a six-year completion rate of 65%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (42 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($51,646) | |||||
| 77 | Canisius University · Buffalo, NY | $51,522 | $17,940 | $12,781 | 72.4% |
| Canisius University reports median earnings of $51,522 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing and an average net price of $17,940. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Human Services, General (9 graduates) | |||||
| 78 | University of Maine · Orono, ME | $51,470 | $17,510 | $12,642 | 96.6% |
| University of Maine admits 97% of applicants and graduates 55% of its students within six years. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (30 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($51,470) | |||||
| 79 | Rhode Island College · Providence, RI | $51,429 | $9,478 | $6,378 | 91.8% |
| Rhode Island College posts an average net price of $6,378 for families earning under $30,000 and graduates 48% of its students within six years. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (101 graduates), Public Administration (10 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($53,312) | |||||
| 80 | University of Massachusetts-Boston · Boston, MA | $51,034 | $17,707 | $14,070 | 83.8% |
| University of Massachusetts-Boston ranks 122nd on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, and its Public Administration graduates earn a median of $51,034 four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (22 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($51,034) | |||||
| 81 | East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania · East Stroudsburg, PA | $50,979 | $18,134 | $15,365 | 92.1% |
| East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania reports a six-year completion rate of 43% and median earnings of $50,979 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (27 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($50,979) | |||||
| 82 | Hamilton College · Clinton, NY | $50,856 | $28,985 | $8,028 | 13.6% |
| Hamilton College admits 14% of applicants and reports median earnings of $50,856 for its Public Administration graduates two years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Public Policy Analysis (21 graduates) | |||||
| 83 | Lincoln University · Lincoln University, PA | $50,390 | $14,977 | $14,011 | 65.7% |
| Lincoln University posts an average net price of $14,977, and its Public Administration graduates earn a median of $50,390 four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Human Services, General (46 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Human Services, General ($50,390) | |||||
| 84 | Hilbert College · Hamburg, NY | $50,111 | $22,723 | $20,903 | 97.2% |
| Hilbert College ranks 1100th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions and admits 97% of applicants. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Human Services, General (14 graduates) | |||||
| 85 | Elmira College · Elmira, NY | $49,723 | $22,386 | $17,392 | 77.0% |
| Elmira College reports median earnings of $49,723 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing, and its average net price is $22,386. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Human Services, General (9 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Human Services, General ($49,723) | |||||
| 86 | Millersville University of Pennsylvania · Millersville, PA | $49,400 | $20,787 | $14,565 | 86.2% |
| A public university in Millersville, Millersville University of Pennsylvania admits 86% of applicants and graduates 58% within six years. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (87 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($49,400) | |||||
| 87 | Fisher College · Boston, MA | $48,902 | $26,649 | $25,071 | 70.7% |
| Fisher College ranks 87th on this list and posts a six-year completion rate of 28%, with an average net price of $25,071 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Human Services, General (29 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Human Services, General ($48,902) | |||||
| 88 | Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania · Bloomsburg, PA | $48,454 | $15,699 | $11,374 | 93.1% |
| With median earnings of $48,454 four years after completing, Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania also reports an average net price of $15,699 and a six-year completion rate of 54%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (92 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($48,454) | |||||
| 89 | Chestnut Hill College · Philadelphia, PA | $48,375 | $27,970 | $28,011 | 74.5% |
| Chestnut Hill College ranks 1032nd on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports median earnings of $48,375 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Human Services, General (43 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Human Services, General ($48,375) | |||||
| 90 | Georgian Court University · Lakewood, NJ | $48,365 | $19,285 | $12,683 | 78.8% |
| Georgian Court University admits 79% of applicants and reports an average net price of $12,683 for families earning under $30,000, alongside median earnings of $48,365 four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (30 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($48,365) | |||||
| 91 | Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania · Shippensburg, PA | $48,216 | $23,726 | $18,709 | 86.5% |
| Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania ranks 91st on this list, admits 86% of applicants, and reports an average net price of $18,709 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (41 graduates), Public Administration (9 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($49,794) | |||||
