2026 Best Value Public Policy Schools in Pennsylvania

1

University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus
Pittsburgh, PA

For return on investment in public policy, no school beat University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus this year. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Pittsburgh. In-state tuition and fees average $21,926, compared with $41,430 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for public policy graduates is $24,958. Early-career public policy graduates make about $56,926. That is a strong return on a $24,958 median debt. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted.

2

Temple University
Philadelphia, PA

A rank of #2 makes Temple University one of the best values for public policy. Set in the city of Philadelphia, Temple University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $23,005, while out-of-state students pay about $38,805. Public Policy graduates carry a median of $26,259 in student loans. Early-career public policy graduates make about $54,910. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.

3

University Of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Pennsylvania earned it the #3 place for public policy. Set in the city of Philadelphia, University Of Pennsylvania is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,686. Public Policy graduates carry a median of $16,155 in student loans. Public Policy graduates of University Of Pennsylvania earn a median of $99,682 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Pennsylvania admits about 5% of applicants.

4

Pennsylvania State University Main Campus
University Park, PA

A rank of #4 makes Pennsylvania State University Main Campus one of the best values for public policy. Located in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,644, while out-of-state students pay about $41,790. Median earnings reach $63,435 ten years out. The acceptance rate is 61%.

5

Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA

A rank of #5 makes Lehigh University one of the best values for public policy. Lehigh University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Bethlehem. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,980. Students borrow a median of $23,008 to complete the public policy program here. Public Policy graduates of Lehigh University earn a median of $70,321 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,008 median debt. The acceptance rate is 26%.

6

Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, PA

Duquesne University placed #6 among the best values for public policy. Duquesne University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Pittsburgh. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $48,986. Students borrow a median of $26,297 to complete the public policy program here. Public Policy graduates of Duquesne University earn a median of $54,826 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Duquesne University admits about 84% of applicants.

7

Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA

Drexel University landed the #7 spot for public policy value this year. Located in the city of Philadelphia, Drexel University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,412. Students borrow a median of $28,838 to complete the public policy program here. Early-career public policy graduates make about $67,556. Set against $28,838 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 79%.