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2023 Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k

33 Ranked Colleges
9,390 Degrees Awarded
$8,900 Avg Net Price*
Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k

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 Administration & Social Service Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking is part of that endeavor.

Public Administration & Social Service is the 14th most popular major in the country with 98,583 degrees awarded in 2020-2021. In 2019-2020, public administration and social service graduates who were awarded their degree in 2017-2019, earned an average of $40,520 and had an average of $27,642 in loans still to pay off.

Across California, there were 9,390 public administration and social service graduates with average earnings and debt of $50,986 and $22,122 respectively.

This year’s “Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking analyzed 33 colleges that offered a degree in public administration and social service. This ranking identifies schools with high-quality public administration and social service programs that also have a lower cost than schools of similar quality.

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

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Since picking the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life, we’ve developed the “Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k” ranking, along with many other major-related rankings, to help you make that decision.

To further help you make the college decision, we’ve developed a unique tool called College Combat that allows you to compare schools based on the factors that matter the most to you. Test it out by comparing your favorite schools against others you are considering, or bookmark the tool so you can experiment with it later.

Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k

The following schools top our list of the Best Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k.

Top 25 Best Value Colleges for Public Administration & Social Service (Income $30-$48k) in California

1

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of California - Berkeley. It ranked #1 on our 2023 Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. University of California - Berkeley is a large public school situated in Berkeley, California. It awarded 311 ’s public administration and social service degrees in 2020-2021.

UC Berkeley also took the #1 spot in our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Schools in California” ranking. It costs about $9,999 for California Public Administration & Social Service students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend UC Berkeley.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 96%. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.8%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Public Administration & Social Service at UC Berkeley

2

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend California State University - Los Angeles. The school came in at #2 for the Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k. Cal State LA is a large public school situated in Los Angeles, California. It awarded 347 ’s public administration and social service degrees in 2020-2021.

Cal State LA not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #10 on our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Schools in California” list. The estimated yearly cost for Cal State LA is $2,701 for California Public Administration & Social Service students whose families make $30-$48k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.6% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Full California State University - Los Angeles Public Administration & Social Service Report

3

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend California State University - Fresno. The school came in at #3 for the Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k. California State University - Fresno is located in Fresno, California and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 205 ’s public administration and social service degrees to qualified students.

Fresno State did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #12 on our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Schools in California” list. The yearly cost to attend California State University - Fresno is $4,655 for California Public Administration & Social Service students whose families make $30-$48k.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 87%. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 3.2%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Public Administration & Social Service at California State University - Fresno

4

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of California - Los Angeles. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. Los Angeles, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s public administration and social service degrees to 223 students in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UCLA, the school also landed the #3 spot in our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Schools in California” ranking. It costs about $9,891 for california public administration & social service students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend University of California - Los Angeles.

Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 96%. The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 1.6%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Full University of California - Los Angeles Public Administration & Social Service Report

5

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend California State University - Fullerton. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. Located in Fullerton, California, this large public school handed out 469 degrees to qualified ’s public administration and social service students in 2020-2021.

Cal State Fullerton did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #13 on our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Schools in California” list. The estimated yearly cost for California State University - Fullerton is $5,821 for California Public Administration & Social Service students whose families make $30-$48k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.5%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 89%.

Full Cal State Fullerton Public Administration & Social Service Report

6

With a ranking of #6, California State University - Long Beach did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. This large school is located in Long Beach, California, and it awarded 432 ’s public administration and social service degrees in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at CSULB, the school also landed the #6 spot in our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Schools in California” ranking. The yearly cost to attend CSULB is $7,573 for California Public Administration & Social Service students whose families make $30-$48k.

With a freshman retention rate of 89%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.4% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Full California State University - Long Beach Public Administration & Social Service Report

7

With a ranking of #7, California State University - San Bernardino did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. California State University - San Bernardino is located in San Bernardino, California and, has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 236 ’s public administration and social service degrees to qualified students.

CSUSB also made our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Schools in California” list, coming in at #14. It costs about $6,613 for California Public Administration & Social Service students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend California State University - San Bernardino.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 4.0% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 85%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Read more about Public Administration & Social Service at California State University - San Bernardino

8

California State University - Northridge landed the #8 spot on the 2023 Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. This large school is located in Northridge, California, and it awarded 457 ’s public administration and social service degrees in 2020-2021.

CSUN also made our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Schools in California” list, coming in at #11. The estimated yearly cost for CSUN is $7,103 for California Public Administration & Social Service students whose families make $30-$48k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.7%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Public Administration & Social Service at CSUN

9

California State University - Bakersfield did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #9. California State University - Bakersfield is a public institution located in Bakersfield, California. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 134 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for CSUB is $6,046 for california public administration & social service students whose families make $30-$48k.

Read full report on Public Administration & Social Service at CSUB

10

California State University - Sacramento came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Sac State is located in Sacramento, California and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 336 ’s public administration and social service degrees to qualified students.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Sac State, the school also landed the #8 spot in our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Schools in California” ranking. It costs about $9,055 for California Public Administration & Social Service students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend Sac State.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.9%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Public Administration & Social Service at California State University - Sacramento

11

With a ranking of #11, California State University - Dominguez Hills did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. Carson, California is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s public administration and social service degrees to 338 students in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend CSUDH is $3,329 for California Public Administration & Social Service students whose families make $30-$48k.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 4.1%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Full California State University - Dominguez Hills Public Administration & Social Service Report

12

California State University - Stanislaus landed the #12 spot on the 2023 Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Stan State is located in Turlock, California and, has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 107 ’s public administration and social service degrees to qualified students.

