[College research](/) / [Rankings](/rankings/) # Best Public Administration Colleges in the West (2026) Updated September 30, 2026 Regional list from [Public Administration Colleges in the United States](/rankings/best-public-administration-colleges/) This page ranks the 63 schools in the West that report a Public Administration earnings cohort, ordered by median earnings of Public Administration graduates four years after completing. [California State University-Northridge](/school/california-state-university-northridge/majors/) ranks 1st on this list, with median earnings of $85,789 for its graduates four years after completing. Across the 62 schools with a published figure, median earnings range from $85,789 to $29,685, with a median of $58,364. For 5 of the listed programs the figure is the two-year completion median rather than the four-year one. Public institutions account for 71% of the list, with 45 public and 18 private nonprofit schools represented. California State University-Los Angeles ranks 3rd on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. California State University-Los Angeles posts the lowest average net price, at $3,967. ## The ranked list 63 schools in list order | Rank | School | Median Public Administration Earnings | Average net price | Net price, families under $30K | Admission rate | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 1 | California State University-Northridge · Northridge, CA | $85,789 | $7,021 | $4,905 | 93.5% | | | [California State University-Northridge](/school/california-state-university-northridge/majors/) reports [$85,789 in median earnings](/school/california-state-university-northridge/outcomes/) for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing, and carries an average net price of $7,021. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Public Administration (27 graduates) | | 2 | California Baptist University · Riverside, CA | $75,949 | $26,285 | $22,298 | 84.9% | | | With a [six-year completion rate of 62%](/school/california-baptist-university/outcomes/), [California Baptist University](/school/california-baptist-university/majors/) admits 85% of applicants and its Public Administration graduates earn a median of $75,949 four years after completing. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Human Services, General (21 graduates), Public Administration (14 graduates) | | 3 | University of Southern California · Los Angeles, CA | $74,511 | $32,740 | $13,516 | 9.8% | | | [University of Southern California](/school/university-of-southern-california/majors/) ranks 3rd on this list, shows [median earnings of $74,511](/school/university-of-southern-california/outcomes/) for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing, and posts an average net price of $32,740. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Public Policy Analysis (49 graduates) | | 4 | University of Redlands · Redlands, CA | $70,080 | $30,031 | $28,287 | 82.7% | | | Graduates of the Public Administration program at [University of Redlands](/school/university-of-redlands/majors/) earn a [median of $70,080](/school/university-of-redlands/outcomes/) four years after completing, and the school admits 83% of applicants. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Public Policy Analysis (21 graduates) | | 5 | University of California-Davis · Davis, CA | $69,702 | $14,741 | $9,211 | 41.8% | | | [University of California-Davis](/school/university-of-california-davis/majors/) carries an [average net price of $14,741](/school/university-of-california-davis/cost/) and its Public Administration graduates earn a median of $69,702 four years after completing. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other (34 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other ($69,702) | | 6 | La Sierra University · Riverside, CA | $69,244 | $45,566 | $44,988 | 91.5% | | | La Sierra University reports median earnings of $69,244 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing, alongside a six-year completion rate of 60%. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (16 graduates) | | 7 | California State University-San Bernardino · San Bernardino, CA | $69,201 | $4,564 | $2,681 | 93.7% | | | [California State University-San Bernardino](/school/california-state-university-san-bernardino/majors/) [admits 94% of applicants](/school/california-state-university-san-bernardino/admissions/) and its Public Administration graduates earn a median of $69,201 four years after completing. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (43 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($69,201) | | 8 | San Francisco State University · San Francisco, CA | $68,524 | $12,278 | $9,341 | 96.4% | | | [San Francisco State University](/school/san-francisco-state-university/majors/) reports [median earnings of $68,524](/school/san-francisco-state-university/outcomes/) for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing, and carries an average net price of $12,278. