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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #441 | Lipscomb UniversityPrivate | Nashville, TN | $36,829 Median Public Administration Earnings | $21,886 | 66.6% | 68.7% |
| #442 | Spearfish, SD | $36,741 Median Public Administration Earnings | $12,475 | 94.4% | 38.6% | |
| #443 | Fort Wayne, IN | $36,707 Median Public Administration Earnings | $18,579 | — | 31.4% | |
| #444 | Steubenville, OH | $36,697 Median Public Administration Earnings | $19,180 | 72.2% | 77.1% | |
| #445 | Lamar UniversityPublic | Beaumont, TX | $36,661 Median Public Administration Earnings | $9,565 | 85.7% | 37.2% |
| #446 | Florence, AL | $36,467 Median Public Administration Earnings | $8,309 | 96.5% | 54.0% | |
| #447 | Saint Joseph, MO | $36,414 Median Public Administration Earnings | $10,342 | — | 39.8% | |
| #448 | Indiana University-EastPublic | Richmond, IN | $36,369 Median Public Administration Earnings | $5,216 | 71.2% | 45.4% |
| #449 | Limestone UniversityPrivate | Gaffney, SC | $36,357 Median Public Administration Earnings | $17,648 | 98.3% | 27.6% |
| #450 | Institute, WV | $36,320 Median Public Administration Earnings | $8,962 | 96.4% | 33.5% | |
| #451 | Pensacola, FL | $36,233 Median Public Administration Earnings | $3,367 | 56.9% | 61.8% | |
| #452 | Augusta UniversityPublic | Augusta, GA | $36,183 Median Public Administration Earnings | $10,597 | 89.3% | 48.6% |
| #453 | Akron, OH | $36,160 Median Public Administration Earnings | $12,469 | 70.9% | 48.2% | |
| #454 | Nashville, TN | $36,112 Median Public Administration Earnings | $9,239 | 92.6% | 33.0% | |
| #455 | Anderson UniversityPrivate | Anderson, SC | $35,884 Median Public Administration Earnings | $17,528 | 52.8% | 71.0% |
| #456 | Rexburg, ID | $35,827 Median Public Administration Earnings | $3,102 | 97.0% | 55.1% | |
| #457 | Geneva CollegePrivate | Beaver Falls, PA | $35,742 Median Public Administration Earnings | $18,950 | — | 61.5% |
| #458 | Williamsburg, KY | $35,720 Median Public Administration Earnings | $4,895 | 71.4% | 46.2% | |
| #459 | Morehead, KY | $35,689 Median Public Administration Earnings | $7,561 | 82.1% | 47.7% | |
| #460 | Saint Leo UniversityPrivate | Saint Leo, FL | $35,496 Median Public Administration Earnings | $16,216 | 72.1% | 48.8% |
