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2022 Best Value Doctor’s Degree Colleges for Public Policy (Income $0-$30k)

34 Ranked Colleges
242 Degrees Awarded
$35,500 Avg Grad Tuition & Fees*
Best Value Public Policy Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k

It’s not easy to decide which college to attend when there so many options available for students. College Factual was founded, in part, to help students make the decision as to what would be the best school for them. Our “Best Value Public Policy Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking is part of that endeavor.

In 2019-2020, 6,199 people earned their degree in public policy, making the major the 116th most popular in the United States. In 2017-2018, public policy graduates who were awarded their degree in 2015-2017, earned an average of $52,077 and had an average of $35,743 in loans still to pay off.

At the doctor’s degree level specifically, there were 242 public policy graduates with average earnings and debt of $72,680 and $116,043 respectively.

This year’s “Best Value Public Policy Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking looked at 34 colleges that offer degrees in a bachelor’s in public policy. Not only do the schools that top this list have excellent public policy programs, but they also cost less that schools of similar quality.

When determining these rankings, we looked at things such as overall quality of the public policy program at the school and the cost to attend the school once aid has been awarded. For more information, check out our ranking methodology.

One Size Does Not Fit All

Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we’ve developed a number of rankings, including this “Best Value Public Policy Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k” list, to help you choose the best school for you.

We’ve created a tool called College Combat that lets you create your own customized comparisons based on the factors that matter the most to you. We encourage you to try it out and pit your favorite colleges and universities head to head! If you don’t have time right now, you can bookmark it for later.

Best Value Public Policy Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k

The following schools top our list of the Best Best Value Public Policy Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k.

Top 25 Best Value Doctor’s Degree Colleges for Public Policy (Income $0-$30k)

#1

Harvard University

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Out of the 34 schools in the Best Value Public Policy Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k that were part of this year’s ranking, Harvard University landed the #1 spot on the list. Harvard University is a large private not-for-profit school situated in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It awarded 24 doctorate’s public policy degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our doctor’s degree public policy students whose families make $0-$30k list, Harvard has also earned the #1 rank in our “Best Public Policy Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Harvard are $50,654, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Public Policy at Harvard

#2

University of Chicago

Chicago, Illinois
#2 in overall quality

Out of the 34 schools in the Best Value Public Policy Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Chicago landed the #2 spot on the list. University of Chicago is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in Chicago, Illinois. It awarded 6 doctorate’s public policy degrees in 2019-2020.

UChicago did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #2 on our “Best Public Policy Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Chicago are $61,548, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full University of Chicago Public Policy Report

#3

Duke University

Durham, North Carolina
#5 in overall quality

Out of the 34 schools in the Best Value Public Policy Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k that were part of this year’s ranking, Duke University landed the #3 spot on the list. Located in Durham, North Carolina, this fairly large private not-for-profit school handed out 1 diplomas to qualified doctorate’s public policy students in 2019-2020.

Duke not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #5 on our “Best Public Policy Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Duke University are $59,140, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full Duke University Public Policy Report

#4

Princeton University

Princeton, New Jersey
#7 in overall quality

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Princeton University. The school came in at #4 for the Best Value Public Policy Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k. Princeton, New Jersey is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out doctorate’s public policy degrees to 2 students in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Princeton, the school also landed the #7 spot in our “Best Public Policy Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Princeton are $56,470, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Public Policy at Princeton University

#9 in overall quality

Out of the 34 schools in the Best Value Public Policy Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor landed the #5 spot on the list. U-M is a public institution located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The school has a large population, and it awarded 2 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at U-M, the school also landed the #9 spot in our “Best Public Policy Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at University of Michigan - Ann Arbor are $49,548.

Read full report on Public Policy at University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

#6

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, North Carolina
#13 in overall quality

With a ranking of #6, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Public Policy Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. This large school is located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and it awarded 8 doctorate’s public policy degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UNC Chapel Hill, the school also landed the #13 spot in our “Best Public Policy Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at UNC Chapel Hill are $30,248.

Read full report on Public Policy at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

#6 in overall quality

University of California - Berkeley came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Public Policy Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Located in Berkeley, California, this large public school awarded 6 diplomas to qualified doctorate’s public policy students in 2019-2020.

UC Berkeley not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #6 on our “Best Public Policy Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of California - Berkeley are $29,347, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Public Policy at UC Berkeley

#8

University of Maryland - College Park

College Park, Maryland
#11 in overall quality

University of Maryland - College Park did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Public Policy Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #8. This large school is located in College Park, Maryland, and it awarded 6 doctorate’s public policy degrees in 2019-2020.

UMCP did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #11 on our “Best Public Policy Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Maryland - College Park are $30,885, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Public Policy at UMCP

#9

Indiana University - Bloomington

Bloomington, Indiana
#22 in overall quality

Indiana University - Bloomington came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Public Policy Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. IU Bloomington is a large school located in Bloomington, Indiana that handed out 2 doctorate’s public policy degrees in 2019-2020.

IU Bloomington also made our “Best Public Policy Doctor’s Degree Schools” list, coming in at #22. Average graduate tuition and fees at Indiana University - Bloomington are $33,338, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Public Policy at IU Bloomington

#24 in overall quality

Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis landed the #10 spot on the 2022 Best Value Public Policy Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. IUPUI is a large public school situated in Indianapolis, Indiana. It awarded 4 doctorate’s public policy degrees in 2019-2020.

IUPUI also made our “Best Public Policy Doctor’s Degree Schools” list, coming in at #24. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Indiana University - Purdue University - Indianapolis are $26,013.

Full IUPUI Public Policy Report

#23 in overall quality

University of Maryland - Baltimore County ranked #11 on this year’s Best Value Public Policy Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. UMBC is a fairly large public school situated in Baltimore, Maryland. It awarded 5 doctorate’s public policy degrees in 2019-2020.

