College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2024 Best Public Administration Schools

284 Colleges in the United States
16,043 Public Admin Degrees Awarded
$51,600 Avg Early-Career Salary
A degree in public administration is more popular than many other degrees. In fact, it ranks #60 out of 395 on popularity of all such degrees in the nation. As a result, there are many college that offer the degree, making your choice of school a hard one.

College Factual reviewed 284 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for degree seekers in the field of public administration. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 16,043 degrees in public administration during the 2021-2022 academic year.

What's on this page: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great Public Administration School

Best Public Administration Schools The public admin program you select can have a big impact on your future. That's why we developed our collection of Best Schools for Public Administration rankings. In order to come up with a best overall ranking for public administration schools, we combine our degree-level rankings, weighting them by the number of degrees awarded at each level.

In order to find the schools that are the best fit for you, you may want to filter to one of the degree levels below.

Public Administration Rankings by Degree Level

Associate Degrees in Public Admin
Bachelor's Degrees in Public Admin
Master's Degrees in Public Admin
Doctor's Degrees in Public Admin

When choosing the right school for you, it's important to arm yourself with all the facts you can. To that end, we've created a number of major-specific rankings, including this Best Public Administration Schools list to help you make the college decision. If you'd like to restrict your choices to just one part of the country, you can filter this list by location.

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.

If you want to learn more about how we derive our rankings, see College Factual's Methodology.

Best Schools for Public Administration in the United States

The schools below may not offer all types of public admin degrees so you may want to filter by degree level first. However, they are great for the degree levels they do offer. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Top Schools in Public Admin

1
Harvard crest
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
310 Public Admin Degrees Awarded
37.7% Growth in Graduates

Harvard University is a wonderful decision for students interested in a degree in public administration. Located in the city of Cambridge, Harvard is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #6 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Harvard is a great university overall.

There were roughly 310 public administration students who graduated with this degree at Harvard in the most recent data year. Public Administration degree recipients from Harvard University receive an earnings boost of about $49,371 above the average earnings of public administration graduates.

More information about a degree in public administration from Harvard University

2
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
90 Public Admin Degrees Awarded
16.7% Growth in Graduates

Northwestern University is one of the finest schools in the United States for getting a degree in public administration. Located in the city of Evanston, Northwestern is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #5 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Northwestern is a great university overall.

There were approximately 90 public administration students who graduated with this degree at Northwestern in the most recent year we have data available. Those public administration students who get their degree from Northwestern University make $14,411 more than the typical public admin student.

More information about a degree in public administration from Northwestern University

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Masters Degree Type
MBA in Public Administration Program Name

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More information about a degree in MBA in Public Administration from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

3
NYU crest
New York University
New York, NY
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
178 Public Admin Degrees Awarded
$76,016 Median Starting Salary

Every student who is interested in public administration needs to look into New York University. NYU is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of New York. A Best Colleges rank of #27 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means NYU is a great university overall.

There were about 178 public administration students who graduated with this degree at NYU in the most recent data year. Public Administration degree recipients from New York University earn a boost of about $24,416 over the average income of public administration graduates.

More information about a degree in public administration from New York University

4
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
241 Public Admin Degrees Awarded
$74,201 Median Starting Salary

Columbia University in the City of New York is a great option for students pursuing a degree in public administration. Columbia is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the city of New York. A Best Colleges rank of #14 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Columbia is a great university overall.

There were approximately 241 public administration students who graduated with this degree at Columbia in the most recent year we have data available. Those public administration students who get their degree from Columbia University in the City of New York receive $22,601 more than the typical public admin student.

More information about a degree in public administration from Columbia University in the City of New York

5
UPenn crest
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
91 Public Admin Degrees Awarded
35.2% Growth in Graduates

UPenn is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Philadelphia. A Best Colleges rank of #4 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means UPenn is a great university overall.

There were roughly 91 public administration students who graduated with this degree at UPenn in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the public administration program at University of Pennsylvania make $21,985 more than the average college grad with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in public administration from University of Pennsylvania

Sponsored
Masters Degree Type
MBA in Public Administration Program Name

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Related Programs

6
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
111 Public Admin Degrees Awarded
$68,264 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Los Angeles, USC is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #11 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means USC is a great university overall.

There were roughly 111 public administration students who graduated with this degree at USC in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the public administration degree program at University of Southern California make $16,664 above the standard college grad with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in public administration from University of Southern California

7
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
44 Public Admin Degrees Awarded
$84,786 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Baltimore, Johns Hopkins is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #23 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Johns Hopkins is a great university overall.

There were roughly 44 public administration students who graduated with this degree at Johns Hopkins in the most recent data year. Public Administration degree recipients from Johns Hopkins University earn a boost of around $33,186 over the typical income of public administration graduates.

More information about a degree in public administration from Johns Hopkins University

8
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
612 Public Admin Degrees Awarded
$48,474 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Bloomington, IU Bloomington is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 3rd out of 42 colleges for overall quality in the state of Indiana.

