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2022 Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Colleges for Public Administration

170 Colleges in the United States
3,117 Bachelor's Degrees
$42,798 Avg Early-Career Salary
Public Administration is above average in terms of popularity with it being the #101 most popular bachelor's degree program in the country. So, you have a fair amount of options to choose from when looking for a school.

For its 2022 ranking, College Factual looked at 170 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the most popular for public administration students pursuing a bachelor's degree. Combined, these schools handed out 3,117 bachelor's degrees in public administration to qualified students.

What's on this page: * Other Rankings

Choosing a Great Public Administration School for Your Bachelor's Degree

Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Colleges for Public Administration The public admin bachelor's degree program you select can have a big impact on your future. As an aid in helping you pick the right school for you, we created our Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Colleges for Public Administration ranking.

While being high in popularity does not always mean a school has a quality public administration program, it is a sign that a large number of students choose the school. This may be due to it being a great value, it offering a stellar educational experience, or the subject is a major focus of the school.

More Ways to Rank Public Administration Schools

Associate Degrees in Public Admin
Master's Degrees in Public Admin
Doctor's Degrees in Public Admin
Overall Popularity in Public Admin

We have also developed a number of other rankings to help guide you in your decision-making process. To begin with, if this is not the degree level you are most interested in, you may want to check out one of the others noted above. If you would prefer to limit your search to a specific state or region of the county, see our rankings by location. Plus, you can view our other rankings for public administration.

In addition to our rankings, you can take two colleges and compare them based on the criteria that matters most to you in our unique tool, College Combat. Test it out when you get a chance! You may also want to bookmark the link and share it with others who are trying to make the college decision.

Learn about the most popular colleges and universities for public administration students seeking a a bachelor's degree. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Most Well Attended Schools for Public Admin Students Working on Their Bachelor's

1
593 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In IN
#1 Best Quality In IN

Indiana University - Bloomington is a popular decision for students interested in a bachelor's degree in public administration. Located in the city of Bloomington, IU Bloomington is a public university with a fairly large student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in public administration in Indiana.

There were about 593 public administration students who graduated with this degree at IU Bloomington in the most recent year we have data available.

Students who graduate with their bachelor's from the public admin program state that they receive average early career wages of $41,900.

More information about a bachelor’s in public administration from Indiana University - Bloomington

2
128 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In HI
#1 Best Quality In HI

You'll be surrounded by many like-minded peers at University of Hawaii - West Oahu if you wish to pursue a bachelor's degree in public administration. Located in the large suburb of Kapolei, UH West Oahu is a public university with a small student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in public administration in Hawaii.

There were approximately 128 public administration individuals who graduated with this degree at UH West Oahu in the most recent data year.

Bachelor's students who receive their degree from the public admin program earn around $34,800 in their early career salary.

More information about a bachelor’s in public administration from University of Hawaii - West Oahu

3
113 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In FL
#1 Best Quality In FL

Florida International University is a popular decision for individuals interested in a bachelor's degree in public administration. Located in the suburb of Miami, FIU is a public university with a very large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in public administration in Florida.

There were about 113 public administration students who graduated with this degree at FIU in the most recent year we have data available.

After graduation, public admin bachelor's recipients generally make around $35,000 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a bachelor’s in public administration from Florida International University

4
98 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In CA
#5 Best Quality In CA

San Diego State University is one of the most popular schools in the country for getting a bachelor's degree in public administration. Located in the city of San Diego, SDSU is a public university with a fairly large student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #5 in quality for bachelor's degrees in public administration in California.

There were approximately 98 public administration individuals who graduated with this degree at SDSU in the most recent data year.

Bachelor's students who receive their degree from the public admin program earn about $30,500 in their early career salary.

More information about a bachelor’s in public administration from San Diego State University

5
93 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In OH
#1 Best Quality In OH

Located in the city of Columbus, Ohio State is a public university with a fairly large student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in public administration in Ohio.

There were approximately 93 public administration students who graduated with this degree at Ohio State in the most recent year we have data available.

Bachelor's students who receive their degree from the public admin program earn an average of $35,800 in their early career salary.

More information about a bachelor’s in public administration from Ohio State University - Main Campus

6
90 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In IN
#2 Best Quality In IN

IUPUI is a fairly large public university located in the city of Indianapolis. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for bachelor's degrees in public administration in Indiana.

There were approximately 90 public administration students who graduated with this degree at IUPUI in the most recent year we have data available.

