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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #61 | Seaside, CA | $52,771 Median Public Administration Earnings | $9,654 | 94.8% | 63.2% | |
| #62 | Mahwah, NJ | $52,763 Median Public Administration Earnings | $10,142 | 73.2% | 71.9% | |
| #63 | Syracuse UniversityPrivate | Syracuse, NY | $52,662 Median Public Administration Earnings | $21,505 | 41.7% | 81.3% |
| #64 | Baltimore, MD | $52,571 Median Public Administration Earnings | $7,048 | 74.2% | 70.5% | |
| #65 | Clark Atlanta UniversityPrivate | Atlanta, GA | $52,521 Median Public Administration Earnings | $33,555 | 64.6% | 47.8% |
| #66 | Los Angeles, CA | $52,403 Median Public Administration Earnings | $15,470 | 10.0% | 92.0% | |
| #67 | Pullman, WA | $52,378 Median Public Administration Earnings | $7,147 | 85.4% | 61.6% | |
| #68 | Heritage UniversityPrivate | Toppenish, WA | $52,334 Median Public Administration Earnings | $10,713 | — | 39.8% |
| #69 | Mount Saint Mary CollegePrivate | Newburgh, NY | $52,318 Median Public Administration Earnings | $12,704 | 82.5% | 65.7% |
| #70 | James Madison UniversityPublic | Harrisonburg, VA | $52,191 Median Public Administration Earnings | $10,582 | 76.3% | 80.9% |
| #71 | Mercy UniversityPrivate | Dobbs Ferry, NY | $52,184 Median Public Administration Earnings | $13,092 | 85.5% | 48.1% |
| #72 | University Of DelawarePublic | Newark, DE | $52,146 Median Public Administration Earnings | $9,354 | 65.1% | 78.8% |
| #73 | Honolulu, HI | $51,751 Median Public Administration Earnings | $7,397 | 69.7% | 62.6% | |
| #74 | Abilene Christian UniversityPrivate | Abilene, TX | $51,741 Median Public Administration Earnings | $22,928 | 100.0% | 60.2% |
| #75 | University Of ArizonaPublic | Tucson, AZ | $51,630 Median Public Administration Earnings | $12,043 | 85.7% | 65.9% |
| #76 | Bowie State UniversityPublic | Bowie, MD | $51,598 Median Public Administration Earnings | $16,935 | 83.5% | 38.1% |
| #77 | Siena CollegePrivate | Loudonville, NY | $51,476 Median Public Administration Earnings | $25,588 | 70.6% | 75.8% |
| #78 | Providence CollegePrivate | Providence, RI | $51,119 Median Public Administration Earnings | $26,070 | 48.7% | 87.8% |
| #79 | East Lansing, MI | $51,059 Median Public Administration Earnings | $8,119 | 83.9% | 82.2% | |
| #80 | Salisbury UniversityPublic | Salisbury, MD | $51,043 Median Public Administration Earnings | $7,351 | 88.6% | 67.5% |
