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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #41 | Rice UniversityPrivate | Houston, TX | $55,512 Median Public Administration Earnings | $3,221 | 7.9% | 95.7% |
| #42 | Monmouth UniversityPrivate | West Long Branch, NJ | $55,265 Median Public Administration Earnings | $19,945 | 89.5% | 70.3% |
| #43 | Blacksburg, VA | $55,179 Median Public Administration Earnings | $13,536 | 57.0% | 86.3% | |
| #44 | Long Island UniversityPrivate | Brookville, NY | $54,857 Median Public Administration Earnings | $20,478 | 89.8% | 55.4% |
| #45 | Bakersfield, CA | $54,809 Median Public Administration Earnings | $3,070 | 88.2% | 49.3% | |
| #46 | Marist CollegePrivate | Poughkeepsie, NY | $54,749 Median Public Administration Earnings | $25,331 | 64.7% | 79.8% |
| #47 | San Bernardino, CA | $54,364 Median Public Administration Earnings | $3,298 | 98.3% | 54.6% | |
| #48 | University At AlbanyPublic | Albany, NY | $54,302 Median Public Administration Earnings | $13,066 | 69.9% | 63.9% |
| #49 | Carthage CollegePrivate | Kenosha, WI | $53,886 Median Public Administration Earnings | $18,307 | 84.2% | 60.5% |
| #50 | Iona UniversityPrivate | New Rochelle, NY | $53,702 Median Public Administration Earnings | $25,063 | 91.1% | 57.4% |
| #51 | Seattle, WA | $53,568 Median Public Administration Earnings | $6,398 | 42.5% | 83.7% | |
| #52 | Brooklyn, NY | $53,508 Median Public Administration Earnings | $4,741 | 83.4% | 22.3% | |
| #53 | Riverside, CA | $53,413 Median Public Administration Earnings | $8,240 | 63.3% | 76.6% | |
| #54 | Champaign, IL | $53,310 Median Public Administration Earnings | $3,883 | 43.7% | 84.9% | |
| #55 | William & MaryPublic | Williamsburg, VA | $53,258 Median Public Administration Earnings | $6,616 | 32.7% | 91.0% |
| #56 | Washington, DC | $53,147 Median Public Administration Earnings | $22,216 | 83.8% | 81.3% | |
| #57 | Moorhead, MN | $53,049 Median Public Administration Earnings | $20,609 | 63.1% | 71.8% | |
| #58 | Loyola University ChicagoPrivate | Chicago, IL | $52,964 Median Public Administration Earnings | $28,666 | 81.4% | 76.9% |
| #59 | University Of Saint JosephPrivate | West Hartford, CT | $52,844 Median Public Administration Earnings | $21,080 | 79.6% | 69.7% |
| #60 | Pacific Lutheran UniversityPrivate | Tacoma, WA | $52,819 Median Public Administration Earnings | $13,847 | 80.5% | 71.0% |
