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2022 Most Popular Master's Degree Colleges for Public Administration

367 Colleges in the United States
12,512 Master's Degrees
$50,200 Avg Early-Career Salary
If you pursue a master's degree in public administration, you won't be alone. The field of study is the #16 most popular program in the country. So, there are lots of possibilities to explore when you're trying to determine where you want to get your degree.

In 2022, College Factual analyzed 367 schools in order to identify the top ones for its Most Popular Master's Degree Colleges for Public Administration ranking. Combined, these schools handed out 12,512 master's degrees in public administration to qualified students.

Jump to one of the following sections: * Other Rankings

Choosing a Great Public Administration School for Your Master's Degree

Most Popular Master's Degree Colleges for Public Administration Your choice of school for getting your master's degree in public admin matters. One of the reasons we created our Most Popular Master's Degree Colleges for Public Administration ranking is to help you make that choice.

Being popular does not always equate to overall quality, but a school with a large number of public administration students usually has them for a reason. Sometimes this is because the school offers a great educational experience, it is a good value, or it is highly focused on the program.

One Size Does Not Fit All

Associate Degrees in Public Admin
Bachelor's Degrees in Public Admin
Doctor's Degrees in Public Admin
Overall Popularity in Public Admin

This ranking is just one of the many we have created. First of all, if you are interested in other degree levels, you may want to take a look at one of the rankings highlighted above. Also, if you are interested in attending school in a specific part of the country, see our rankings by location. On top of that, you can visit our other rankings for public administration.


 

Learn about the most popular colleges and universities for public administration students seeking a a master's degree. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Most Well Attended Schools for Public Admin Students Working on Their Master's

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458 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In NY
#1 Best Quality In NY

Columbia University in the City of New York is a popular choice for students pursuing a master's degree in public administration. Located in the large city of New York, Columbia is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for master's degrees in public administration in New York.

There were about 458 public administration students who graduated with this degree at Columbia in the most recent year we have data available.

Public Administration master's degree recipients from Columbia University in the City of New York receive an earnings boost of about $15,800 above the average income of public administration graduates.

More information about a master’s in public administration from Columbia University in the City of New York

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Harvard crest
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
287 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In MA
#1 Best Quality In MA

Every student pursuing a degree in a master's degree in public administration has to take a look at Harvard University. Harvard is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the midsize city of Cambridge. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for master's degrees in public administration in Massachusetts.

There were roughly 287 public administration students who graduated with this degree at Harvard in the most recent data year.

Master's recipients from the public administration program at Harvard University get $48,100 more than the typical graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a master’s in public administration from Harvard University

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266 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In AZ
#2 Best Quality In AZ

Grand Canyon University is a popular option for individuals pursuing a master's degree in public administration. Located in the large city of Phoenix, Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit university with a very large student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #2 in quality for master's degrees in public administration in Arizona.

There were about 266 public administration individuals who graduated with this degree at Grand Canyon University in the most recent year we have data available.

Public Administration master's degree recipients from Grand Canyon University receive an earnings boost of around $2,500 over the typical income of public administration majors.

More information about a master’s in public administration from Grand Canyon University

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NYU crest
New York University
New York, NY
244 Annual Master's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In NY
#2 Best Quality In NY

New York University is a popular option for students interested in a master's degree in public administration. Located in the city of New York, NYU is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for master's degrees in public administration in New York.

There were roughly 244 public administration individuals who graduated with this degree at NYU in the most recent year we have data available.

Public Administration master's degree recipients from New York University get an earnings boost of about $16,900 above the average income of public administration majors.

More information about a master’s in public administration from New York University

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226 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In CA
#5 Best Quality In CA

Located in the large city of Northridge, CSUN is a public university with a fairly large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #5 in quality for master's degrees in public administration in California.

There were approximately 226 public administration individuals who graduated with this degree at CSUN in the most recent year we have data available.

Those public administration students who get their master's degree from California State University - Northridge earn $14,000 more than the average public admin graduate.

More information about a master’s in public administration from California State University - Northridge

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220 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In WA
#1 Best Quality In WA

Located in the large city of Seattle, UW Seattle is a public university with a very large student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for master's degrees in public administration in Washington.

There were approximately 220 public administration individuals who graduated with this degree at UW Seattle in the most recent data year.

Those public administration students who get their master's degree from University of Washington - Seattle Campus make $2,000 more than the standard public admin grad.

More information about a master’s in public administration from University of Washington - Seattle Campus

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210 Annual Master's Degrees
#3 Most Popular In NY
#7 Best Quality In NY

Located in the large city of New York, John Jay is a public college with a fairly large student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #7 in quality for master's degrees in public administration in New York.

There were roughly 210 public administration individuals who graduated with this degree at John Jay in the most recent year we have data available.