There were roughly 612 public administration students who graduated with this degree at IU Bloomington in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the public admin program earn around $48,474 in the first couple years of their career.

More information about a degree in public administration from Indiana University - Bloomington

Sponsored
Masters Degree Type
MBA in Public Administration Program Name

Fit new strategic skills into your public service passion and goals when you earn an MBA in Public Administration from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in MBA in Public Administration from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

9
The American University crest
American University
Washington, DC
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
164 Public Admin Degrees Awarded
$69,734 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Washington, The American University is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 3rd out of 8 colleges for overall quality in the state of District of Columbia.

There were approximately 164 public administration students who graduated with this degree at The American University in the most recent data year. Public Administration degree recipients from American University receive an earnings boost of approximately $18,134 above the average earnings of public administration graduates.

More information about a degree in public administration from American University

10
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
$83,234 Median Starting Salary
$41,754 Median Student Debt

UMN Twin Cities is a very large public university located in the large city of Minneapolis. A Best Colleges rank of #51 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UMN Twin Cities is a great university overall.

There were about 28 public administration students who graduated with this degree at UMN Twin Cities in the most recent year we have data available. Public Administration degree recipients from University of Minnesota - Twin Cities earn a boost of around $31,634 above the typical earnings of public administration majors.

More information about a degree in public administration from University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

11
Villanova crest
Villanova University
Villanova, PA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
78 Public Admin Degrees Awarded
$63,051 Median Starting Salary

Villanova is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of Villanova. This university ranks 5th out of 109 schools for overall quality in the state of Pennsylvania.

There were about 78 public administration students who graduated with this degree at Villanova in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the public administration program at Villanova University make $11,451 more than the typical college grad in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in public administration from Villanova University

Sponsored
Masters Degree Type
MBA in Public Administration Program Name

Fit new strategic skills into your public service passion and goals when you earn an MBA in Public Administration from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in MBA in Public Administration from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

12
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
6th Most Popular In IN

IWU is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the rural area of Marion. This university ranks 8th out of 42 colleges for overall quality in the state of Indiana.

There were approximately 23 public administration students who graduated with this degree at IWU in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in public administration from Indiana Wesleyan University - National & Global

13
Syracuse crest
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
292 Public Admin Degrees Awarded
3.8% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Syracuse, Syracuse is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 12th out of 142 schools for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were approximately 292 public administration students who graduated with this degree at Syracuse in the most recent year we have data available. After graduation, public admin degree recipients generally make about $53,347 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in public administration from Syracuse University

14
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
203 Public Admin Degrees Awarded
16.3% Growth in Graduates

UW Seattle is a fairly large public university located in the city of Seattle. A Best Colleges rank of #37 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means UW Seattle is a great university overall.

There were roughly 203 public administration students who graduated with this degree at UW Seattle in the most recent data year. Those public administration students who get their degree from University of Washington - Seattle Campus receive $6,567 more than the standard public admin grad.

More information about a degree in public administration from University of Washington - Seattle Campus

Sponsored
Masters Degree Type
MBA in Public Administration Program Name

Fit new strategic skills into your public service passion and goals when you earn an MBA in Public Administration from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in MBA in Public Administration from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

15
Virginia Tech crest
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
44 Public Admin Degrees Awarded
$59,370 Median Starting Salary

Virginia Tech is a fairly large public school located in the small city of Blacksburg. This school ranks 2nd out of 63 colleges for overall quality in the state of Virginia.

There were about 44 public administration students who graduated with this degree at Virginia Tech in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the public administration degree program at Virginia Tech earn $7,770 more than the typical college graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in public administration from Virginia Tech

16
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
218 Public Admin Degrees Awarded
15.1% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of Columbus, Ohio State is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 96 schools for overall quality in the state of Ohio.

There were about 218 public administration students who graduated with this degree at Ohio State in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the public admin program earn around $41,546 in the first couple years of their career.

More information about a degree in public administration from Ohio State University - Main Campus

17
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
90 Public Admin Degrees Awarded
$97,926 Median Starting Salary

Anna Maria is a small private not-for-profit college located in the rural area of Paxton. This college ranks 35th out of 63 colleges for overall quality in the state of Massachusetts.

There were about 90 public administration students who graduated with this degree at Anna Maria in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the public administration degree program at Anna Maria College make $46,326 above the standard college grad with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in public administration from Anna Maria College

Sponsored
Masters Degree Type
MBA in Public Administration Program Name

Fit new strategic skills into your public service passion and goals when you earn an MBA in Public Administration from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in MBA in Public Administration from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

18
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
111 Public Admin Degrees Awarded
3.6% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Columbia, Mizzou is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 4th out of 48 schools for overall quality in the state of Missouri.

There were roughly 111 public administration students who graduated with this degree at Mizzou in the most recent year we have data available. Public Administration degree recipients from University of Missouri - Columbia earn a boost of approximately $7,892 above the typical earnings of public administration majors.

