by our College Data Analytics Team
[General Public Policy Analysis](/majors/social-services-public-administration/public-policy/public-policy-analysis-general/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong general public policy analysis education at a price that pays off.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 5 schools to find the best return on investment for general public policy analysis students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the general public policy analysis degrees they offer, see the list below.
Rice University earned the #1 spot for value among general public policy analysis schools in Texas. Set in the city of Houston, Rice University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,247. Typical student debt for general public policy analysis graduates is $11,904. Early-career general public policy analysis graduates make about $75,299. That is a strong return on a $11,904 median debt. The acceptance rate is 8%.
Students looking for strong value in general public policy analysis will find it at University Of Houston, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Houston, University Of Houston is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,717, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. Students borrow a median of $21,255 to complete the general public policy analysis program here. Early-career general public policy analysis graduates make about $57,529. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted.
The University Of Texas At Dallas came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value general public policy analysis schools. Set in the city of Richardson, The University Of Texas At Dallas is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,644, while out-of-state students pay about $40,144. Typical student debt for general public policy analysis graduates is $16,750. General Public Policy Analysis graduates of The University Of Texas At Dallas earn a median of $43,837 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in general public policy analysis will find it at The University Of Texas At Austin, which ranked #4. The University Of Texas At Austin is a very large public school located in the city of Austin. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. General Public Policy Analysis graduates carry a median of $21,275 in student loans. General Public Policy Analysis graduates of The University Of Texas At Austin earn a median of $71,723 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 27%.
Southern Methodist University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general public policy analysis, landing the #5 spot this year. Southern Methodist University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Dallas. In-state tuition and fees average $67,040. Students borrow a median of $19,615 to complete the general public policy analysis program here. Early-career general public policy analysis graduates make about $40,434. That is a strong return on a $19,615 median debt. The acceptance rate is 63%.
This ranking is produced 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 · 5 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.