The estimated yearly cost for Stan State is $4,903 for California Public Administration & Social Service students whose families make $30-$48k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.3%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. With a freshman retention rate of 87%, the school does an excellent job of retaining its undergraduate students.

Read full report on Public Administration & Social Service at Stan State

13
Fresno City College crest
Fresno City College
Fresno, California

Fresno City College ranked #13 on this year’s Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. Fresno City College is located in Fresno, California and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 60 ’s public administration and social service degrees to qualified students.

The yearly cost to attend Fresno City College is $3,014 for california public administration & social service students whose families make $30-$48k.

Full Fresno City College Public Administration & Social Service Report

14
USC crest
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California

University of Southern California did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #14. This large school is located in Los Angeles, California, and it awarded 1,466 ’s public administration and social service degrees in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at USC, the school also landed the #2 spot in our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Schools in California” ranking. It costs about $17,345 for california public administration & social service students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend USC.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.3% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. With a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 9 to 1, it’s easy to see that the school is committed to helping their undergraduates succeed. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 91%.

Read more about Public Administration & Social Service at University of Southern California

15
SDSU crest
San Diego State University
San Diego, California

San Diego State University ranked #15 on this year’s Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. This large school is located in San Diego, California, and it awarded 375 ’s public administration and social service degrees in 2020-2021.

SDSU also made our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Schools in California” list, coming in at #5. It costs about $9,274 for California Public Administration & Social Service students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend San Diego State University.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.2%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 89%.

Full San Diego State University Public Administration & Social Service Report

16
San Diego City College crest
San Diego City College
San Diego, California

With a ranking of #16, San Diego City College did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. Located in San Diego, California, this fairly large public school awarded 101 degrees to qualified ’s public administration and social service students in 2020-2021.

The estimated yearly cost for San Diego City College is $5,815 for California Public Administration & Social Service students whose families make $30-$48k.

Read full report on Public Administration & Social Service at San Diego City College

17

University of California - Riverside did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #17. University of California - Riverside is located in Riverside, California and, has a large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 120 ’s public administration and social service degrees to qualified students.

UCR not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #15 on our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Schools in California” list. The yearly cost to attend University of California - Riverside is $8,193 for California Public Administration & Social Service students whose families make $30-$48k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.3%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 91%.

Read full report on Public Administration & Social Service at UCR

18

California State University - East Bay came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. Hayward, California is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s public administration and social service degrees to 143 students in 2020-2021.

Cal State East Bay not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #20 on our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Schools in California” list. The yearly cost to attend California State University - East Bay is $11,025 for California Public Administration & Social Service students whose families make $30-$48k.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 4.4%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Public Administration & Social Service at California State University - East Bay

19
San Jose State crest
San Jose State University
San Jose, California

San Jose State University did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #19. San Jose State is a large school located in San Jose, California that handed out 227 ’s public administration and social service degrees in 2020-2021.

In addition to being on our california public administration & social service students whose families make $30-$48k list, San Jose State has also earned the #7 rank in our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Schools in California” ranking. The estimated yearly cost for San Jose State University is $13,378 for California Public Administration & Social Service students whose families make $30-$48k.

The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 86%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.9% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read full report on Public Administration & Social Service at San Jose State University

20

With a ranking of #20, California State University - Monterey Bay did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. CSUMB is a public institution located in Seaside, California. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 157 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

CSUMB also took the #25 spot in our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Schools in California” ranking. The yearly cost to attend California State University - Monterey Bay is $10,711 for california public administration & social service students whose families make $30-$48k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 2.9%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Public Administration & Social Service at California State University - Monterey Bay

21

California State University - Chico did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #21. Chico State is a public institution located in Chico, California. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 194 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Chico State, the school also landed the #16 spot in our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Schools in California” ranking. The yearly cost to attend California State University - Chico is $13,040 for california public administration & social service students whose families make $30-$48k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 4.0% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read full report on Public Administration & Social Service at California State University - Chico

22
SFSU crest
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, California

San Francisco State University landed the #22 spot on the 2023 Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. San Francisco State University is a large public school situated in San Francisco, California. It awarded 95 ’s public administration and social service degrees in 2020-2021.

SFSU not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #24 on our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Schools in California” list. The yearly cost to attend SFSU is $11,862 for California Public Administration & Social Service students whose families make $30-$48k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 4.3%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Full SFSU Public Administration & Social Service Report

23

University of California - Santa Cruz came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking. UC Santa Cruz is located in Santa Cruz, California and, has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 35 ’s public administration and social service degrees to qualified students.

It costs about $12,049 for california public administration & social service students whose families make $30-$48k per year to attend University of California - Santa Cruz.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 2.9%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%. Students who start out at the school are likely to stick around. The freshman retention rate is 85%.

Read full report on Public Administration & Social Service at UC Santa Cruz

24

California State University - San Marcos did quite well in the 2023 Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k ranking, coming in at #24. This fairly large school is located in San Marcos, California, and it awarded 58 ’s public administration and social service degrees in 2020-2021.

The yearly cost to attend CSUSM is $10,348 for California Public Administration & Social Service students whose families make $30-$48k.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 3.3%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%.

Read full report on Public Administration & Social Service at California State University - San Marcos

25
Fresno Pacific crest
Fresno Pacific University
Fresno, California

With a ranking of #25, Fresno Pacific University did quite well on the 2023 Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools in California For Those Making $30-$48k list. Fresno Pacific University is a small school located in Fresno, California that handed out 210 ’s public administration and social service degrees in 2020-2021.

Fresno Pacific did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #22 on our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Schools in California” list. The estimated yearly cost for Fresno Pacific University is $17,827 for California Public Administration & Social Service students whose families make $30-$48k.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 4.5% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Full Fresno Pacific Public Administration & Social Service Report

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