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Best Online Public Administration Programs
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When considering online public administration programs, prospective students often seek flexibility, affordability, and strong career outcomes. Many of us are aware that the right degree can lead to significant earnings. For example, the average earnings for graduates in this field are around $63,331, a figure that highlights the potential return on investment.
What sets the standout programs apart from the rest? Key outcomes such as graduation rates, debt levels, and post-graduation earnings are crucial indicators of a program's value. The schools listed below have been ranked based on these metrics, providing a clearer picture of what to expect from each program and how they align with your career goals.
Take the University of Florida-Online and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide as examples. The University of Florida boasts average earnings of $71,588 with a graduation rate of 81%, while Embry-Riddle has higher earnings at $84,131 but a much lower graduation rate of 21%. This contrast underscores the importance of evaluating both financial outcomes and completion rates when making your choice.
How We Ranked
Online Public Administration programs ranked by outcomes, value, and program concentration
Read our full methodology →Key Findings
The University of Florida-Online graduates earn an average of $71,588.
Embry-Riddle graduates have the highest earnings at $84,131 but only a 21% graduation rate.
Western Governors University has a net price of $12,548 and 48% graduation rate.
Arizona State University's debt averages $19,500 with a graduation rate of only 29%.
Quick Numbers
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
Where These Schools Are Located
Rank Overview
All ranked schools. Bar length shows earnings relative to the top school.
| # | School | Earnings | Grad Rate | Net Price | Debt | Pell % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Florida-Online Gainesville, FL | $72K | 81% | $5K | $15K | 22% |
| #2 | Arizona State University D… Scottsdale, AZ | $63K | 29% | — | $20K | 40% |
| #3 | Western Governors University Salt Lake City, UT | $61K | 48% | $13K | $11K | 39% |
| #4 | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical … Daytona Beach, FL | $84K | 21% | $19K | $24K | 26% |
| #5 | University of New Hampshir… Manchester, NH | $66K | 22% | $11K | $27K | 32% |
| #6 | University of Arkansas Gra… LIttle Rock, AR | $63K | 32% | $8K | $22K | 72% |
| #7 | University of Maryland Glo… Adelphi, MD | $65K | 31% | $22K | $21K | 29% |
| #8 | Touro University Worldwide Los Alamitos, CA | $41K | 36% | $19K | $25K | 51% |
| #9 | Northwest University-Cente… Kirkland, WA | $55K | 40% | $36K | $21K | 18% |
| #10 | Los Angeles Pacific Univer… San Dimas, CA | — | 29% | $23K | $19K | 52% |
| #11 | University of the People Pasadena, CA | — | 35% | — | — | 0% |
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With a solid graduation rate of 81%, the University of Florida-Online presents a promising option for students seeking a flexible, quality education. The median earnings of graduates, at $71,588 within ten years, underscore the school's commitment to preparing students for successful careers in a variety of fields.
Pillar breakdown
Arizona State University Digital Immersion has a large and diverse student body, with 53,782 students enrolled. While the graduation rate is lower at 29%, the potential for growth and experience in a dynamic environment can appeal to many learners eager to carve their own paths.
Pillar breakdown
Western Governors University stands out with a vast online presence, accommodating over 155,000 students. The focus here is on flexibility and accessibility, which can resonate with working adults or those balancing multiple commitments while pursuing their degrees.
Pillar breakdown
Daytona Beach, FL · 58% accepted · $18,725 net
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide is a unique destination for students passionate about aviation and aerospace. Despite a graduation rate of only 21%, the school’s alumni have a notable earning potential, with median earnings reaching $84,131 within ten years of graduation, highlighting the value of specialized training in competitive industries.
Pillar breakdown
Manchester, NH · $10,864 net
With a median earnings figure of $66,479 a decade after graduation, the University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online shows promising financial outcomes for its graduates. This school caters to a diverse student body and offers a flexible approach to education, which is ideal for those balancing work and life commitments while pursuing a degree.
Pillar breakdown
Nestled in Little Rock, the University of Arkansas Grantham has a strong focus on accessibility and affordability, with 72% of its students receiving Pell Grants. The median earnings for graduates reach $63,496 after ten years, showcasing the potential financial benefits for those who complete their degrees, especially from a public institution dedicated to supporting its students.
Pillar breakdown
The University of Maryland Global Campus stands out with a massive student body of 49,664, reflecting its extensive reach and diverse offerings. Graduates earn a median of $65,287 after a decade, reinforcing the institution’s ability to prepare students for the job market. This is particularly attractive for adult learners and those seeking online education options that fit into busy lives.
Pillar breakdown
In Los Alamitos, Touro University Worldwide caters to a smaller student population of 454, fostering an intimate learning environment. Graduates see median earnings of $40,803 after ten years, which may appeal to students who prioritize a personalized educational experience over sheer numbers. The 36% graduation rate suggests that while it may be challenging, many students successfully navigate their studies here.
Pillar breakdown
Kirkland, WA · $35,671 net
Located in Kirkland, Washington, Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education serves a tight-knit community of 405 students. With a median earnings figure of $54,914 after ten years, the educational experience here can lead to substantial financial opportunities in the long run, especially for those committed to completing their degrees.
Pillar breakdown
In the charming setting of San Dimas, California, Los Angeles Pacific University caters to a community of 1,483 students. Despite a graduation rate of just 29%, this university focuses on fostering an inclusive atmosphere with a significant 52% of its students receiving Pell Grants, reflecting its commitment to accessibility for a broad range of students.
Pillar breakdown
University of the People, based in Pasadena, California, attracts a diverse body of 22,688 students. While the graduation rate is 35%, this institution is notable for its commitment to online education, making it accessible for students from various backgrounds and locations who are looking to further their studies without the constraints of traditional campus life.
Pillar breakdown
Comparing programs reveals that the University of Florida-Online truly excels in graduation rates at 81%, resulting in higher average earnings of $71,588. In contrast, Embry-Riddle, despite its high earning potential of $84,131, only graduates 21% of its students. This stark difference highlights the importance of both completion rates and future earnings when selecting a program.
As you sift through these programs, consider how each aligns with your own priorities. Are you looking for solid job placement after graduation, or is the cost of attendance your main concern? Weigh these data points against your personal situation, such as location and program fit, to find a program that meets your needs.
Ultimately, the data speaks to the broader stakes of choosing the right college path. Higher education can provide a stable income, but it’s essential to choose wisely. For one family, the decision to pursue an online public administration degree could mean the difference between a challenging financial future and a stable career.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Sources & Citations
David Krug
Co-Founder, CollegeRanker
David Krug is the co-founder of CollegeRanker and a data systems architect focused on making institutional research accessible to families. He builds the data pipelines and ranking algorithms that power CollegeRanker, drawing from federal datasets and Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights research to measure what traditional rankings ignore: whether a college actually changes a family's economic trajectory.
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