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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #421 | Dahlonega, GA | $37,663 Median Public Administration Earnings | $7,958 | 72.2% | 36.9% | |
| #422 | Shaw UniversityPrivate | Raleigh, NC | $37,637 Median Public Administration Earnings | $12,125 | 30.5% | 20.3% |
| #423 | La Salle UniversityPrivate | Philadelphia, PA | $37,568 Median Public Administration Earnings | $18,702 | 86.2% | 57.9% |
| #424 | Aquinas CollegePrivate | Grand Rapids, MI | $37,568 Median Public Administration Earnings | $12,141 | 71.1% | 62.5% |
| #425 | West Liberty UniversityPublic | West Liberty, WV | $37,551 Median Public Administration Earnings | $13,368 | 72.1% | 60.6% |
| #426 | Albany State UniversityPublic | Albany, GA | $37,539 Median Public Administration Earnings | $12,993 | — | 22.8% |
| #427 | Thomas UniversityPrivate | Thomasville, GA | $37,477 Median Public Administration Earnings | $16,047 | 43.2% | 27.8% |
| #428 | Northeastern UniversityPrivate | Boston, MA | $37,367 Median Public Administration Earnings | $5,900 | 5.7% | 90.4% |
| #429 | Columbia CollegePrivate | Columbia, MO | $37,225 Median Public Administration Earnings | $26,212 | — | 45.7% |
| #430 | Saint Louis, MO | $37,224 Median Public Administration Earnings | $10,019 | 57.2% | 56.9% | |
| #431 | Murfreesboro, TN | $37,223 Median Public Administration Earnings | $8,371 | 68.0% | 54.0% | |
| #432 | Drury UniversityPrivate | Springfield, MO | $37,173 Median Public Administration Earnings | $11,262 | — | 66.0% |
| #433 | Union UniversityPrivate | Jackson, TN | $37,136 Median Public Administration Earnings | $24,793 | 47.2% | 70.9% |
| #434 | Johnson City, TN | $37,134 Median Public Administration Earnings | $13,158 | 87.1% | 49.9% | |
| #435 | Cairn University-LanghornePrivate | Langhorne, PA | $37,129 Median Public Administration Earnings | $24,409 | 83.6% | 65.2% |
| #436 | Roberts Wesleyan UniversityPrivate | Rochester, NY | $37,100 Median Public Administration Earnings | $19,371 | 77.8% | 63.9% |
| #437 | Montclair, NJ | $37,074 Median Public Administration Earnings | $9,482 | 87.4% | 64.3% | |
| #438 | Doane UniversityPrivate | Crete, NE | $37,067 Median Public Administration Earnings | $24,496 | 89.5% | 55.9% |
| #439 | Springfield, MO | $37,055 Median Public Administration Earnings | $12,238 | 91.0% | 57.3% | |
| #440 | University Of MontevalloPublic | Montevallo, AL | $36,843 Median Public Administration Earnings | $13,806 | 53.9% | 49.4% |
