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 published figure, 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 nonprofit four-year institutions, 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, the highest on this list. | |||||
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 $107,792 in median earnings for 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 carries an average net price of $34,832 and its Public Administration graduates earn a median of $82,638 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, alongside a six-year completion rate of 84%. | |||||
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% |
| A private nonprofit university in Waltham, Brandeis University reports median earnings of $75,580 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing and an average net price of $35,736. | |||||
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 ranks 924th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports $70,356 in median earnings for its Public Administration graduates 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% |
| CUNY Hunter College carries the lowest average net price on the page at $2,984 and its Public Administration graduates earn a median of $70,273 four years after completing. | |||||
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% |
| On Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, CUNY Bernard M Baruch College ranks 2nd and reports median earnings of $69,033 for its Public Administration graduates 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% |
| CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice admits 57% of applicants and its Public Administration graduates earn a median of $66,834 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 reports median earnings of $66,417 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing and a six-year completion rate of 56%. | |||||
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 posts median earnings of $66,349 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing and an average net price of $44,338. | |||||
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 median earnings of $66,162 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing, and its six-year completion rate stands at 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. | |||||
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% |
| University of Connecticut, a public university in Storrs, admits 52% of applicants and posts a six-year completion rate of 83%. | |||||
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 445th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports 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's average net price is $25,265. | |||||
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 carries an average net price of $3,148 and reports a six-year completion rate of 51%. | |||||
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% |
| Centenary University admits 83% of applicants and its Public Administration graduates earn a median of $62,373 four years after completing. | |||||
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% |
| Ranking 892nd on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, Albertus Magnus College reports 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% |
| Eastern Connecticut State University posts a six-year completion rate of 58% and 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% |
| With an admission rate of 50%, Anna Maria College reports 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% |
| College of Staten Island CUNY ranks 93rd on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions and carries an average net price of $5,579. | |||||
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 its Public Administration graduates earn a median of $61,428 four years after completing. | |||||
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 posts a six-year completion rate of 91% and an average net price of $30,915. | |||||
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% |
| College of Our Lady of the Elms reports median earnings of $60,938 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing, and admits 85% of applicants. | |||||
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% |
| With an average net price of $4,456, CUNY York College ranks 27th on this list and reports a six-year completion rate of 32%. | |||||
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, reports 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 admits 72% of applicants and reports an average net price of $16,876 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
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 ranks 30th on this list with 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% |
| Rutgers University-New Brunswick holds an Azimuth composite rank of 30th among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports a six-year completion rate of 84%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (83 graduates), Public Policy Analysis (18 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($56,797) | |||||
| 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 reports median earnings of $59,925 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing, alongside an average net price of $17,156. | |||||
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 admits 71% of applicants and reports a six-year completion rate of 68%. | |||||
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% |
| New York University reports median earnings of $59,593 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing, and admits 9% of applicants. | |||||
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 ranks 35th on this list with an average net price of $16,383 and a six-year completion rate of 53%. | |||||
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 reports median earnings of $59,475 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing, and holds an Azimuth composite rank of 113th among nonprofit four-year institutions. | |||||
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% |
| At University of Saint Joseph, $59,465 in median earnings for Public Administration graduates four years after completing coincides with a six-year completion rate of 64%. | |||||
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% |
| With an average net price of $18,784, Stony Brook University ranks 45th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. | |||||
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% |
| Southern Connecticut State University, a public university in New Haven, posts a six-year completion rate of 50% alongside 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 reports median earnings of $59,425 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing, and its six-year completion rate is 57%. | |||||
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% |
| Central Connecticut State University ranks 41st on this list with median earnings of $59,309, and its average net price is $16,857. | |||||
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 posts a six-year completion rate of 20% and an average net price of $4,368 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
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 reports median earnings of $59,147 for its Public Administration graduates 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, a private nonprofit university in Rockville Centre, ranks 212th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions and posts a six-year completion rate of 70%. | |||||
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 an average net price of $15,135 for families earning under $30,000 and a six-year completion rate of 69%. | |||||
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 ranks 46th on this list with median earnings of $58,384, and its average net price is $46,174. | |||||
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 admits 71% of applicants 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 posts a six-year completion rate of 76% and an average net price of $16,523 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
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 median earnings of $58,100 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% |
| Mount Saint Mary College, a private nonprofit college in Newburgh, ranks 50th on this list with a six-year completion rate of 65%. | |||||
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 posts median earnings of $57,850 for its Public Administration graduates 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 has an average net price of $5,127 and ranks 60th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. | |||||
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 reports median earnings of $56,243 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing, alongside a six-year completion rate of 56%. | |||||
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% |
| University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus graduates 86% of its students within six years and reports an average net price of $30,434. | |||||
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 ranks 55th on this list with median earnings of $56,058 for its Public Administration graduates 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% |
| Westfield State University admits 81% of applicants and has an average net price of $10,751 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
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 reports median earnings of $55,602 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing, and ranks 344th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. | |||||
