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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #81 | New Britain, CT | $51,042 Median Public Administration Earnings | $11,562 | 75.5% | 49.3% | |
| #82 | Cuny Lehman CollegePublic | Bronx, NY | $50,858 Median Public Administration Earnings | $2,047 | 55.4% | 49.3% |
| #83 | Hamilton CollegePrivate | Clinton, NY | $50,856 Median Public Administration Earnings | $4,906 | 11.8% | 91.3% |
| #84 | Whittier CollegePrivate | Whittier, CA | $50,846 Median Public Administration Earnings | $22,678 | 85.4% | 63.4% |
| #85 | New Brunswick, NJ | $50,633 Median Public Administration Earnings | $15,885 | 65.3% | 85.0% | |
| #86 | Centenary UniversityPrivate | Hackettstown, NJ | $50,631 Median Public Administration Earnings | $13,735 | 96.7% | 56.6% |
| #87 | Los Angeles, CA | $50,567 Median Public Administration Earnings | $2,855 | 91.9% | 52.6% | |
| #88 | Mcdaniel CollegePrivate | Westminster, MD | $50,559 Median Public Administration Earnings | $11,334 | 83.6% | 63.8% |
| #89 | Cabrini UniversityPrivate | Radnor, PA | $50,450 Median Public Administration Earnings | $18,589 | 69.2% | 50.5% |
| #90 | Sacramento, CA | $50,432 Median Public Administration Earnings | $7,306 | 93.6% | 55.8% | |
| #91 | New Haven, CT | $50,415 Median Public Administration Earnings | $18,568 | 81.1% | 47.8% | |
| #92 | Willimantic, CT | $50,362 Median Public Administration Earnings | $15,167 | 80.5% | 58.1% | |
| #93 | Newport News, VA | $50,286 Median Public Administration Earnings | $9,652 | 88.0% | 75.1% | |
| #94 | Saint Martin's UniversityPrivate | Lacey, WA | $50,204 Median Public Administration Earnings | $15,233 | 75.9% | 57.1% |
| #95 | Azusa Pacific UniversityPrivate | Azusa, CA | $50,143 Median Public Administration Earnings | $17,839 | 79.5% | 64.4% |
| #96 | Las Vegas, NV | $50,141 Median Public Administration Earnings | $8,024 | 96.3% | 50.1% | |
| #97 | River Falls, WI | $50,045 Median Public Administration Earnings | $9,520 | 81.6% | 60.9% | |
| #98 | Orangeburg, NY | $49,990 Median Public Administration Earnings | $21,435 | 78.8% | 56.8% | |
| #99 | Baton Rouge, LA | $49,897 Median Public Administration Earnings | $14,035 | 74.0% | 71.0% | |
| #100 | Nebraska Wesleyan UniversityPrivate | Lincoln, NE | $49,895 Median Public Administration Earnings | $20,377 | 83.8% | 68.9% |
