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2023 Best Value Public Admin Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k

25 Ranked Colleges
1,304 Degrees Awarded
$14,500 Avg Net Price*
Best Value Public Admin Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k

When pursuing a degree in today’s world, students have many different options to choose from. College Factual has developed its “Best Value Public Admin Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking as one item you can use to help make this decision.

In 2020-2021, 16,905 people earned their degree in public administration, making the major the 60th most popular in the United States. In 2019-2020, public administration graduates who were awarded their degree in 2017-2019, earned an average of $51,352 and had an average of $29,054 in loans still to pay off.

Across the Plains States region, there were 1,304 public administration graduates with average earnings and debt of $51,943 and $34,585 respectively.

For this year’s “Best Value Public Admin Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking, we looked at 25 colleges that offer a degree in public administration. The schools that top this list are recognized because they have great public administration programs and cost less that schools of similar quality.

To come up with these rankings, we looked at factors such as the cost to attend the school after aid is awarded and overall quality of the public administration program at the school. Check out our ranking methodology for more information.

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The public admin school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we’ve developed a number of major-specific rankings, including this list of “Best Value Public Admin Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k”.

In addition to College Factual’s rankings, you may want to take a look at College Combat, our unique tool that lets you pit your favorite schools head-to-head and compare how they rate on factors that most interest you. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don’t forget it.

Best Value Public Admin Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k

The colleges and universities below are the best for plains states region public admin students whose families make $30-$48k.

Top 25 Best Value Colleges for Public Administration (Income $30-$48k) in the Plains States Region

1

Out of the 25 schools in the Best Value Public Admin Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities landed the #1 spot on the list. University of Minnesota - Twin Cities is a public institution located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The school has a large population, and it awarded 37 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our plains states region public admin students whose families make $30-$48k list, UMN Twin Cities has also earned the #1 rank in our “Best Public Administration Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. It costs about $8,609 for plains states region public admin students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend UMN Twin Cities.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 93%. The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 1.7%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Full UMN Twin Cities Public Administration Report

2

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of Missouri - Columbia. The school came in at #2 for the Best Value Public Admin Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k. This large school is located in Columbia, Missouri, and it awarded 107 ’s public admin degrees in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Mizzou, the school also landed the #2 spot in our “Best Public Administration Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for University of Missouri - Columbia is $11,386 for Plains States Region Public Admin students whose families make $30-$48k.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 89%. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.5%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Public Administration at University of Missouri - Columbia

3

Out of the 25 schools in the Best Value Public Admin Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Missouri - St Louis landed the #3 spot on the list. UMSL is located in Saint Louis, Missouri and, has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 36 ’s public admin degrees to qualified students.

UMSL also took the #18 spot in our “Best Public Administration Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for University of Missouri - St Louis is $8,324 for plains states region public admin students whose families make $30-$48k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 4.6% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read more about Public Administration at UMSL

4
UND crest
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, North Dakota

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of North Dakota. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Best Value Public Admin Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. University of North Dakota is located in Grand Forks, North Dakota and, has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 22 ’s public admin degrees to qualified students.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UND, the school also landed the #7 spot in our “Best Public Administration Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. It costs about $13,151 for Plains States Region Public Admin students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend University of North Dakota.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.8%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Public Administration at University of North Dakota

5

Out of the 25 schools in the Best Value Public Admin Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Nebraska at Omaha landed the #5 spot on the list. University of Nebraska at Omaha is located in Omaha, Nebraska and, has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 68 ’s public admin degrees to qualified students.

UNOMAHA not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #10 on our “Best Public Administration Schools in the Plains States Region” list. The yearly cost to attend UNOMAHA is $11,294 for Plains States Region Public Admin students whose families make $30-$48k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.0%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Public Administration at University of Nebraska at Omaha

6
Winona State crest
Winona State University
Winona, Minnesota

With a ranking of #6, Winona State University did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Public Admin Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. Winona State is a public institution located in Winona, Minnesota. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 5 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our plains states region public admin students whose families make $30-$48k list, Winona State has also earned the #8 rank in our “Best Public Administration Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Winona State University is $12,963 for plains states region public admin students whose families make $30-$48k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.7%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Full Winona State Public Administration Report

7

Minnesota State University - Mankato came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Public Admin Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Minnesota State Mankato is a fairly large public school situated in Mankato, Minnesota. It awarded 5 ’s public admin degrees in 2020-2021.

