by our College Data Analytics Team
[Public Administration](/majors/social-services-public-administration/public-administration/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 3 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for public administration students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in public administration, balancing cost against outcomes.
Mississippi Valley State University tops our 2027 list of the best value public administration schools in Mississippi. Located in the rural area of Itta Bena, Mississippi Valley State University is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,692. Median earnings reach $31,919 ten years out. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted.
Belhaven University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in public administration, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Jackson, Belhaven University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $30,250. Typical student debt for public administration graduates is $34,181. Public Administration graduates of Belhaven University earn a median of $48,665 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $34,181 median debt. Belhaven University admits about 50% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in public administration will find it at Mississippi State University, which ranked #3. Located in the town of Mississippi State, Mississippi State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,202 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $27,637. Public Administration graduates carry a median of $23,969 in student loans. Public Administration graduates of Mississippi State University earn a median of $47,383 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mississippi State University admits about 78% of applicants.
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 3 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.