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (28 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($68,524) | | 9 | California State University-Fullerton · Fullerton, CA | $68,497 | $6,555 | $3,315 | 90.5% | | | [California State University-Fullerton](/school/california-state-university-fullerton/majors/) [ranks 6th on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/california-state-university-fullerton/) among nonprofit four-year institutions, and its Public Administration graduates earn a median of $68,497 four years after completing. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Human Services, General (276 graduates), Public Administration (36 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Public Administration ($68,497) | | 10 | California State University-Long Beach · Long Beach, CA | $68,448 | $10,440 | $7,183 | 46.3% | | | A [six-year completion rate of 69%](/school/california-state-university-long-beach/outcomes/) and median earnings of $68,448 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing are reported by [California State University-Long Beach](/school/california-state-university-long-beach/majors/). | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (72 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($68,448) | | 11 | California State University-Dominguez Hills · Carson, CA | $68,008 | $8,615 | $7,303 | 93.3% | | | [California State University-Dominguez Hills](/school/california-state-university-dominguez-hills/majors/) carries an [average net price of $8,615](/school/california-state-university-dominguez-hills/cost/) and reports median earnings of $68,008 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Human Services, General (128 graduates), Public Administration (38 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Public Administration ($68,008) | | 12 | Pacific Lutheran University · Tacoma, WA | $67,458 | $19,589 | $13,609 | 78.0% | | | Pacific Lutheran University admits 78% of applicants, and its Public Administration graduates earn a median of $67,458 four years after completing. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (8 graduates) | | 13 | University of California-Berkeley · Berkeley, CA | $67,393 | $13,481 | $5,311 | 11.0% | | | [University of California-Berkeley](/school/university-of-california-berkeley/majors/) reports [$67,393 in median earnings](/school/university-of-california-berkeley/outcomes/) for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing and an average net price of $13,481. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (88 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($67,393) | | 14 | University of Arizona · Tucson, AZ | $64,953 | $16,674 | $13,353 | 86.1% | | | With a [six-year completion rate of 68%](/school/university-of-arizona/outcomes/), [University of Arizona](/school/university-of-arizona/majors/) ranks 14th on this list and posts median earnings of $64,953 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Public Administration (24 graduates), Human Services, General (11 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Public Administration ($64,953) | | 15 | Washington State University · Pullman, WA | $63,631 | $14,971 | $7,074 | 86.6% | | | [Washington State University](/school/washington-state-university/majors/) [admits 87% of applicants](/school/washington-state-university/admissions/) and reports an average net price of $7,074 for families earning under $30,000. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Public Policy Analysis (11 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Public Policy Analysis ($63,631) | | 16 | George Fox University · Newberg, OR | $62,201 | $31,679 | $22,871 | 93.5% | | | A private nonprofit university in Newberg, George Fox University posts median earnings of $62,201 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (21 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($62,201) | | 17 | Fresno Pacific University · Fresno, CA | $61,951 | $13,630 | $11,133 | 64.1% | | | [Fresno Pacific University](/school/fresno-pacific-university/majors/) [ranks 419th on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/fresno-pacific-university/) among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports a six-year completion rate of 50%. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (81 graduates) | | 18 | Portland State University · Portland, OR | $61,036 | $9,552 | $7,655 | 90.9% | | | Median earnings of $61,036 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing coincide with an [average net price of $9,552](/school/portland-state-university/cost/) at [Portland State University](/school/portland-state-university/majors/). | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (103 graduates), Community Organization and Advocacy (25 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($63,456), Community Organization and Advocacy ($51,066) | | 19 | Eastern Washington University · Cheney, WA | $60,696 | $13,886 | $9,547 | 90.8% | | | [Eastern Washington University](/school/eastern-washington-university/majors/) ranks 19th on this list and reports an [average net price of $9,547](/school/eastern-washington-university/cost/) for families earning under $30,000. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (51 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($60,696) | | 20 | Walla Walla University · College Place, WA | $60,449 | $23,329 | $18,675 | Not reported | | | A six-year completion rate of 60% and median earnings of $60,449 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing are reported by Walla Walla University. