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2026 Best Value Public Administration Schools in New Jersey

4 Colleges in the United States
$25,767 Avg Student Debt
$66,733 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Public Administration Badge [Public Administration](/majors/social-services-public-administration/public-administration/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

College Factual analyzed 11 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value public administration schools.

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2026 Best Value Public Administration Schools in New Jersey

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in public administration, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Public Administration Schools

1
Kean University crest
Kean University
Union, NJ

For return on investment in public administration, no school beat Kean University this year. Located in the suburb of Union, Kean University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $14,299 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,446. Typical student debt for public administration graduates is $31,000. Early-career public administration graduates make about $50,338. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. Kean University admits about 76% of applicants.

2

Students looking for strong value in public administration will find it at Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus, which ranked #2. Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Teaneck. In-state tuition and fees average $37,010. Typical student debt for public administration graduates is $24,770. Early-career public administration graduates make about $66,770. That is a strong return on a $24,770 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

3

Rutgers University Camden is a great value for students pursuing a degree in public administration, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Camden, Rutgers University Camden is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $17,764, compared with $37,276 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,577 to complete the public administration program here. Early-career public administration graduates make about $58,428. That is a strong return on a $24,577 median debt. The acceptance rate is 66%.

4

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Rutgers University Newark earned it the #4 place for public administration. Set in the city of Newark, Rutgers University Newark is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,250 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $36,762. Students borrow a median of $25,065 to complete the public administration program here. Soon after graduation, public administration degree recipients from Rutgers University Newark generally make around $58,428. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Rutgers University Newark admits about 71% of applicants.

5
Seton Hall University crest
Seton Hall University
South Orange, NJ

Students looking for strong value in public administration will find it at Seton Hall University, which ranked #5. Located in the suburb of South Orange, Seton Hall University is a large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $53,170 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for public administration graduates is $23,422. Public Administration graduates of Seton Hall University earn a median of $52,985 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Seton Hall University admits about 73% of applicants.

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Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 11 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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