UMBC did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #23 on our “Best Public Policy Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at UMBC are $21,078, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Public Policy at UMBC

#14 in overall quality

With a ranking of #12, The University of Texas at Austin did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Public Policy Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. This large school is located in Austin, Texas, and it awarded 4 doctorate’s public policy degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our doctor’s degree public policy students whose families make $0-$30k list, UT Austin has also earned the #14 rank in our “Best Public Policy Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at The University of Texas at Austin are $22,886, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Public Policy at The University of Texas at Austin

#13

Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
#3 in overall quality

Carnegie Mellon University came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Public Policy Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit institution located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 3 doctorate’s degrees in 2019-2020.

Carnegie Mellon also made our “Best Public Policy Doctor’s Degree Schools” list, coming in at #3. Average graduate tuition and fees at Carnegie Mellon University are $47,326, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full Carnegie Mellon University Public Policy Report

University of Nevada - Las Vegas ranked #14 on this year’s Best Value Public Policy Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. Located in Las Vegas, Nevada, this large public school handed out 2 diplomas to qualified doctorate’s public policy students in 2019-2020.

Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Nevada - Las Vegas are $21,962, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full UNLV Public Policy Report

#15

Clemson University

Clemson, South Carolina
#15 in overall quality

Clemson University came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Public Policy Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Located in Clemson, South Carolina, this large public school awarded 3 diplomas to qualified doctorate’s public policy students in 2019-2020.

Clemson also took the #15 spot in our “Best Public Policy Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Clemson University are $23,246.

Read full report on Public Policy at Clemson

#16

George Mason University

Fairfax, Virginia
#10 in overall quality

George Mason University came in at #16 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Public Policy Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. George Mason University is a large public school situated in Fairfax, Virginia. It awarded 16 doctorate’s public policy degrees in 2019-2020.

GMU also took the #10 spot in our “Best Public Policy Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at George Mason University are $37,410, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full GMU Public Policy Report

#17

University of Southern Maine

Portland, Maine
#21 in overall quality

With a ranking of #17, University of Southern Maine did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Public Policy Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. University of Southern Maine is located in Portland, Maine and, has a medium-sized student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 11 doctorate’s public policy degrees to qualified students.

University of Southern Maine not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #21 on our “Best Public Policy Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Southern Maine are $22,308, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Public Policy at University of Southern Maine

#18

Niagara University

Niagara University, New York
#19 in overall quality

Niagara University came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Public Policy Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Niagara University is a small school located in Niagara University, New York that handed out 13 doctorate’s public policy degrees in 2019-2020.

Niagara did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #19 on our “Best Public Policy Doctor’s Degree Schools” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Niagara University are $14,893.

Full Niagara Public Policy Report

#17 in overall quality

The University of Texas at Dallas did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Public Policy Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #19. Richardson, Texas is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out doctorate’s public policy degrees to 6 students in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UT Dallas, the school also landed the #17 spot in our “Best Public Policy Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at UT Dallas are $28,610, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Public Policy at The University of Texas at Dallas

#20

Portland State University

Portland, Oregon
#18 in overall quality

Portland State University landed the #20 spot on the 2022 Best Value Public Policy Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Portland State University is a large public school situated in Portland, Oregon. It awarded 6 doctorate’s public policy degrees in 2019-2020.

Portland State University also took the #18 spot in our “Best Public Policy Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Portland State University are $23,784, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Public Policy at Portland State University

#21

George Washington University

Washington, District of Columbia
#4 in overall quality

With a ranking of #21, George Washington University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Public Policy Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. This large school is located in Washington, District of Columbia, and it awarded 12 doctorate’s public policy degrees in 2019-2020.

GWU also made our “Best Public Policy Doctor’s Degree Schools” list, coming in at #4. Average graduate tuition and fees at George Washington University are $31,824, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full GWU Public Policy Report

#22

Brandeis University

Waltham, Massachusetts

Brandeis University ranked #22 on this year’s Best Value Public Policy Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. Brandeis University is a medium-sized school located in Waltham, Massachusetts that handed out 15 doctorate’s public policy degrees in 2019-2020.

Brandeis also took the #12 spot in our “Best Public Policy Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Brandeis are $52,060, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Public Policy at Brandeis University

#23

University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, Arkansas

University of Arkansas ranked #23 on this year’s Best Value Public Policy Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. University of Arkansas is a large public school situated in Fayetteville, Arkansas. It awarded 4 doctorate’s public policy degrees in 2019-2020.

Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Arkansas are $22,121, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Public Policy at UARK

#24

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, California
#8 in overall quality

University of Southern California did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Public Policy Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #24. University of Southern California is located in Los Angeles, California and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 2 doctorate’s public policy degrees to qualified students.

USC also took the #8 spot in our “Best Public Policy Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at USC are $48,715.

Full USC Public Policy Report

#25

University of Massachusetts - Boston

Boston, Massachusetts
#16 in overall quality

With a ranking of #25, University of Massachusetts - Boston did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Public Policy Schools for a Doctorate For Those Making $0-$30k list. UMass Boston is a fairly large school located in Boston, Massachusetts that handed out 15 doctorate’s public policy degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UMass Boston, the school also landed the #16 spot in our “Best Public Policy Doctor’s Degree Schools” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Massachusetts - Boston are $36,485, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Public Policy at University of Massachusetts - Boston

Notes and References

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

Read more about our data sources and methodologies

Footnotes

  • *Average salary, average net price, and average tuition and fees are for the top schools only.
  • Some schools otherwise deserving of recognition may have been removed from this ranking in the event that new data identified post-publication warranted it, or at the request of the school.

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