More information about a degree in public administration from University of Missouri - Columbia

19
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
73 Public Admin Degrees Awarded
$63,188 Median Starting Salary

Located in the city of Ithaca, Cornell is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #22 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Cornell is a great university overall.

There were about 73 public administration students who graduated with this degree at Cornell in the most recent data year. Those public administration students who get their degree from Cornell University make $11,588 more than the standard public admin student.

More information about a degree in public administration from Cornell University

20
Seattle U crest
Seattle University
Seattle, WA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
56 Public Admin Degrees Awarded
14.3% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of Seattle, Seattle U is a private not-for-profit university with a medium-sized student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 51 schools for overall quality in the state of Washington.

There were about 56 public administration students who graduated with this degree at Seattle U in the most recent year we have data available. Those public administration students who get their degree from Seattle University earn $12,421 more than the standard public admin grad.

More information about a degree in public administration from Seattle University

Sponsored
Masters Degree Type
MBA in Public Administration Program Name

Fit new strategic skills into your public service passion and goals when you earn an MBA in Public Administration from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in MBA in Public Administration from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

21

Carnegie Mellon is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Pittsburgh. A Best Colleges rank of #9 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Carnegie Mellon is a great university overall.

There were approximately 19 public administration students who graduated with this degree at Carnegie Mellon in the most recent data year. Those public administration students who get their degree from Carnegie Mellon University receive $9,129 more than the standard public admin grad.

More information about a degree in public administration from Carnegie Mellon University

22
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
265 Public Admin Degrees Awarded
$68,018 Median Starting Salary

CSUN is a very large public university located in the city of Northridge. This university ranks 49th out of 168 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were about 265 public administration students who graduated with this degree at CSUN in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the public administration major at California State University - Northridge get $16,418 more than the standard graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in public administration from California State University - Northridge

23
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
134 Public Admin Degrees Awarded
$52,549 Median Starting Salary

Rutgers Newark is a fairly large public university located in the city of Newark. This university ranks 6th out of 44 schools for overall quality in the state of New Jersey.

There were about 134 public administration students who graduated with this degree at Rutgers Newark in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the public admin program earn about $52,549 for their early career.

More information about a degree in public administration from Rutgers University - Newark

Sponsored
Masters Degree Type
MBA in Public Administration Program Name

Fit new strategic skills into your public service passion and goals when you earn an MBA in Public Administration from Southern New Hampshire University.

More information about a degree in MBA in Public Administration from Southern New Hampshire University

Related Programs

24
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
117 Public Admin Degrees Awarded
$53,305 Median Starting Salary

Texas A&M College Station is a very large public university located in the city of College Station. A Best Colleges rank of #44 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Texas A&M College Station is a great university overall.

There were approximately 117 public administration students who graduated with this degree at Texas A&M College Station in the most recent year we have data available. Students who graduate with their degree from the public admin program report average early career earnings of $53,305.

More information about a degree in public administration from Texas A&M University - College Station

25
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
130 Public Admin Degrees Awarded
9.2% Growth in Graduates

Located in the suburb of Fairfax, GMU is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 5th out of 63 schools for overall quality in the state of Virginia.

There were roughly 130 public administration students who graduated with this degree at GMU in the most recent year we have data available. Graduates who receive their degree from the public admin program make about $52,918 for their early career.

More information about a degree in public administration from George Mason University

Rest of the Top Best Public Administration Schools

26
Georgetown crest
Georgetown University
Washington, DC
27
28
29
30
30
31

32
Clemson crest
Clemson University
Clemson, SC

33
KU crest
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS
34
35
USFCA crest
University of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
36
37
Baruch crest
Baruch College
New York, NY
38
39
40

41

42

Honorable Mentions

These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also great but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Best Public Administration Schools award.

Rank College Location
43 Auburn University Auburn, AL
44 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC
45 John Jay College of Criminal Justice New York, NY
46 San Diego State University San Diego, CA
47 University of North Dakota Grand Forks, ND
48 North Carolina State University Raleigh, NC
49 Columbia Southern University Orange Beach, AL
50 University of Central Florida Orlando, FL
51 Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis Indianapolis, IN
52 University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT
53 Florida State University Tallahassee, FL
54 Western Carolina University Cullowhee, NC
55 California Baptist University Riverside, CA
56 The University of Texas at Arlington Arlington, TX

Public Administration by Region

View the Best Public Administration Schools for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Other U.S. Territories
Great Lakes

View All Rankings >

Public Administration is one of 4 different types of Public Administration & Social Service programs to choose from.

Public Admin Focus Areas

Major Annual Graduates
Public Administration 15,999
Public Administration (Other) 26
Transportation and Infrastructure Planning/Studies 18

View All Public Admin Focus Areas >

Related Major Annual Graduates
Human Services 12,541
Public Policy 6,484
Community Organization & Advocacy 2,872
Other Public Administration 721

View All Public Admin Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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