Bachelor's graduates who receive their degree from the public admin program earn an average of $38,300 in their early career salary.

More information about a bachelor’s in public administration from Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis

7
80 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In MD
#1 Best Quality In MD

Located in the large suburb of Adelphi, UMGC is a public university with a fairly large student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in public administration in Maryland.

There were about 80 public administration individuals who graduated with this degree at UMGC in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a bachelor’s in public administration from University of Maryland Global Campus

8
77 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In NY
#1 Best Quality In NY

Located in the city of Syracuse, Syracuse is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in public administration in New York.

There were approximately 77 public administration individuals who graduated with this degree at Syracuse in the most recent year we have data available.

Students who graduate with their bachelor's from the public admin program state that they receive average early career income of $41,400.

More information about a bachelor’s in public administration from Syracuse University

9
67 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In NY
#2 Best Quality In NY

John Jay is a large public college located in the large city of New York. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #2 in quality for bachelor's degrees in public administration in New York.

There were roughly 67 public administration students who graduated with this degree at John Jay in the most recent data year.

Bachelor's graduates who receive their degree from the public admin program make about $39,200 for their early career.

More information about a bachelor’s in public administration from John Jay College of Criminal Justice

10
65 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In FL
#3 Best Quality In FL

Located in the large suburb of Orlando, UCF is a public university with a very large student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #3 in quality for bachelor's degrees in public administration in Florida.

There were about 65 public administration individuals who graduated with this degree at UCF in the most recent data year.

More information about a bachelor’s in public administration from University of Central Florida

11
63 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In MI
#1 Best Quality In MI

Located in the suburb of Allendale, GVSU is a public university with a very large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in public administration in Michigan.

There were approximately 63 public administration students who graduated with this degree at GVSU in the most recent year we have data available.

Bachelor's graduates who receive their degree from the public admin program earn around $30,600 in the first couple years of their career.

More information about a bachelor’s in public administration from Grand Valley State University

12
JMU crest
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA
59 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In VA
#1 Best Quality In VA

Located in the small city of Harrisonburg, JMU is a public university with a fairly large student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in public administration in Virginia.

There were approximately 59 public administration individuals who graduated with this degree at JMU in the most recent year we have data available.

After graduating, public admin bachelor's recipients typically earn around $39,900 in their early careers.

More information about a bachelor’s in public administration from James Madison University

13
54 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In OR
#1 Best Quality In OR

Located in the medium-sized city of Eugene, UO is a public university with a fairly large student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in public administration in Oregon.

There were roughly 54 public administration individuals who graduated with this degree at UO in the most recent data year.

After graduating, public admin bachelor's recipients generally earn an average of $32,000 in their early careers.

More information about a bachelor’s in public administration from University of Oregon

14
53 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In TX
#7 Best Quality In TX

UTSA is a very large public university located in the large city of San Antonio. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #7 in quality for bachelor's degrees in public administration in Texas.

There were about 53 public administration students who graduated with this degree at UTSA in the most recent data year.

Bachelor's students who receive their degree from the public admin program make around $30,600 in their early career salary.

More information about a bachelor’s in public administration from The University of Texas at San Antonio

15
49 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In AZ
#1 Best Quality In AZ

University of Arizona is a very large public university located in the large city of Tucson. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in public administration in Arizona.

There were about 49 public administration students who graduated with this degree at University of Arizona in the most recent data year.

Bachelor's students who receive their degree from the public admin program make around $33,400 in the first couple years of working.

More information about a bachelor’s in public administration from University of Arizona

16
48 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#3 Most Popular In FL
#2 Best Quality In FL

Located in the suburb of Miami, Barry University is a private not-for-profit university with a moderately-sized student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #2 in quality for bachelor's degrees in public administration in Florida.

There were approximately 48 public administration individuals who graduated with this degree at Barry University in the most recent year we have data available.

Those public administration students who get their bachelor's degree from Barry University receive $15,202 more than the standard public admin grad.

More information about a bachelor’s in public administration from Barry University

16
48 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In NJ
#1 Best Quality In NJ

Kean is a fairly large public university located in the suburb of Union. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in public administration in New Jersey.

There were roughly 48 public administration students who graduated with this degree at Kean in the most recent data year.

Bachelor's graduates who receive their degree from the public admin program make an average of $33,200 in the first couple years of working.

