# Best Online Public Administration Programs

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-06-02 | Schools: 11 | Category: Online
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-online-public-administration

## Methodology

Online Public Administration programs ranked by outcomes, value, and program concentration

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

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.

## 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%.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [University of Florida-Online](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-florida-online) | Gainesville, FL | 81% | $71,588 | $4,815 | $15,000 | 0.21x |
| 2 | [Arizona State University Digital Immersion](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/arizona-state-university-digital-immersion) | Scottsdale, AZ | 29% | $62,668 | N/A | $19,500 | 0.31x |
| 3 | [Western Governors University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/western-governors-university) | Salt Lake City, UT | 48% | $60,615 | $12,548 | $11,116 | 0.18x |
| 4 | [Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Worldwide](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/embry-riddle-aeronautical-university-worldwide) | Daytona Beach, FL | 21% | $84,131 | $18,725 | $23,666 | 0.28x |
| 5 | [University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-new-hampshire-college-of-professional-studies-online) | Manchester, NH | 22% | $66,479 | $10,864 | $26,814 | 0.4x |
| 6 | [University of Arkansas Grantham](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-arkansas-grantham) | LIttle Rock, AR | 32% | $63,496 | $8,370 | $21,956 | 0.35x |
| 7 | [University of Maryland Global Campus](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-maryland-global-campus) | Adelphi, MD | 31% | $65,287 | $22,063 | $21,000 | 0.32x |
| 8 | [Touro University Worldwide](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/touro-university-worldwide) | Los Alamitos, CA | 36% | $40,803 | $19,058 | $25,000 | 0.61x |
| 9 | [Northwest University-Center for Online and Extended Education](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/northwest-university-center-for-online-and-extended-education) | Kirkland, WA | 40% | $54,914 | $35,671 | $20,891 | 0.38x |
| 10 | [Los Angeles Pacific University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/los-angeles-pacific-university) | San Dimas, CA | 29% | N/A | $22,677 | $18,750 | N/A |
| 11 | [University of the People](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-the-people) | Pasadena, CA | 35% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Online Public Administration Programs." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-06-02. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-online-public-administration

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.