Public Administration programs produce graduates with career earnings ranging from $14,436 to $97,427, demonstrating significant variation in program outcomes across 406 institutions. The median earnings of $44,448 for program graduates reflects the diverse pathways available in government careers and public policy, with top-performing programs delivering substantially higher returns on educational investment.
Leading the list is Duke University, achieving the highest program earnings at $97,427. Cornell University follows closely with $88,830, while University of Chicago rounds out the top tier at $85,597. These elite programs demonstrate exceptional MPA preparation and strong connections to high-paying public sector and nonprofit leadership roles, with graduates earning nearly double the program average.
| Rank | School | Location | Earnings | Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #21 | Berkeley, CA | $60,405 Median Public Administration Earnings | $5,895 | 11.7% | 92.9% | |
| #22 | Brandeis UniversityPrivate | Waltham, MA | $60,055 Median Public Administration Earnings | $12,366 | 35.3% | 86.1% |
| #23 | Long Beach, CA | $59,826 Median Public Administration Earnings | $5,477 | 47.1% | 69.9% | |
| #24 | St. Mary's City, MD | $58,905 Median Public Administration Earnings | $3,618 | 75.4% | 68.0% | |
| #25 | Cuny York CollegePublic | Jamaica, NY | $58,778 Median Public Administration Earnings | $3,267 | 59.4% | 30.3% |
| #26 | Simmons UniversityPrivate | Boston, MA | $58,336 Median Public Administration Earnings | $19,518 | 66.0% | 71.3% |
| #27 | Brown UniversityPrivate | Providence, RI | $58,161 Median Public Administration Earnings | -$2,158 | 5.2% | 96.0% |
| #28 | San Jose, CA | $58,152 Median Public Administration Earnings | $9,743 | 80.2% | 64.6% | |
| #29 | Carson, CA | $58,104 Median Public Administration Earnings | $2,624 | 91.3% | 46.9% | |
| #30 | Vanderbilt UniversityPrivate | Nashville, TN | $57,318 Median Public Administration Earnings | $5,797 | 6.3% | 92.7% |
| #31 | Texas Christian UniversityPrivate | Fort Worth, TX | $57,255 Median Public Administration Earnings | $15,531 | 42.6% | 85.6% |
| #32 | Fullerton, CA | $57,169 Median Public Administration Earnings | $2,675 | 86.7% | 69.2% | |
| #33 | Stony Brook UniversityPublic | Stony Brook, NY | $57,000 Median Public Administration Earnings | $12,744 | 49.0% | 77.8% |
| #34 | New York, NY | $56,859 Median Public Administration Earnings | $1,290 | 57.2% | 55.5% | |
| #35 | Staten Island, NY | $56,620 Median Public Administration Earnings | $3,243 | — | 32.8% | |
| #36 | San Francisco, CA | $56,474 Median Public Administration Earnings | $9,307 | 96.2% | 50.1% | |
| #37 | Oral Roberts UniversityPrivate | Tulsa, OK | $56,203 Median Public Administration Earnings | $20,412 | 98.6% | 53.9% |
| #38 | George Mason UniversityPublic | Fairfax, VA | $56,004 Median Public Administration Earnings | $12,197 | 88.8% | 69.3% |
| #39 | Adelphi UniversityPrivate | Garden City, NY | $55,710 Median Public Administration Earnings | $22,149 | 77.5% | 68.9% |
| #40 | St Catherine UniversityPrivate | Saint Paul, MN | $55,686 Median Public Administration Earnings | $17,519 | 94.1% | 65.1% |