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (8 graduates) | | 21 | University of Nevada-Reno · Reno, NV | $60,320 | $15,927 | $12,674 | 73.7% | | | [University of Nevada-Reno](/school/university-of-nevada-reno/majors/) [admits 74% of applicants](/school/university-of-nevada-reno/admissions/) and posts median earnings of $60,320 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (112 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($60,320) | | 22 | University of La Verne · La Verne, CA | $60,094 | $20,161 | $20,151 | 71.2% | | | For its Public Administration graduates two years after completing, [University of La Verne](/school/university-of-la-verne/majors/) reports [median earnings of $60,094](/school/university-of-la-verne/outcomes/) and an average net price of $20,161. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Public Administration (29 graduates) | | 23 | University of Nevada-Las Vegas · Las Vegas, NV | $59,682 | $10,359 | $8,526 | 96.2% | | | An [average net price of $10,359](/school/university-of-nevada-las-vegas/cost/) and an Azimuth composite rank of 76th among nonprofit four-year institutions are posted by [University of Nevada-Las Vegas](/school/university-of-nevada-las-vegas/majors/). | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (75 graduates), Human Services, General (32 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($60,344), Human Services, General ($58,130) | | 24 | Saint Martin's University · Lacey, WA | $59,559 | $28,119 | $22,810 | 89.8% | | | Saint Martin's University reports median earnings of $59,559 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing and an average net price of $22,810 for families earning under $30,000. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (9 graduates) | | 25 | University of Utah · Salt Lake City, UT | $59,551 | $16,200 | $13,123 | 86.0% | | | [University of Utah](/school/university-of-utah/majors/) reports [median earnings of $59,551](/school/university-of-utah/outcomes/) for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing, and an average net price of $16,200. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (126 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($59,551) | | 26 | California State University-Los Angeles · Los Angeles, CA | $59,545 | $3,967 | $2,877 | 91.3% | | | With an [average net price of $3,967,](/school/california-state-university-los-angeles/cost/) [California State University-Los Angeles](/school/california-state-university-los-angeles/majors/) ranks 3rd on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (227 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($59,545) | | 27 | University of Oregon · Eugene, OR | $59,368 | $22,182 | $15,909 | 88.3% | | | [University of Oregon](/school/university-of-oregon/majors/) [admits 88% of applicants](/school/university-of-oregon/admissions/) and its Public Administration graduates earn a median of $59,368 four years after completing. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Human Services, General (91 graduates), Public Administration (69 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Public Administration ($67,030), Human Services, General ($53,559) | | 28 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus · Seattle, WA | $59,256 | $14,091 | $6,384 | 39.2% | | | An [average net price of $6,384](/school/university-of-washington-seattle-campus/cost/) for families earning under $30,000 and a six-year completion rate of 85% are reported by [University of Washington-Seattle Campus](/school/university-of-washington-seattle-campus/majors/). | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (51 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($59,256) | | 29 | Heritage University · Toppenish, WA | $58,634 | $14,598 | $15,114 | Not reported | | | A private nonprofit university, [Heritage University](/school/heritage-university/majors/) shows [median earnings of $58,634](/school/heritage-university/outcomes/) for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (61 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($58,634) | | 30 | University of California-Riverside · Riverside, CA | $58,504 | $14,304 | $8,852 | 76.4% | | | [University of California-Riverside](/school/university-of-california-riverside/majors/) ranks 30th on this list, with a [six-year completion rate of 76%](/school/university-of-california-riverside/outcomes/) and an admission rate of 76%. