2027 Best Value Public Administration Schools in Illinois

1

University Of Illinois At Springfield
Springfield, IL

For return on investment in public administration, no school beat University Of Illinois At Springfield this year. Set in the city of Springfield, University Of Illinois At Springfield is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,557, compared with $20,139 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for public administration graduates is $24,925. Early-career public administration graduates make about $61,014. That is a strong return on a $24,925 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

2

University Of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL

A rank of #2 makes University Of Illinois At Chicago one of the best values for public administration. Located in the city of Chicago, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,949, with out-of-state students paying around $32,009. Students borrow a median of $20,115 to complete the public administration program here. Early-career public administration graduates make about $59,815. Set against $20,115 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Illinois At Chicago admits about 77% of applicants.

3

Governors State University
University Park, IL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Governors State University earned it the #3 place for public administration. Located in the suburb of University Park, Governors State University is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,004. Students borrow a median of $24,990 to complete the public administration program here. Early-career public administration graduates make about $51,711. Set against $24,990 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 48% of applicants are accepted.

4

National Louis University
Chicago, IL

Students looking for strong value in public administration will find it at National Louis University, which ranked #4. Located in the city of Chicago, National Louis University is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $13,245. Students borrow a median of $29,242 to complete the public administration program here. Soon after graduation, public administration degree recipients from National Louis University generally make around $53,733. That is a strong return on a $29,242 median debt. National Louis University admits about 95% of applicants.

5

Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL

Northern Illinois University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in public administration, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Dekalb, Northern Illinois University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,060. Typical student debt for public administration graduates is $25,209. Public Administration graduates of Northern Illinois University earn a median of $62,849 early in their careers. Set against $25,209 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants.

6

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Edwardsville, IL

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville ranked #6 on our 2027 list of the best value public administration schools. Set in the suburb of Edwardsville, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,092. Typical student debt for public administration graduates is $23,917. Public Administration graduates of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville earn a median of $51,703 early in their careers. Set against $23,917 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.

7

Illinois Institute Of Technology
Chicago, IL

Illinois Institute Of Technology placed #7 among the best values for public administration. Located in the city of Chicago, Illinois Institute Of Technology is a large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $52,202 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for public administration graduates is $26,774. Soon after graduation, public administration degree recipients from Illinois Institute Of Technology generally make around $71,315. Set against $26,774 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 55%.

8

Aurora University
Aurora, IL

Aurora University landed the #8 spot for public administration value this year. Set in the suburb of Aurora, Aurora University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $29,170. Typical student debt for public administration graduates is $24,507. Soon after graduation, public administration degree recipients from Aurora University generally make around $42,605. That is a strong return on a $24,507 median debt. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.

9

Northwestern University
Evanston, IL

Northwestern University came in at #9 for value in public administration this year. Set in the city of Evanston, Northwestern University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $68,322. Students borrow a median of $16,616 to complete the public administration program here. Soon after graduation, public administration degree recipients from Northwestern University generally make around $73,260. That is a strong return on a $16,616 median debt. Northwestern University admits about 8% of applicants.

10

Depaul University
Chicago, IL

Depaul University earned the #10 position for value in public administration this year. Located in the city of Chicago, Depaul University is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,405. Typical student debt for public administration graduates is $25,340. Soon after graduation, public administration degree recipients from Depaul University generally make around $65,378. Set against $25,340 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%.