Minnesota State Mankato not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #13 on our “Best Public Administration Schools in the Plains States Region” list. It costs about $12,263 for Plains States Region Public Admin students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Minnesota State Mankato.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 3.6%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Full Minnesota State University - Mankato Public Administration Report

8
St. Cloud State University crest
Saint Cloud State University
Saint Cloud, Minnesota

Saint Cloud State University landed the #8 spot on the 2023 Best Value Public Admin Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Saint Cloud State University is a fairly large public school situated in Saint Cloud, Minnesota. It awarded 14 ’s public admin degrees in 2020-2021.

St. Cloud State University also made our “Best Public Administration Schools in the Plains States Region” list, coming in at #17. The estimated yearly cost for St. Cloud State University is $10,825 for plains states region public admin students whose families make $30-$48k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 4.6% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read full report on Public Administration at St. Cloud State University

9

University of Northern Iowa came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Public Admin Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. This medium-sized school is located in Cedar Falls, Iowa, and it awarded 11 ’s public admin degrees in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our plains states region public admin students whose families make $30-$48k list, UNI has also earned the #11 rank in our “Best Public Administration Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend UNI is $13,175 for plains states region public admin students whose families make $30-$48k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.8%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 86%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Read full report on Public Administration at University of Northern Iowa

10
KU crest
University of Kansas
Lawrence, Kansas

University of Kansas came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Public Admin Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. University of Kansas is a large school located in Lawrence, Kansas that handed out 65 ’s public admin degrees in 2020-2021.

KU not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #4 on our “Best Public Administration Schools in the Plains States Region” list. It costs about $16,288 for plains states region public admin students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend KU.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 4.3%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 86%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Read full report on Public Administration at University of Kansas

11
USD crest
University of South Dakota
Vermillion, South Dakota

University of South Dakota came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Public Admin Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. USD is a medium-sized school located in Vermillion, South Dakota that handed out 37 ’s public admin degrees in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at USD, the school also landed the #5 spot in our “Best Public Administration Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for USD is $17,294 for Plains States Region Public Admin students whose families make $30-$48k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.1% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read full report on Public Administration at USD

12
K -State crest
Kansas State University
Manhattan, Kansas

Kansas State University ranked #12 on this year’s Best Value Public Admin Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. Kansas State University is a large public school situated in Manhattan, Kansas. It awarded 10 ’s public admin degrees in 2020-2021.

K -State did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #9 on our “Best Public Administration Schools in the Plains States Region” list. The estimated yearly cost for Kansas State University is $14,653 for plains states region public admin students whose families make $30-$48k.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 3.7%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 87%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Full K -State Public Administration Report

13

Missouri State University - Springfield came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Public Admin Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Springfield, Missouri is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s public admin degrees to 74 students in 2020-2021.

Missouri State also made our “Best Public Administration Schools in the Plains States Region” list, coming in at #15. The yearly cost to attend Missouri State is $13,144 for Plains States Region Public Admin students whose families make $30-$48k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.9%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Full Missouri State Public Administration Report

14

With a ranking of #14, University of Missouri - Kansas City did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Public Admin Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. University of Missouri - Kansas City is a public institution located in Kansas City, Missouri. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 33 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

UMKC did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #20 on our “Best Public Administration Schools in the Plains States Region” list. The estimated yearly cost for University of Missouri - Kansas City is $13,751 for plains states region public admin students whose families make $30-$48k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.7%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Public Administration at UMKC

15
Southeast Missouri State University crest
Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Southeast Missouri State University landed the #15 spot on the 2023 Best Value Public Admin Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Southeast Missouri State University is a public institution located in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 11 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Southeast Missouri State University not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #25 on our “Best Public Administration Schools in the Plains States Region” list. The estimated yearly cost for Southeast Missouri State University is $11,406 for Plains States Region Public Admin students whose families make $30-$48k.