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Public Policy Analysis (91 graduates), Public Administration (15 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Public Policy Analysis ($58,504) | | 31 | Colorado State University Pueblo · Pueblo, CO | $58,449 | $10,051 | $9,374 | 94.9% | | | Colorado State University Pueblo reports an average net price of $10,051 and median earnings of $58,449 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 ($58,449) | | 32 | California State University-Sacramento · Sacramento, CA | $58,280 | $9,338 | $6,501 | 94.0% | | | Ranking 10th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, [California State University-Sacramento](/school/california-state-university-sacramento/majors/) [admits 94% of applicants](/school/california-state-university-sacramento/admissions/). | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (196 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($58,280) | | 33 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion · Tempe, AZ | $58,192 | $14,967 | $9,070 | 89.9% | | | [Arizona State University Campus Immersion](/school/arizona-state-university-campus-immersion/majors/) graduates earn a [median of $58,192](/school/arizona-state-university-campus-immersion/outcomes/) four years after completing, and the school reports an average net price of $9,070 for families earning under $30,000. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (190 graduates), Public Policy Analysis (53 graduates), Community Organization and Advocacy (6 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Public Policy Analysis ($71,723), Social Work ($54,504) | | 34 | University of Hawaii at Manoa · Honolulu, HI | $58,097 | $15,664 | $10,675 | 86.6% | | | [University of Hawaii at Manoa](/school/university-of-hawaii-at-manoa/majors/) posts a [six-year completion rate of 64%](/school/university-of-hawaii-at-manoa/outcomes/) and median earnings of $58,097 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 ($58,097) | | 35 | California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt · Arcata, CA | $57,953 | $13,171 | $8,483 | 98.2% | | | With an [admission rate of 98%](/school/california-state-polytechnic-university-humboldt/admissions/), [California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt](/school/california-state-polytechnic-university-humboldt/majors/) reports an average net price of $13,171 and ranks 35th on this list. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (60 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($57,953) | | 36 | Seattle University · Seattle, WA | $57,349 | $34,662 | $22,896 | 76.9% | | | Seattle University, a private nonprofit university, shows median earnings of $57,349 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing and a six-year completion rate of 76%. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (21 graduates), Public Administration (15 graduates) | | 37 | University of Portland · Portland, OR | $57,253 | $28,210 | $20,070 | 89.2% | | | University of Portland, a private nonprofit university in Portland, reports median earnings of $57,253 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (14 graduates) | | 38 | San Diego State University · San Diego, CA | $56,922 | $15,364 | $9,910 | 36.2% | | | [San Diego State University](/school/san-diego-state-university/majors/) [admits 36% of applicants](/school/san-diego-state-university/admissions/) and posts a six-year completion rate of 76%. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (105 graduates), Public Administration (76 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Public Administration ($57,264), Social Work ($56,674) | | 39 | California State University-Chico · Chico, CA | $56,772 | $14,480 | $9,902 | 92.7% | | | [California State University-Chico](/school/california-state-university-chico/majors/) ranks 39th on this list, with an [average net price of $14,480](/school/california-state-university-chico/cost/). | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (66 graduates), Public Administration (12 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($57,146) | | 40 | California State University-Monterey Bay · Seaside, CA | $56,719 | $13,663 | $9,970 | 97.4% | | | An [average net price of $9,970](/school/california-state-university-monterey-bay/cost/) for families earning under $30,000 coincides with median earnings of $56,719 for Public Administration graduates of [California State University-Monterey Bay](/school/california-state-university-monterey-bay/majors/) four years after completing. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Human Services, General (96 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Human Services, General ($56,719) | | 41 | University of Alaska Anchorage · Anchorage, AK | $56,698 | $15,301 | $11,582 | Not reported | | | University of Alaska Anchorage ranks 577th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions and shows a six-year completion rate of 30%. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (21 graduates) | | 42 | University of California-Santa Cruz · Santa Cruz, CA | $56,620 | $17,890 | $8,717 | 65.8% | | | With an [admission rate of 66%](/school/university-of-california-santa-cruz/admissions/), [University of California-Santa Cruz](/school/university-of-california-santa-cruz/majors/) reports median earnings of $56,620 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Community Organization and Advocacy (31 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Community Organization and Advocacy ($56,620) | | 43 | California State University-Fresno · Fresno, CA | $56,038 | $7,000 | $5,105 | 95.3% | | | [California State University-Fresno](/school/california-state-university-fresno/majors/) [ranks 26th on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/california-state-university-fresno/) among nonprofit four-year institutions and carries an average net price of $7,000. