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2024 Best Public Administration Schools

284 Colleges in the United States
16,905 Public Admin Degrees Awarded
$51,352 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. Combined, these schools handed out 16,905 degrees in public administration to qualified students.

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
193 Public Admin Degrees Awarded
$100,971 Median Starting Salary

Harvard University is a good option for students pursuing a degree in public administration. Located in the medium-sized city of Cambridge, Harvard is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #6 out of 2,217 schools nationwide means Harvard is a great university overall.

There were roughly 193 public administration students who graduated with this degree at Harvard in the most recent year we have data available. Those public administration students who get their degree from Harvard University receive $49,619 more than the standard public admin graduate.

More information about a degree in public administration from Harvard University

2
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
75 Public Admin Degrees Awarded
$66,011 Median Starting Salary

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

There were about 75 public administration students who graduated with this degree at Northwestern in the most recent data year. Those public administration students who get their degree from Northwestern University receive $14,659 more than the average public admin student.

More information about a degree in public administration from Northwestern University

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

Any student who is interested in public administration needs to check out 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 schools nationwide means NYU is a great university overall.

There were about 191 public administration students who graduated with this degree at NYU in the most recent year we have data available. Those public administration students who get their degree from New York University earn $24,664 more than the average public admin graduate.

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

4
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
374 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 large 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 about 374 public administration students who graduated with this degree at Columbia in the most recent data year. Those public administration students who get their degree from Columbia University in the City of New York receive $22,849 more than the average public admin graduate.

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
59 Public Admin Degrees Awarded
$73,585 Median Starting Salary

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

There were approximately 59 public administration students who graduated with this degree at UPenn in the most recent data year. Public Administration degree recipients from University of Pennsylvania get an earnings boost of around $22,233 over the typical income of public administration majors.

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

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

Located in the large 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 colleges nationwide means USC is a great university overall.

There were roughly 164 public administration students who graduated with this degree at USC in the most recent data year. Public Administration degree recipients from University of Southern California earn a boost of around $16,912 over the average income of public administration majors.

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

7
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
65 Public Admin Degrees Awarded
16.9% Growth in Graduates

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 approximately 65 public administration students who graduated with this degree at Johns Hopkins in the most recent year we have data available. Public Administration degree recipients from Johns Hopkins University earn a boost of about $33,434 over the typical income of public administration majors.

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

8
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
757 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 schools for overall quality in the state of Indiana.

There were about 757 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 make an average of $48,474 in their early career salary.

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

9
The American University crest
American University
Washington, DC
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
175 Public Admin Degrees Awarded
5.1% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large 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 roughly 175 public administration students who graduated with this degree at The American University in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the public administration major at American University earn $18,382 above the standard college graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in public administration from American University

10
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
37 Public Admin Degrees Awarded
29.7% Growth in Graduates

UMN Twin Cities is a fairly 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 roughly 37 public administration students who graduated with this degree at UMN Twin Cities in the most recent year we have data available. Those public administration students who get their degree from University of Minnesota - Twin Cities receive $31,882 more than the standard public admin student.

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
114 Public Admin Degrees Awarded
$63,051 Median Starting Salary

Villanova is a 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 roughly 114 public administration students who graduated with this degree at Villanova in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the public administration degree program at Villanova University make $11,699 above the typical college graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in public administration from Villanova University

12
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
6th Most Popular In IN
43.3% Growth in Graduates

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

There were approximately 30 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
281 Public Admin Degrees Awarded
7.8% Growth in Graduates

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

There were about 281 public administration students who graduated with this degree at Syracuse in the most recent data year. Soon after graduating, public admin degree recipients generally earn around $53,347 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in public administration from Syracuse University

14
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
170 Public Admin Degrees Awarded
$58,167 Median Starting Salary

UW Seattle is a fairly large public university located in the large 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 approximately 170 public administration students who graduated with this degree at UW Seattle in the most recent year we have data available. Public Administration degree recipients from University of Washington - Seattle Campus get an earnings boost of approximately $6,815 above the typical earnings of public administration graduates.

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

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 very large public school located in the 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 major at Virginia Tech get $8,018 above the standard college graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a degree in public administration from Virginia Tech

16
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
185 Public Admin Degrees Awarded
2.2% 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 185 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 an average of $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
99 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 schools for overall quality in the state of Massachusetts.

There were about 99 public administration students who graduated with this degree at Anna Maria in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the public administration major at Anna Maria College make $46,574 more than the average graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

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

18
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
107 Public Admin Degrees Awarded
17.8% Growth in Graduates

Located in the midsize 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 107 public administration students who graduated with this degree at Mizzou in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the public administration degree program at University of Missouri - Columbia get $8,140 above the average college grad in this field shortly after graduation.

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

19
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
74 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 fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #22 out of 2,217 colleges nationwide means Cornell is a great university overall.

There were roughly 74 public administration students who graduated with this degree at Cornell in the most recent year we have data available. Public Administration degree recipients from Cornell University receive an earnings boost of approximately $11,836 above the typical income of public administration majors.

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
48 Public Admin Degrees Awarded
$64,021 Median Starting Salary

Located in the 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 roughly 48 public administration students who graduated with this degree at Seattle U in the most recent year we have data available. Public Administration degree recipients from Seattle University earn a boost of approximately $12,669 above the typical income of public administration graduates.

More information about a degree in public administration from Seattle University

21
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
$60,729 Median Starting Salary

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 about 17 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 make $9,377 more than the average public admin graduate.

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

22
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
309 Public Admin Degrees Awarded
13.6% Growth in Graduates

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

There were approximately 309 public administration students who graduated with this degree at CSUN in the most recent year we have data available. Public Administration degree recipients from California State University - Northridge earn a boost of approximately $16,666 over the average income of public administration graduates.

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

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

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

There were about 139 public administration students who graduated with this degree at Rutgers Newark in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the public admin program earn around $52,549 in their early career salary.

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

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

Texas A&M College Station is a very large public university located in the medium-sized 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 roughly 126 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 state that they receive average early career income 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
118 Public Admin Degrees Awarded
27.1% 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 colleges for overall quality in the state of Virginia.

There were roughly 118 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 in their early career salary.

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
Walden University crest
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN
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 16,897
Transportation and Infrastructure Planning/Studies 8

View All Public Admin Focus Areas >

Related Major Annual Graduates
Human Services 13,238
Public Policy 6,430
Community Organization & Advocacy 3,096
Other Public Administration 588

View All Public Admin Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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