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2022 Best Value Master’s Degree Colleges for Public Administration & Social Service (Income $0-$30k) in the Plains States Region

38 Ranked Colleges
4,007 Degrees Awarded
$20,600 Avg Grad Tuition & Fees*
Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master's in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k

When it comes to choosing a college, students have a lot of options - but not all of them are good. College Factual has developed its “Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking as one item you can use to help make this decision.

In 2019-2020, 97,666 people earned their degree in public administration and social service, making the major the 14th most popular in the United States. 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 the Plains States region, there were 8,017 public administration and social service graduates with average earnings and debt of $38,446 and $33,829 respectively. At the master’s degree level specifically, there were 4,007 public administration and social service graduates with average earnings and debt of $53,438 and $39,783 respectively.

This year’s “Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k” ranking analyzed 38 colleges that offered a degree in public administration and social service. Not only do the schools that top this list have excellent public administration and social service programs, but they also cost less that 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.

One Size Does Not Fit All

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 the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k”.

One of our other unique offerings is College Combat. This tool lets you build your own customized comparisons utilizing the factors that are most important to you. If you’re torn between two schools, you can use it to help you see how they stack up against one another. Bookmark it so you can compare any new schools that might interest you.

Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k

The colleges and universities below are the best for plains states region master’s degree public administration & social service students whose families make $0-$30k.

Top 25 Best Value Master’s Degree Colleges for Public Administration & Social Service (Income $0-$30k) in the Plains States Region

#1

Washington University in St Louis

Saint Louis, Missouri
#1 in overall quality

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Washington University in St Louis. It ranked #1 on our 2022 Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Washington University in St Louis is a fairly large school located in Saint Louis, Missouri that handed out 266 masters’s public administration and social service degrees in 2019-2020.

In addition to being on our plains states region master’s degree public administration & social service students whose families make $0-$30k list, WUSTL has also earned the #1 rank in our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at WUSTL are $56,562, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full WUSTL Public Administration & Social Service Report

#2

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Minneapolis, Minnesota
#4 in overall quality

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. The school came in at #2 for the Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k. University of Minnesota - Twin Cities is a large school located in Minneapolis, Minnesota that handed out 226 masters’s public administration and social service degrees in 2019-2020.

UMN Twin Cities also made our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” list, coming in at #4. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Minnesota - Twin Cities are $28,845, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full UMN Twin Cities Public Administration & Social Service Report

#14 in overall quality

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend University of Minnesota - Duluth. The school came in at #3 for the Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k. This fairly large school is located in Duluth, Minnesota, and it awarded 43 masters’s public administration and social service degrees in 2019-2020.

UMN Duluth did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #14 on our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at UMN Duluth are $28,606, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read more about Public Administration & Social Service at UMN Duluth

#4

Winona State University

Winona, Minnesota

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Winona State University. The school came in at #4 for the Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k. Winona State is a public institution located in Winona, Minnesota. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 9 masters’s degrees in 2019-2020.

Winona State also made our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” list, coming in at #0. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Winona State are $12,378.

Full Winona State University Public Administration & Social Service Report

#5 in overall quality

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend University of Missouri - Columbia. It ranked #5 on our 2022 Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. University of Missouri - Columbia is located in Columbia, Missouri and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 172 masters’s public administration and social service degrees to qualified students.

In addition to being on our plains states region master’s degree public administration & social service students whose families make $0-$30k list, Mizzou has also earned the #5 rank in our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Missouri - Columbia are $27,193, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Public Administration & Social Service at University of Missouri - Columbia

#6

University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, Iowa
#15 in overall quality

University of Northern Iowa landed the #6 spot on the 2022 Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Cedar Falls, Iowa is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out masters’s public administration and social service degrees to 40 students in 2019-2020.

UNI also took the #15 spot in our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at UNI are $22,648, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Full University of Northern Iowa Public Administration & Social Service Report

#7

Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud, Minnesota
#19 in overall quality

Saint Cloud State University came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Saint Cloud, Minnesota is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out masters’s public administration and social service degrees to 59 students in 2019-2020.

St. Cloud State University did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #19 on our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Saint Cloud State University are $12,904.

Read more about Public Administration & Social Service at Saint Cloud State University

#8

University of North Dakota

Grand Forks, North Dakota
#11 in overall quality

University of North Dakota ranked #8 on this year’s Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. University of North Dakota is a public institution located in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 95 masters’s degrees in 2019-2020.

UND not only placed well in this ranking. It is also #11 on our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at UND are $18,326.