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (111 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($56,038) | | 44 | Metropolitan State University of Denver · Denver, CO | $55,608 | $15,327 | $12,481 | 98.8% | | | [Metropolitan State University of Denver](/school/metropolitan-state-university-of-denver/majors/) [admits 99% of applicants](/school/metropolitan-state-university-of-denver/admissions/) and reports median earnings of $55,608 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (95 graduates), Human Services, General (41 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($55,915), Human Services, General ($54,896) | | 45 | Boise State University · Boise, ID | $55,188 | $21,610 | $18,165 | 87.2% | | | [Boise State University](/school/boise-state-university/majors/) ranks 45th on this list, with a [six-year completion rate of 60%](/school/boise-state-university/outcomes/). | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (69 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($55,188) | | 46 | Colorado State University-Fort Collins · Fort Collins, CO | $54,720 | $21,279 | $13,259 | 88.5% | | | An [average net price of $13,259](/school/colorado-state-university-fort-collins/cost/) for families earning under $30,000 coincides with median earnings of $54,720 for Public Administration graduates of [Colorado State University-Fort Collins](/school/colorado-state-university-fort-collins/majors/) four years after completing. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (88 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($54,720) | | 47 | Central Washington University · Ellensburg, WA | $54,318 | $18,476 | $11,846 | 90.6% | | | [Central Washington University](/school/central-washington-university/majors/) [admits 91% of applicants](/school/central-washington-university/admissions/) and carries an average net price of $18,476. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Human Services, General (47 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Human Services, General ($54,318) | | 48 | Northern Arizona University · Flagstaff, AZ | $53,945 | $14,158 | $9,709 | 89.6% | | | [Northern Arizona University](/school/northern-arizona-university/majors/) [ranks 127th on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/northern-arizona-university/) among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports median earnings of $53,945 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (162 graduates), Public Administration (8 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($54,000) | | 49 | University of Hawaii-West Oahu · Kapolei, HI | $53,891 | $10,327 | $7,674 | 95.3% | | | University of Hawaii-West Oahu reports median earnings of $53,891 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing, and an average net price of $10,327. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Public Administration (131 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Public Administration ($53,891) | | 50 | Western Washington University · Bellingham, WA | $53,788 | $21,193 | $12,915 | 93.3% | | | With a [six-year completion rate of 65%](/school/western-washington-university/outcomes/), [Western Washington University](/school/western-washington-university/majors/) ranks 50th on this list and shows median earnings of $53,788 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Human Services, General (95 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Human Services, General ($53,788) | | 51 | University of Alaska Fairbanks · Fairbanks, AK | $53,559 | $10,892 | $7,992 | Not reported | | | University of Alaska Fairbanks posts a six-year completion rate of 38% and an average net price of $7,992 for families earning under $30,000. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (24 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($53,559) | | 52 | Idaho State University · Pocatello, ID | $51,827 | $12,193 | $10,593 | Not reported | | | Idaho State University ranks 354th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, alongside median earnings of $51,827 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 ($51,827) | | 53 | New Mexico State University-Main Campus · Las Cruces, NM | $50,295 | $8,889 | $6,648 | 89.0% | | | [New Mexico State University-Main Campus](/school/new-mexico-state-university-main-campus/majors/) [admits 89% of applicants](/school/new-mexico-state-university-main-campus/admissions/) and reports an average net price of $8,889. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (59 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($50,295) | | 54 | Western New Mexico University · Silver City, NM | $49,567 | $8,522 | $8,381 | Not reported | | | Western New Mexico University graduates 32% of its students within six years and reports median earnings of $49,567 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (29 graduates) | | 55 | Lewis-Clark State College · Lewiston, ID | $49,429 | $15,635 | $13,080 | 87.7% | | | Lewis-Clark State College shows an admission rate of 88% and an average net price of $13,080 for families earning under $30,000. