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2022 Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k

22 Ranked Colleges
2,649 Degrees Awarded
$21,200 Avg Grad Tuition & Fees*
Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master's in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k

Students have lots of options to chooose from today when trying to decide which college to attend. 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 for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k” ranking is part of that endeavor.

Public Administration & Social Service is the 14th most popular major in the country with 97,666 degrees awarded in 2019-2020. In 2017-2018, public administration and social service graduates who were awarded their degree in 2015-2017, earned an average of $39,142 and had an average of $32,304 in loans still to pay off.

Across Illinois, there were 4,107 public administration and social service graduates with average earnings and debt of $38,470 and $33,864 respectively. At the master’s degree level specifically, there were 2,649 public administration and social service graduates with average earnings and debt of $57,267 and $46,814 respectively.

This year’s “Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k” ranking looked at 22 colleges that offer degrees in a bachelor’s 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.

To come up with these rankings, we looked at factors such as the cost to attend the school after aid is awarded and overall quality of the public administration and social service program at the school. Check out our ranking methodology for more information.

More Ways to Rank Public Administration & Social Service Schools

The public administration & social service school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we’ve developed a number of major-specific rankings, including this list of “Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k”.

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. 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 Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k

The following schools top our list of the Best Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k.

Top 22 Best Value Master’s Degree Colleges for Public Administration & Social Service (Income $48-$75k) in Illinois

#1

Northwestern University

Evanston, Illinois
#2 in overall quality

Out of the 22 schools in the Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k that were part of this year’s ranking, Northwestern University landed the #1 spot on the list. Northwestern is a private not-for-profit institution located in Evanston, Illinois. The school has a large population, and it awarded 132 masters’s degrees in 2019-2020.

Northwestern also took the #2 spot in our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Master’s Degree Schools in Illinois” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Northwestern are $56,567.

Full Northwestern Public Administration & Social Service Report

#2

University of Chicago

Chicago, Illinois
#1 in overall quality

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of Chicago. It ranked #2 on our 2022 Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k list. UChicago is a fairly large school located in Chicago, Illinois that handed out 536 masters’s public administration and social service degrees in 2019-2020.

UChicago also made our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Master’s Degree Schools in Illinois” list, coming in at #1. Average graduate tuition and fees at UChicago are $61,548, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Public Administration & Social Service at University of Chicago

#4 in overall quality

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The school came in at #3 for the Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a public institution located in Champaign, Illinois. The school has a large population, and it awarded 152 masters’s degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at UIUC, the school also landed the #4 spot in our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Master’s Degree Schools in Illinois” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at UIUC are $30,083, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Public Administration & Social Service at UIUC

#7 in overall quality

Out of the 22 schools in the Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Illinois at Springfield landed the #4 spot on the list. Springfield, Illinois is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out masters’s public administration and social service degrees to 85 students in 2019-2020.

UIS also took the #7 spot in our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Master’s Degree Schools in Illinois” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at UIS are $16,757.

Read more about Public Administration & Social Service at UIS

#6 in overall quality

Out of the 22 schools in the Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Illinois at Chicago landed the #5 spot on the list. University of Illinois at Chicago is a large school located in Chicago, Illinois that handed out 341 masters’s public administration and social service degrees in 2019-2020.

UIC not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #6 on our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Master’s Degree Schools in Illinois” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at UIC are $27,036, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full University of Illinois at Chicago Public Administration & Social Service Report

#6

Judson University

Elgin, Illinois

With a ranking of #6, Judson University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k list. Judson University is a small school located in Elgin, Illinois that handed out 7 masters’s public administration and social service degrees in 2019-2020.

Judson also made our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Master’s Degree Schools in Illinois” list, coming in at #0. Average graduate tuition and fees at Judson are $18,900, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Public Administration & Social Service at Judson

#7

Aurora University

Aurora, Illinois
#5 in overall quality

Aurora University came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Aurora is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school situated in Aurora, Illinois. It awarded 474 masters’s public administration and social service degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Aurora, the school also landed the #5 spot in our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Master’s Degree Schools in Illinois” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Aurora are $13,200, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Public Administration & Social Service at Aurora

#8

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, Illinois
#15 in overall quality

Northern Illinois University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #8. NIU is located in Dekalb, Illinois and, has a fairly large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 32 masters’s public administration and social service degrees to qualified students.

NIU also took the #15 spot in our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Master’s Degree Schools in Illinois” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Northern Illinois University are $11,086.

Read full report on Public Administration & Social Service at Northern Illinois University

#14 in overall quality

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is located in Edwardsville, Illinois and, has a fairly large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 58 masters’s public administration and social service degrees to qualified students.

SIUE also took the #14 spot in our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Master’s Degree Schools in Illinois” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville are $9,300, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Public Administration & Social Service Report

#10

Governors State University

University Park, Illinois
#16 in overall quality

Governors State University landed the #10 spot on the 2022 Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Governors State University is a small public school situated in University Park, Illinois. It awarded 54 masters’s public administration and social service degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our illinois master’s degree public administration & social service students whose families make $48-$75k list, GSU has also earned the #16 rank in our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Master’s Degree Schools in Illinois” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Governors State University are $14,674, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Public Administration & Social Service at GSU

#11

Western Illinois University

Macomb, Illinois

With a ranking of #11, Western Illinois University did quite well on the 2022 Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k list. This medium-sized school is located in Macomb, Illinois, and it awarded 6 masters’s public administration and social service degrees in 2019-2020.

