25 Best Public Administration Degrees 2020
These are the 25 best schools with degrees in public administration based on alumni earnings in the year after graduation. The top two — Barry University and University of La Verne — have median salaries of $58,000 and $55,500, respectively, for public administration graduates. CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice has the lowest median student debt of all the ranked schools on this list, at $11,500.
Tuition, median salaries, and median debt were reported by the U.S. Department of Education in November 2019. View our methodology for more details about these rankings or read more about the top-ranked schools.
2020 Best Colleges Highlights
Learn more about the top colleges for a Bachelor's in Public Administration degree. You can also read student reviews of each school by clicking on the stars. Although student reviews were not used as a ranking factor in this list, we provide ratings and reviews so students can consider the experience of alumni in their decision-making process.
The University of La Verne’s Bachelor of Science in Public Administration is referred to by the university as a CAPA, or Campus Accelerated Program for Adults. This program is designed with working professionals and nontraditional students in mind. The public administration program instructs students on the core principles and theories of the discipline, with coursework in statistics, business ethics, urban environments, and organizational behavior. Students in the program also gain skills in labor and management negotiation and conflict management in a business setting. Graduates of the bachelor’s program will study to work in local, state, and federal government positions. This public administration degree program also gives graduates the opportunity to pursue a career with a non-profit organization or foreign service.
The public administration CAPA offers a streamlined schedule that students can change and adapt as needed. Small class sizes offer students the chance to form supportive relationships with peers and the opportunity to interact one-on-one with professors.
The online Bachelor of Science in Public Administration at the University of Phoenix aims to provide students with the education and opportunities to begin careers in the industry upon graduation. Students participating in the public administration program receive instruction in all elements of the discipline, with coursework in administrative management, risk management, governmental law, ethics, and civil leadership. Students also gain skills beneficial to working with and leading others, including critical thinking, organizational problem solving, and effective communication. Graduates of the public administration degree program are qualified to work as operations managers, program managers, and regulatory managers in the public administration sector.
The university provides support through the PhoenixLink Career Services platform, personal career coaching, and the university's networking partnerships. Current students are also provided the opportunity to meet alumni and potential employers through career fairs and mixers hosted by the university.