| 92 | Carlow University · Pittsburgh, PA | $47,486 | $20,786 | $17,901 | 87.0% |
| Carlow University graduates 60% within six years and reports median earnings of $47,486 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (8 graduates) | |||||
| 93 | Kutztown University of Pennsylvania · Kutztown, PA | $47,221 | $21,331 | $15,957 | 90.8% |
| A public university in Kutztown, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania reports an average net price of $21,331 and median earnings of $47,221 four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (51 graduates), Public Administration (6 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($47,221) | |||||
| 94 | Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania · Slippery Rock, PA | $46,974 | $19,608 | $12,555 | 71.5% |
| Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania ranks 560th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions and graduates 66% within six years. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (43 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($46,974) | |||||
| 95 | Eastern University · Saint Davids, PA | $46,324 | $26,662 | $26,557 | 90.8% |
| Eastern University admits 91% of applicants and reports an average net price of $26,557 for families earning under $30,000, with median earnings of $46,324 four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (13 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($46,324) | |||||
| 96 | Cairn University-Langhorne · Langhorne, PA | $45,729 | $27,642 | $24,029 | 88.2% |
| Cairn University-Langhorne reports median earnings of $45,729 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing and an average net price of $27,642. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (16 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($45,729) | |||||
| 97 | Pennsylvania Western University · California, PA | $45,436 | $18,256 | $13,944 | 94.3% |
| Pennsylvania Western University ranks 97th on this list, with Public Administration graduates reporting median earnings of $45,436 four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (54 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($45,436) | |||||
| 98 | Roberts Wesleyan University · Rochester, NY | $44,863 | $23,130 | $22,922 | 70.6% |
| A private nonprofit university in Rochester, Roberts Wesleyan University posts a six-year completion rate of 67% and an average net price of $23,130. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (26 graduates) | |||||
| 99 | Geneva College · Beaver Falls, PA | $41,383 | $25,890 | $20,283 | Not reported |
| Geneva College graduates 61% of its students within six years and reports an average net price of $20,283 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Human Services, General (7 graduates) | |||||
| 100 | Lancaster Bible College · Lancaster, PA | $38,985 | $25,480 | $24,486 | 55.9% |
| Lancaster Bible College ranks 1218th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions and graduates 67% of its students within six years. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Human Services, General (11 graduates), Social Work (11 graduates) | |||||
| 101 | University of Bridgeport · Bridgeport, CT | $37,088 | $27,807 | $27,238 | 83.0% |
| University of Bridgeport reports median earnings of $37,088 for its Public Administration graduates two years after completing, alongside a six-year completion rate of 41%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Human Services, General (29 graduates) | |||||
| 102 | Cedar Crest College · Allentown, PA | $33,565 | $18,659 | $21,044 | 84.1% |
| With an admission rate of 84%, Cedar Crest College posts median earnings of $33,565 for its Public Administration graduates two years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (10 graduates) | |||||
| 103 | Salve Regina University · Newport, RI | $33,281 | $36,967 | $26,939 | 68.2% |
| Salve Regina University ranks 1176th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions and carries an average net price of $36,967. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (9 graduates) | |||||
| 104 | West Chester University of Pennsylvania · West Chester, PA | $32,391 | $23,331 | $17,018 | 78.4% |
| A public university in West Chester, West Chester University of Pennsylvania reports median earnings of $32,391 for its Public Administration graduates two years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (61 graduates) | |||||
* Net price can be negative: when grants and scholarships exceed the listed cost of attendance, students can receive the difference as a refund for other expenses.
How this list is ordered
Schools are ordered by the median earnings of their Public Administration graduates four years after completing, or two years for programs that report only a two-year figure, highest first. The figure reflects federally aided completers who were working and not enrolled after completing the program. For 5 of the 104 listed programs the figure is the two-year completion median rather than the four-year one. The metric does not adjust for graduate school enrollment, cost, or who enrolls, and it is not a measure of teaching quality. The figures cited on this page cover the 100 schools with a reported completion median. Cornell University leads at $126,767, a gap of $18,975 above Princeton University at $107,792.
Related rankings
- Public Administration Colleges in the United States
- Best Colleges in the Northeast
- Best Public Administration Colleges in the Midwest
- Best Public Administration Colleges in the South
- Best Public Administration Colleges in the West
- Best Social Work Colleges in the Midwest
- Public Administration Colleges in the Northeast for Social Mobility
- Best Social Work Colleges for Social Mobility in the Northeast