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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #521 | Joplin, MO | $27,936 Median Public Administration Earnings | $9,021 | 97.4% | 38.3% | |
| #522 | American Baptist CollegePrivate | Nashville, TN | $27,776 Median Public Administration Earnings | $18,655 | — | 33.3% |
| #523 | Talladega CollegePrivate | Talladega, AL | $27,776 Median Public Administration Earnings | $13,423 | 99.3% | 65.0% |
| #524 | Livingstone CollegePrivate | Salisbury, NC | $26,597 Median Public Administration Earnings | $16,621 | 74.1% | 27.1% |
| #525 | Monroe, LA | $26,423 Median Public Administration Earnings | $9,709 | 74.6% | 50.6% | |
| #526 | Arkadelphia, AR | $26,353 Median Public Administration Earnings | $15,236 | 81.9% | 38.0% | |
| #527 | San Juan, PR | $26,069 Median Public Administration Earnings | $5,691 | 53.2% | 52.5% | |
| #528 | Humacao, PR | $25,878 Median Public Administration Earnings | $12,801 | 58.5% | 52.9% | |
| #529 | Magnolia, AR | $25,194 Median Public Administration Earnings | $14,823 | 66.6% | 46.5% | |
| #530 | University Of PikevillePrivate | Pikeville, KY | $24,267 Median Public Administration Earnings | $11,218 | — | 39.1% |
| #531 | Ferrum CollegePrivate | Ferrum, VA | $24,035 Median Public Administration Earnings | $18,607 | 100.0% | 28.9% |
| #532 | Regent UniversityPrivate | Virginia Beach, VA | $23,351 Median Public Administration Earnings | $18,843 | 41.2% | 54.1% |
| #533 | Bayamón, PR | $22,770 Median Public Administration Earnings | $3,492 | 86.4% | 37.9% | |
| #534 | Gurabo, PR | $21,629 Median Public Administration Earnings | $6,848 | — | 30.2% | |
| #535 | Carolina, PR | $21,511 Median Public Administration Earnings | $6,465 | — | 36.4% | |
| #536 | San Juan, PR | $20,398 Median Public Administration Earnings | $7,230 | — | 31.1% | |
| #537 | Storrs, CT | $20,140 Median Public Administration Earnings | $13,936 | 53.9% | 83.8% | |
| #538 | Warren Wilson CollegePrivate | Swannanoa, NC | $18,401 Median Public Administration Earnings | $19,447 | 77.6% | 43.1% |
| #539 | Texas CollegePrivate | Tyler, TX | $17,759 Median Public Administration Earnings | $10,966 | — | 10.7% |
| #540 | Ponce, PR | $14,436 Median Public Administration Earnings | $9,321 | 90.3% | 47.9% |