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 has a six-year completion rate of 80% and an average net price of $41,544. | |||||
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% |
| La Salle University admits 97% of applicants and reports 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 ranks 60th on this list with a six-year completion rate of 69% and an average net price of $24,883. | |||||
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 median earnings of $55,158 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | |||||
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% |
| With a six-year completion rate of 58%, Keuka College ranks 62nd on this list and carries an average net price of $24,338. | |||||
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% |
| University of Vermont admits 65% of applicants and its Public Administration graduates earn a median of $54,235 four years after completing. | |||||
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 posts a six-year completion rate of 75%. | |||||
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% |
| An average net price of $9,395 for families earning under $30,000 accompanies median earnings of $53,223 for Public Administration graduates at SUNY at Fredonia. | |||||
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 reports median earnings of $53,130 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing and an average net price of $11,346. | |||||
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% |
| Ranking 67th on this list, Fitchburg State University admits 87% of applicants and graduates 55% of its students within six years. | |||||
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 shows a six-year completion rate of 40% and an average net price of $9,999 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
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, a private nonprofit college in Elizabethtown, reports median earnings of $52,669 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Human Services, General (9 graduates), Social Work (6 graduates) | |||||
| 70 | Nazareth University · Rochester, NY | No published median | $29,357 | $22,796 | 74.7% |
| Nazareth University ranks 1343rd on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions and admits 75% of applicants. | |||||
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% |
| With an admission rate of 88%, Plymouth State University reports median earnings of $52,587 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | |||||
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 posts a six-year completion rate of 75% and an average net price of $19,393 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
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 reports median earnings of $52,172 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing, and an average net price of $32,568. | |||||
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% |
| With a six-year completion rate of 72%, Touro University ranks 74th on this list and posts median earnings of $51,886 four years after completing. | |||||
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, a public university in Kingston, admits 72% of applicants and shows median earnings of $51,697 for its Public Administration graduates 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 reports an average net price of $10,880 for families earning under $30,000 and median earnings of $51,646 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | |||||
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% |
| Ranking 77th on this list, Canisius University reports a six-year completion rate of 66% and median earnings of $51,522 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | |||||
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% within six years, while its Public Administration graduates earn a median of $51,470 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 ($51,470) | |||||
| 79 | Rhode Island College · Providence, RI | No published median | $9,478 | $6,378 | 91.8% |
| Rhode Island College, a public institution in Providence, ranks 79th on this list and holds an average net price of $9,478. | |||||
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 reports median earnings of $51,034 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing, and ranks 122nd on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. | |||||
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% |
| With an admission rate of 92%, East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania shows median earnings of $50,979 four years after completing and a six-year completion rate of 43%. | |||||
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 reports median earnings of $50,856 for its Public Administration graduates two years after completing, and an average net price of $8,028 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
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 ranks 83rd on this list with median earnings of $50,390 four years after completing, and carries an average net price of $14,977. | |||||
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 admits 97% of applicants and reports median earnings of $50,111 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | |||||
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, a private nonprofit institution in Elmira, reports median earnings of $49,723 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | |||||
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% |
| With an average net price of $20,787, Millersville University of Pennsylvania ranks 86th on this list and posts a six-year completion rate of 58%. | |||||
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 admits 71% of applicants and its Public Administration graduates earn a median of $48,902 four years after completing. | |||||
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% |
| Ranking 88th on this page, Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania shows 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 reports median earnings of $48,375 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing, alongside an admission rate of 74%. | |||||
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 ranks 856th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions and graduates 54% 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 ($48,365) | |||||
| 91 | Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania · Shippensburg, PA | No published median | $23,726 | $18,709 | 86.5% |
| Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, a public university in Shippensburg, has an average net price of $23,726 and an admission rate of 86%. | |||||
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% |
| Graduates of the Public Administration program at Carlow University earn a median of $47,486 four years after completing, and the school admits 87% of applicants. | |||||
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% |
| Kutztown University of Pennsylvania reports a six-year completion rate of 54% and an average net price of $21,331, ranking 93rd on this list. | |||||
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 posts median earnings of $46,974 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing, with a six-year completion rate of 66%. | |||||
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% |
| With an admission rate of 91%, Eastern University reports median earnings of $46,324 for its Public Administration graduates 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 ranks 1421st on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions and shows 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, a public university in California, reports median earnings of $45,436 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing and an average net price of $18,256. | |||||
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% |
| Roberts Wesleyan University admits 71% of applicants and shows a six-year completion rate of 67%, with its Public Administration graduates earning a median of $44,863 four years after completing. | |||||
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 reports median earnings of $41,383 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing and 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 | No published median | $25,480 | $24,486 | 55.9% |
| Lancaster Bible College ranks 100th on this list and posts a six-year completion rate of 67% alongside an admission rate of 56%. | |||||
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 and an average net price of $27,807. | |||||
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 a six-year completion rate of 60%, Cedar Crest College lists 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 admits 68% of applicants and its Public Administration graduates earn a median of $33,281 two years after completing, while the college reports 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% |
| West Chester University of Pennsylvania, a public university in West Chester, reports median earnings of $32,391 for its Public Administration graduates two years after completing and a six-year completion rate of 71%. | |||||
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, highest first. Only schools with a reported Public Administration earnings cohort in the Northeast appear. The figure reflects federally aided completers who were working and not enrolled four years 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 range and median below cover the 100 schools with a published figure. 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