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (45 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($49,429) | | 56 | The University of Montana · Missoula, MT | $46,459 | $16,784 | $13,960 | 95.9% | | | The University of Montana reports median earnings of $46,459 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing, and a six-year completion rate of 48%. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (42 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Social Work ($46,459) | | 57 | Northwest Nazarene University · Nampa, ID | $44,782 | $29,580 | $28,732 | 64.7% | | | Northwest Nazarene University, a private nonprofit university in Nampa, reports an average net price of $29,580 and a six-year completion rate of 71%. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (12 graduates) | | 58 | University of Wyoming · Laramie, WY | $44,701 | $13,599 | $7,977 | 96.9% | | | [University of Wyoming](/school/university-of-wyoming/majors/) [admits 97% of applicants](/school/university-of-wyoming/admissions/) and reports median earnings of $44,701 for its Public Administration graduates four years after completing. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (41 graduates) | | 59 | Mount Saint Mary's University · Los Angeles, CA | No published median | $21,413 | $23,849 | 73.1% | | | [Mount Saint Mary's University](/school/mount-saint-marys-university/majors/) [ranks 187th on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/mount-saint-marys-university/) among nonprofit four-year institutions, with a six-year completion rate of 53%. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Public Policy Analysis (11 graduates), Social Work (11 graduates) | | 60 | San Jose State University · San Jose, CA | $38,289 | $13,760 | $9,730 | 84.6% | | | [San Jose State University](/school/san-jose-state-university/majors/) reports [median earnings of $38,289](/school/san-jose-state-university/outcomes/) for its Public Administration graduates two years after completing, and an average net price of $9,730 for families earning under $30,000. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (79 graduates) | | 61 | Whittier College · Whittier, CA | $33,281 | $25,757 | $21,718 | 80.8% | | | Whittier College reports median earnings of $33,281 for its Public Administration graduates two years after completing, and an average net price of $21,718 for families earning under $30,000. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (16 graduates) | | 62 | Azusa Pacific University · Azusa, CA | $32,711 | $22,212 | $15,781 | 88.4% | | | [Azusa Pacific University](/school/azusa-pacific-university/majors/) [admits 88% of applicants](/school/azusa-pacific-university/admissions/) and posts a six-year completion rate of 62%. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Social Work (36 graduates) | | 63 | Pomona College · Claremont, CA | $29,685 | $19,285 | $4,841 | 7.1% | | | [Pomona College](/school/pomona-college/majors/) ranks 63rd on this list, with an [admission rate of 7%](/school/pomona-college/admissions/) and a six-year completion rate of 93%. | | | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Public Policy Analysis (12 graduates) | ## 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 West appear. The figure is the median earnings of federally aided Public Administration completers who were working and not enrolled, measured four years after completing. For 5 of the 63 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 62 schools with a published figure. California State University-Northridge leads California Baptist University by $9,840, and the spread from top to bottom is $56,104. ## Job market context in the West Public Administration graduates in the West enter a labor market that links to occupations such as Social and Human Service Assistants, Child, Family, and School Social Workers, and Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs. The median annual wage across those occupations is $68,885, and a quarter of workers in those occupations earn less than $54,719. Projections for 2024 to 2034 put employment in those occupations about 13.4% higher, with 173,510 projected openings a year, or about 2,208 openings a year for every hundred graduates, meaning more projected openings than graduates. Wages and top occupations exclude management occupations; openings include them. The ranking above uses the median earnings of graduates four years after completing, which is a different measure from the occupational wage figures shown here. ## Related rankings - [Public Administration Colleges in the United States](/rankings/best-public-administration-colleges/) - [Best Colleges in the West](/rankings/best-colleges-in-the-west/) - [Best Public Administration Colleges in the Midwest](/rankings/best-public-administration-colleges-in-the-midwest/) - [Best Public Administration Colleges in the Northeast](/rankings/best-public-administration-colleges-in-the-northeast/) - [Best Public Administration Colleges in the South](/rankings/best-public-administration-colleges-in-the-south/) - [Best Social Work Colleges in the Midwest](/rankings/best-social-work-colleges-in-the-midwest/) - Public Administration Colleges in the West for Social Mobility - [Best Social Work Colleges for Social Mobility in the West](/rankings/best-social-work-colleges-for-social-mobility-in-the-west/)