Full Southeast Missouri State University Public Administration Report

16

Wichita State University ranked #16 on this year’s Best Value Public Admin Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. WSU is a fairly large school located in Wichita, Kansas that handed out 70 ’s public admin degrees in 2020-2021.

WSU also took the #21 spot in our “Best Public Administration Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. It costs about $12,272 for plains states region public admin students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Wichita State University.

Full WSU Public Administration Report

17
Lindenwood University crest
Lindenwood University
Saint Charles, Missouri

Lindenwood University ranked #17 on this year’s Best Value Public Admin Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. Located in Saint Charles, Missouri, this medium-sized private not-for-profit school handed out 13 degrees to qualified ’s public admin students in 2020-2021.

Lindenwood University also took the #19 spot in our “Best Public Administration Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Lindenwood University is $13,008 for plains states region public admin students whose families make $30-$48k.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 4.0%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Public Administration at Lindenwood University

18
Hamline crest
Hamline University
Saint Paul, Minnesota

Hamline University came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Public Admin Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. This small school is located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and it awarded 37 ’s public admin degrees in 2020-2021.

Hamline also took the #6 spot in our “Best Public Administration Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Hamline University is $17,386 for plains states region public admin students whose families make $30-$48k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.2% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read more about Public Administration at Hamline

19
Park University crest
Park University
Parkville, Missouri

With a ranking of #19, Park University did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Public Admin Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. Park University is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school situated in Parkville, Missouri. It awarded 72 ’s public admin degrees in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our plains states region public admin students whose families make $30-$48k list, Park University has also earned the #22 rank in our “Best Public Administration Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. The yearly cost to attend Park University is $14,285 for plains states region public admin students whose families make $30-$48k.

Read more about Public Administration at Park University

20
Bellevue University crest
Bellevue University
Bellevue, Nebraska

Bellevue University came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Public Admin Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Located in Bellevue, Nebraska, this fairly large private not-for-profit school handed out 30 diplomas to qualified ’s public admin students in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our plains states region public admin students whose families make $30-$48k list, Bellevue University has also earned the #24 rank in our “Best Public Administration Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. It costs about $17,911 for plains states region public admin students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Bellevue University.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 3.1%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Public Administration at Bellevue University

21
Metro State crest
Metropolitan State University
Saint Paul, Minnesota

Metropolitan State University landed the #21 spot on the 2023 Best Value Public Admin Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Metro State is a public institution located in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 10 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Metro State also took the #23 spot in our “Best Public Administration Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. It costs about $15,185 for Plains States Region Public Admin students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Metro State.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 4.2% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read full report on Public Administration at Metropolitan State University

22

With a ranking of #22, Upper Iowa University did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Public Admin Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. Upper Iowa University is a small school located in Fayette, Iowa that handed out 47 ’s public admin degrees in 2020-2021.

UIU also took the #14 spot in our “Best Public Administration Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for UIU is $20,104 for plains states region public admin students whose families make $30-$48k.

Read full report on Public Administration at Upper Iowa University

23
Capella University crest
Capella University
Minneapolis, Minnesota

With a ranking of #23, Capella University did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Public Admin Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k list. Capella University is a large school located in Minneapolis, Minnesota that handed out 84 ’s public admin degrees in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Capella University, the school also landed the #12 spot in our “Best Public Administration Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking.

Full Capella University Public Administration Report

24
Drake crest
Drake University
Des Moines, Iowa

Drake University did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Public Admin Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #24. Drake University is located in Des Moines, Iowa and, has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 33 ’s public admin degrees to qualified students.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Drake, the school also landed the #16 spot in our “Best Public Administration Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for Drake University is $25,332 for plains states region public admin students whose families make $30-$48k.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 86%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. With a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 10 to 1, it’s easy to see that the school is committed to helping their undergraduates succeed. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.9%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Public Administration at Drake

25
Columbia College Missouri crest
Columbia College
Columbia, Missouri

Columbia College landed the #25 spot on the 2023 Best Value Public Admin Schools in the Plains States Region For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Columbia, Missouri is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s public admin degrees to 6 students in 2020-2021.

It costs about $23,958 for plains states region public admin students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Columbia College.

Read full report on Public Administration at Columbia College

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