Master's recipients from the public administration degree program at John Jay College of Criminal Justice make $3,600 more than the average graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a master’s in public administration from John Jay College of Criminal Justice

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Walden University crest
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN
210 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In MN
#4 Best Quality In MN

Located in the large city of Minneapolis, Walden University is a private for-profit university with a fairly large student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #4 in quality for master's degrees in public administration in Minnesota.

There were about 210 public administration students who graduated with this degree at Walden University in the most recent data year.

Master's graduates who receive their degree from the public admin program earn about $49,200 for their early career.

More information about a master’s in public administration from Walden University

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Baruch crest
Baruch College
New York, NY
195 Annual Master's Degrees
#4 Most Popular In NY
#6 Best Quality In NY

Located in the city of New York, Baruch is a public college with a fairly large student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #6 in quality for master's degrees in public administration in New York.

There were roughly 195 public administration students who graduated with this degree at Baruch in the most recent year we have data available.

Public Administration master's degree recipients from Baruch College get an earnings boost of about $13,300 over the typical earnings of public administration graduates.

More information about a master’s in public administration from Baruch College

10
175 Annual Master's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In CA
#1 Best Quality In CA

USC is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Los Angeles. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for master's degrees in public administration in California.

There were about 175 public administration students who graduated with this degree at USC in the most recent data year.

Those public administration students who get their master's degree from University of Southern California receive $16,300 more than the standard public admin grad.

More information about a master’s in public administration from University of Southern California

11
174 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In IN
#1 Best Quality In IN

IU Bloomington is a very large public university located in the city of Bloomington. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for master's degrees in public administration in Indiana.

There were about 174 public administration students who graduated with this degree at IU Bloomington in the most recent data year.

Those public administration students who get their master's degree from Indiana University - Bloomington earn $3,300 more than the average public admin student.

More information about a master’s in public administration from Indiana University - Bloomington

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The American University crest
American University
Washington, DC
163 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In DC
#2 Best Quality In DC

The American University is a large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Washington. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for master's degrees in public administration in District of Columbia.

There were roughly 163 public administration individuals who graduated with this degree at The American University in the most recent data year.

Master's recipients from the public administration major at American University make $19,400 above the typical college grad in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a master’s in public administration from American University

13
147 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In FL
#4 Best Quality In FL

Barry University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of Miami. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #4 in quality for master's degrees in public administration in Florida.

There were about 147 public administration individuals who graduated with this degree at Barry University in the most recent data year.

Those public administration students who get their master's degree from Barry University make $8,200 more than the standard public admin student.

More information about a master’s in public administration from Barry University

14
146 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In NJ
#1 Best Quality In NJ

Located in the large city of Newark, Rutgers Newark is a public university with a fairly large student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for master's degrees in public administration in New Jersey.

There were roughly 146 public administration individuals who graduated with this degree at Rutgers Newark in the most recent data year.

Master's graduates who receive their degree from the public admin program earn around $50,900 in the first couple years of their career.

More information about a master’s in public administration from Rutgers University - Newark

15
Syracuse crest
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY
138 Annual Master's Degrees
#5 Most Popular In NY
#5 Best Quality In NY

Syracuse is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the medium-sized city of Syracuse. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #5 in quality for master's degrees in public administration in New York.

There were approximately 138 public administration students who graduated with this degree at Syracuse in the most recent data year.

Public Administration master's degree recipients from Syracuse University receive an earnings boost of approximately $7,000 above the typical earnings of public administration majors.

More information about a master’s in public administration from Syracuse University

16
126 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In AL
#10 Best Quality In AL

Located in the fringe town of Orange Beach, Columbia Southern University is a private for-profit university with a fairly large student population.

There were roughly 126 public administration students who graduated with this degree at Columbia Southern University in the most recent data year.

Master's recipients from the public administration program at Columbia Southern University make $10,500 more than the standard college grad with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a master’s in public administration from Columbia Southern University

17
125 Annual Master's Degrees
#3 Most Popular In CA
#6 Best Quality In CA

CSULB is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Long Beach. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #6 in quality for master's degrees in public administration in California.

There were about 125 public administration individuals who graduated with this degree at CSULB in the most recent year we have data available.

Master's recipients from the public administration degree program at California State University - Long Beach earn $4,800 above the typical college grad with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a master’s in public administration from California State University - Long Beach

18
123 Annual Master's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In AZ
#1 Best Quality In AZ

UOPX - Arizona is a fairly large private for-profit university located in the city of Tempe. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for master's degrees in public administration in Arizona.

There were roughly 123 public administration students who graduated with this degree at UOPX - Arizona in the most recent data year.

Soon after graduation, public admin master's recipients typically make about $46,900 in their early careers.

More information about a master’s in public administration from University of Phoenix - Arizona

19
116 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In CO
#1 Best Quality In CO

Located in the city of Denver, CU Anschutz is a public university with a fairly large student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for master's degrees in public administration in Colorado.