More information about a bachelor’s in public administration from Kean University

18
47 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#4 Most Popular In FL
#5 Best Quality In FL

Located in the small city of Boca Raton, FAU is a public university with a fairly large student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #5 in quality for bachelor's degrees in public administration in Florida.

There were approximately 47 public administration students who graduated with this degree at FAU in the most recent data year.

Students who graduate with their bachelor's from the public admin program state that they receive average early career wages of $34,500.

More information about a bachelor’s in public administration from Florida Atlantic University

19
45 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In NC
#1 Best Quality In NC

Located in the distant town of Cullowhee, WCU is a public university with a large student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in public administration in North Carolina.

There were about 45 public administration individuals who graduated with this degree at WCU in the most recent year we have data available.

Public Administration bachelor's degree recipients from Western Carolina University get an earnings boost of around $5,502 above the average earnings of public administration graduates.

More information about a bachelor’s in public administration from Western Carolina University

19
SPC crest
St Petersburg College
Clearwater, FL
45 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#5 Most Popular In FL
#7 Best Quality In FL

Located in the small city of Clearwater, SPC is a public college with a fairly large student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #7 in quality for bachelor's degrees in public administration in Florida.

There were about 45 public administration individuals who graduated with this degree at SPC in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a bachelor’s in public administration from St Petersburg College

19
45 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#3 Most Popular In IN
#3 Best Quality In IN

PFW is a moderately-sized public university located in the large city of Fort Wayne. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #3 in quality for bachelor's degrees in public administration in Indiana.

There were approximately 45 public administration individuals who graduated with this degree at PFW in the most recent data year.

Bachelor's students who receive their degree from the public admin program earn around $34,600 in their early career salary.

More information about a bachelor’s in public administration from Purdue University Fort Wayne

22
42 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In NH
#1 Best Quality In NH

SNHU is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the medium-sized suburb of Manchester. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in public administration in New Hampshire.

There were roughly 42 public administration individuals who graduated with this degree at SNHU in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a bachelor’s in public administration from Southern New Hampshire University

22
42 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In AZ
#2 Best Quality In AZ

Located in the city of Tempe, UOPX - Arizona is a private for-profit university with a fairly large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for bachelor's degrees in public administration in Arizona.

There were roughly 42 public administration students who graduated with this degree at UOPX - Arizona in the most recent data year.

Bachelor's recipients from the public administration program at University of Phoenix - Arizona get $9,902 above the typical college grad in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a bachelor’s in public administration from University of Phoenix - Arizona

22
42 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In CA
#8 Best Quality In CA

Located in the city of Carson, CSUDH is a public university with a large student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #8 in quality for bachelor's degrees in public administration in California.

There were about 42 public administration individuals who graduated with this degree at CSUDH in the most recent year we have data available.

After graduation, public admin bachelor's recipients generally earn about $40,800 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a bachelor’s in public administration from California State University - Dominguez Hills

25
41 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#6 Most Popular In FL
#4 Best Quality In FL

Flagler St. Augustine is a small private not-for-profit college located in the suburb of Saint Augustine. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #4 in quality for bachelor's degrees in public administration in Florida.

There were approximately 41 public administration individuals who graduated with this degree at Flagler St. Augustine in the most recent year we have data available.

After graduation, public admin bachelor's recipients typically make about $38,900 in their early careers.

More information about a bachelor’s in public administration from Flagler College - St Augustine

25
25

Honorable Mentions

Here are some additional great schools for Public Administration students that almost earned our Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Colleges for Public Administration award.

RankCollegeLocation
27Baruch CollegeNew York, NY
27California State University - FullertonFullerton, CA
29Texas State UniversitySan Marcos, TX
30Medgar Evers CollegeBrooklyn, NY
31Upper Iowa UniversityFayette, IA
32The University of Texas at DallasRichardson, TX
32University of La VerneLa Verne, CA
34University of Wisconsin - La CrosseLa Crosse, WI
34Wayne State UniversityDetroit, MI

Public Administration by Region

View the Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Colleges for Public Administration for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Great Lakes

View All Rankings >

Public Administration is one of 5 different types of Public Administration & Social Service programs to choose from.

Public Admin Focus Areas

MajorAnnual Graduates
Public Administration3,117

Related MajorAnnual Graduates
Social Work21,855
Human Services6,126
Public Policy2,524
Community Organization & Advocacy1,863
Other Public Administration307

Notes and References

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