WIU also made our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Master’s Degree Schools in Illinois” list, coming in at #0. Average graduate tuition and fees at WIU are $11,996, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Public Administration & Social Service at Western Illinois University

#11 in overall quality

Southern Illinois University Carbondale came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is located in Carbondale, Illinois and, has a fairly large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 97 masters’s public administration and social service degrees to qualified students.

SIUC not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #11 on our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Master’s Degree Schools in Illinois” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Southern Illinois University Carbondale are $32,928.

Read full report on Public Administration & Social Service at Southern Illinois University Carbondale

#13

University of St Francis

Joliet, Illinois
#8 in overall quality

University of St Francis came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. University of Saint Francis is a private not-for-profit institution located in Joliet, Illinois. The school has a small population, and it awarded 26 masters’s degrees in 2019-2020.

University of Saint Francis not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #8 on our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Master’s Degree Schools in Illinois” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of St Francis are $13,839, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Public Administration & Social Service at University of St Francis

#14

Dominican University

River Forest, Illinois
#12 in overall quality

Dominican University ranked #14 on this year’s Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k list. Dominican University is located in River Forest, Illinois and, has a small student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 77 masters’s public administration and social service degrees to qualified students.

Dominican U not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #12 on our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Master’s Degree Schools in Illinois” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Dominican University are $20,884.

Read more about Public Administration & Social Service at Dominican University

#15

Illinois State University

Normal, Illinois
#9 in overall quality

Illinois State University landed the #15 spot on the 2022 Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Illinois State University is a public institution located in Normal, Illinois. The school has a large population, and it awarded 27 masters’s degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our illinois master’s degree public administration & social service students whose families make $48-$75k list, Illinois State has also earned the #9 rank in our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Master’s Degree Schools in Illinois” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Illinois State University are $11,069, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Public Administration & Social Service at Illinois State

#17 in overall quality

Northeastern Illinois University landed the #16 spot on the 2022 Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Northeastern Illinois University is a medium-sized school located in Chicago, Illinois that handed out 42 masters’s public administration and social service degrees in 2019-2020.

Northeastern Illinois University not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #17 on our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Master’s Degree Schools in Illinois” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at Northeastern Illinois University are $17,032, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full Northeastern Illinois University Public Administration & Social Service Report

#17

Chicago State University

Chicago, Illinois
#21 in overall quality

Chicago State University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #17. CSU is located in Chicago, Illinois and, has a small student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 24 masters’s public administration and social service degrees to qualified students.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at CSU, the school also landed the #21 spot in our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Master’s Degree Schools in Illinois” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at CSU are $15,056.

Full CSU Public Administration & Social Service Report

#18

National Louis University

Chicago, Illinois
#20 in overall quality

National Louis University came in at #18 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Chicago, Illinois is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out masters’s public administration and social service degrees to 30 students in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at NLU, the school also landed the #20 spot in our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Master’s Degree Schools in Illinois” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at National Louis University are $12,096, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full NLU Public Administration & Social Service Report

#19

Concordia University, Chicago

River Forest, Illinois
#18 in overall quality

Concordia University, Chicago ranked #19 on this year’s Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k list. Located in River Forest, Illinois, this medium-sized private not-for-profit school handed out 10 diplomas to qualified masters’s public administration and social service students in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our illinois master’s degree public administration & social service students whose families make $48-$75k list, Concordia University, Chicago has also earned the #18 rank in our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Master’s Degree Schools in Illinois” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Concordia University, Chicago are $9,378, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Public Administration & Social Service at Concordia University, Chicago

#20

Roosevelt University

Chicago, Illinois
#19 in overall quality

Roosevelt University came in at #20 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. This small school is located in Chicago, Illinois, and it awarded 10 masters’s public administration and social service degrees in 2019-2020.

Roosevelt not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #19 on our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Master’s Degree Schools in Illinois” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Roosevelt University are $21,605.

Read full report on Public Administration & Social Service at Roosevelt

#21

Loyola University Chicago

Chicago, Illinois
#3 in overall quality

Loyola University Chicago came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k ranking. Located in Chicago, Illinois, this fairly large private not-for-profit school handed out 261 degrees to qualified masters’s public administration and social service students in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our illinois master’s degree public administration & social service students whose families make $48-$75k list, Loyola Chicago has also earned the #3 rank in our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Master’s Degree Schools in Illinois” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at Loyola Chicago are $19,154, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full Loyola University Chicago Public Administration & Social Service Report

#22

DePaul University

Chicago, Illinois
#10 in overall quality

DePaul University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in Illinois For Those Making $48-$75k ranking, coming in at #22. Chicago, Illinois is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out masters’s public administration and social service degrees to 79 students in 2019-2020.

DePaul did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #10 on our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Master’s Degree Schools in Illinois” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at DePaul University are $19,760, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full DePaul University Public Administration & Social Service Report

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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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