There were about 116 public administration students who graduated with this degree at CU Anschutz in the most recent year we have data available.

Master's graduates who receive their degree from the public admin program make around $51,600 in their early career salary.

More information about a master’s in public administration from University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

20
115 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In AR
#1 Best Quality In AR

A-State is a fairly large public university located in the city of Jonesboro. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for master's degrees in public administration in Arkansas.

There were approximately 115 public administration individuals who graduated with this degree at A-State in the most recent year we have data available.

Students who graduate with their master's from the public admin program state that they receive average early career wages of $47,400.

More information about a master’s in public administration from Arkansas State University - Main Campus

21
112 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In TX
#1 Best Quality In TX

Located in the midsize city of College Station, Texas A&M College Station is a public university with a fairly large student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for master's degrees in public administration in Texas.

There were roughly 112 public administration individuals who graduated with this degree at Texas A&M College Station in the most recent year we have data available.

Students who graduate with their master's from the public admin program state that they receive average early career income of $44,000.

More information about a master’s in public administration from Texas A&M University - College Station

22
101 Annual Master's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In MA
#3 Best Quality In MA

Located in the rural area of Paxton, Anna Maria is a private not-for-profit college with a small student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #3 in quality for master's degrees in public administration in Massachusetts.

There were approximately 101 public administration individuals who graduated with this degree at Anna Maria in the most recent year we have data available.

Master's recipients from the public administration program at Anna Maria College get $39,800 above the typical college graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a master’s in public administration from Anna Maria College

23
Liberty University crest
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
97 Annual Master's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In VA
#6 Best Quality In VA

Located in the city of Lynchburg, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #6 in quality for master's degrees in public administration in Virginia.

There were about 97 public administration individuals who graduated with this degree at Liberty University in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a master’s in public administration from Liberty University

24
National University crest
National University
La Jolla, CA
96 Annual Master's Degrees
#4 Most Popular In CA
#7 Best Quality In CA

Located in the large city of La Jolla, National University is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #7 in quality for master's degrees in public administration in California.

There were approximately 96 public administration students who graduated with this degree at National University in the most recent data year.

Those public administration students who get their master's degree from National University make $20,800 more than the typical public admin graduate.

More information about a master’s in public administration from National University

25
95 Annual Master's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In FL
#2 Best Quality In FL

FIU is a very large public university located in the large suburb of Miami. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for master's degrees in public administration in Florida.

There were approximately 95 public administration students who graduated with this degree at FIU in the most recent year we have data available.

Those public administration students who get their master's degree from Florida International University make $4,800 more than the typical public admin grad.

More information about a master’s in public administration from Florida International University

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Central Michigan crest
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI
27
Capella University crest
Capella University
Minneapolis, MN
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Marist crest
Marist College
Poughkeepsie, NY
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Villanova crest
Villanova University
Villanova, PA
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Remaining Award Winners

This section represents the rest of the colleges awarded a Most Popular Master's Degree Colleges for Public Administration badge. Showing in this list means the college was ranked in the top 15% of the 367 different United States public administration schools we analyzed.

Rank College Location
50 Ohio University - Athens Campus Athens, OH
51 University of Georgia Athens, GA
52 North Carolina Central University Durham, NC
52 Troy University Troy, AL
54 University of Illinois at Springfield Springfield, IL
54 University of Nebraska at Omaha Omaha, NE

Additional Noteworthy Schools

These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also great but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Most Popular Master's Degree Colleges for Public Administration award.

Rank College Location
56 University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA
56 University of San Francisco San Francisco, CA
58 University of North Texas Denton, TX
58 George Mason University Fairfax, VA
60 Wayland Baptist University Plainview, TX
61 Missouri State University - Springfield Springfield, MO
61 The University of Arizona Global Campus San Diego, CA
61 Old Dominion University Norfolk, VA
64 Valdosta State University Valdosta, GA
65 Purdue University Global Indianapolis, IN
66 University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT
67 Southern Utah University Cedar City, UT
68 Portland State University Portland, OR
69 The Evergreen State College Olympia, WA
70 The University of Texas at San Antonio San Antonio, TX
71 University of New Mexico - Main Campus Albuquerque, NM
72 Texas Southern University Houston, TX
72 University of Connecticut Storrs, CT
72 Belhaven University Jackson, MS
72 Calumet College of Saint Joseph Whiting, IN
72 University of Michigan - Flint Flint, MI

Public Administration by Region

View the Most Popular Master's Degree Colleges for Public Administration for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Great Lakes

View All Rankings >

Public Administration is one of 5 different types of Public Administration & Social Service programs to choose from.

Public Admin Concentrations

Major Annual Graduates
Public Administration 12,512

Related Major Annual Graduates
Social Work 32,385
Public Policy 3,160
Human Services 1,095
Community Organization & Advocacy 537
Other Public Administration 221

Notes and References

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