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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #481 | Missoula, MT | $34,260 Median Public Administration Earnings | $14,521 | 95.6% | 45.4% | |
| #482 | Elizabeth City, NC | $34,155 Median Public Administration Earnings | $4,342 | 70.5% | 48.1% | |
| #483 | Jackson State UniversityPublic | Jackson, MS | $34,078 Median Public Administration Earnings | $19,018 | 91.0% | 32.2% |
| #484 | Bethel College-North NewtonPrivate | North Newton, KS | $33,993 Median Public Administration Earnings | $25,905 | 95.7% | 43.1% |
| #485 | Malone UniversityPrivate | Canton, OH | $33,993 Median Public Administration Earnings | $15,887 | 75.6% | 51.3% |
| #486 | Eastern Mennonite UniversityPrivate | Harrisonburg, VA | $33,993 Median Public Administration Earnings | $16,418 | 99.8% | 47.1% |
| #487 | Virginia Union UniversityPrivate | Richmond, VA | $33,993 Median Public Administration Earnings | $17,272 | 97.7% | 41.3% |
| #488 | Macon, GA | $33,957 Median Public Administration Earnings | $12,194 | 99.8% | 25.6% | |
| #489 | Wartburg CollegePrivate | Waverly, IA | $33,904 Median Public Administration Earnings | $16,146 | 99.4% | 66.8% |
| #490 | Freed-Hardeman UniversityPrivate | Henderson, TN | $33,736 Median Public Administration Earnings | $15,478 | 90.6% | 68.4% |
| #491 | North Central UniversityPrivate | Minneapolis, MN | $33,565 Median Public Administration Earnings | $19,345 | 90.8% | 63.6% |
| #492 | Grambling, LA | $33,322 Median Public Administration Earnings | $16,447 | 23.7% | 32.3% | |
| #493 | Shorter UniversityPrivate | Rome, GA | $33,307 Median Public Administration Earnings | $14,057 | 96.9% | 37.1% |
| #494 | Seattle UniversityPrivate | Seattle, WA | $33,281 Median Public Administration Earnings | $23,374 | 76.0% | 73.3% |
| #495 | Salve Regina UniversityPrivate | Newport, RI | $33,281 Median Public Administration Earnings | $27,575 | 69.9% | 74.9% |
| #496 | Columbia, MO | $33,138 Median Public Administration Earnings | $13,599 | 77.0% | 76.2% | |
| #497 | Lincoln UniversityPublic | Jefferson City, MO | $32,951 Median Public Administration Earnings | $9,052 | — | 22.1% |
| #498 | Ohio Dominican UniversityPrivate | Columbus, OH | $32,925 Median Public Administration Earnings | $14,348 | 85.3% | 47.9% |
| #499 | Lenoir-Rhyne UniversityPrivate | Hickory, NC | $32,732 Median Public Administration Earnings | $22,289 | 80.7% | 51.0% |
| #500 | College Of The OzarksPrivate | Point Lookout, MO | $32,701 Median Public Administration Earnings | $6,214 | 14.9% | 61.3% |