Read more about Public Administration & Social Service at UND

#17 in overall quality

Minnesota State University - Mankato did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #9. Mankato, Minnesota is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out masters’s public administration and social service degrees to 47 students in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Minnesota State Mankato, the school also landed the #17 spot in our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Minnesota State University - Mankato are $8,788.

Full Minnesota State Mankato Public Administration & Social Service Report

#18 in overall quality

University of Nebraska at Omaha landed the #10 spot on the 2022 Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Omaha, Nebraska is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out masters’s public administration and social service degrees to 160 students in 2019-2020.

UNOMAHA also made our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” list, coming in at #18. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at University of Nebraska at Omaha are $16,374.

Full UNOMAHA Public Administration & Social Service Report

#11

University of South Dakota

Vermillion, South Dakota
#13 in overall quality

University of South Dakota did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #11. University of South Dakota is a public institution located in Vermillion, South Dakota. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 59 masters’s degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at USD, the school also landed the #13 spot in our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at USD are $12,637.

Read more about Public Administration & Social Service at USD

#12

Kansas State University

Manhattan, Kansas

Kansas State University came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Located in Manhattan, Kansas, this large public school handed out 9 diplomas to qualified masters’s public administration and social service students in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at K -State, the school also landed the #0 spot in our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at K -State are $24,115.

Full Kansas State University Public Administration & Social Service Report

#13

University of Iowa

Iowa City, Iowa
#3 in overall quality

University of Iowa landed the #13 spot on the 2022 Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Iowa is located in Iowa City, Iowa and, has a large student population. In 2019-2020, this school awarded 101 masters’s public administration and social service degrees to qualified students.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at Iowa, the school also landed the #3 spot in our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at University of Iowa are $27,613.

Full Iowa Public Administration & Social Service Report

#14

St Catherine University

Saint Paul, Minnesota
#16 in overall quality

St Catherine University landed the #14 spot on the 2022 Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Saint Paul, Minnesota is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out masters’s public administration and social service degrees to 17 students in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at St. Kate’s, the school also landed the #16 spot in our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at St Catherine University are $17,400.

Read more about Public Administration & Social Service at St Catherine University

#15

University of Missouri - St Louis

Saint Louis, Missouri
#25 in overall quality

University of Missouri - St Louis came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. UMSL is a public institution located in Saint Louis, Missouri. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 69 masters’s degrees in 2019-2020.

UMSL did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #25 on our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” list. Average graduate tuition and fees at University of Missouri - St Louis are $30,154, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Full University of Missouri - St Louis Public Administration & Social Service Report

#16

Southeast Missouri State University

Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Southeast Missouri State University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #16. Cape Girardeau, Missouri is the setting for this fairly large institution of higher learning. The public school handed out masters’s public administration and social service degrees to 10 students in 2019-2020.

Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Southeast Missouri State University are $10,792.

Read more about Public Administration & Social Service at Southeast Missouri State University

#17

Washburn University

Topeka, Kansas

Washburn University ranked #17 on this year’s Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. Washburn University is a medium-sized school located in Topeka, Kansas that handed out 60 masters’s public administration and social service degrees in 2019-2020.

Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Washburn University are $19,206.

Full Washburn University Public Administration & Social Service Report

#18

Metropolitan State University

Saint Paul, Minnesota

Metropolitan State University landed the #18 spot on the 2022 Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Metropolitan State University is a medium-sized public school situated in Saint Paul, Minnesota. It awarded 22 masters’s public administration and social service degrees in 2019-2020.

Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Metro State are $17,552.

Read more about Public Administration & Social Service at Metro State

#21 in overall quality

Missouri State University - Springfield did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #19. Located in Springfield, Missouri, this large public school handed out 97 diplomas to qualified masters’s public administration and social service students in 2019-2020.

Missouri State did well in our major quality rankings, too. It placed #21 on our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” list. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Missouri State University - Springfield are $12,042.

Read full report on Public Administration & Social Service at Missouri State University - Springfield

#20

University of Missouri - Kansas City

Kansas City, Missouri

University of Missouri - Kansas City landed the #20 spot on the 2022 Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Located in Kansas City, Missouri, this fairly large public school handed out 79 diplomas to qualified masters’s public administration and social service students in 2019-2020.

Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at University of Missouri - Kansas City are $26,699.

Read full report on Public Administration & Social Service at UMKC

#21

Saint Louis University

Saint Louis, Missouri
#8 in overall quality

Saint Louis University landed the #21 spot on the 2022 Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. This fairly large school is located in Saint Louis, Missouri, and it awarded 82 masters’s public administration and social service degrees in 2019-2020.

As a testament to the quality of education offered at SLU, the school also landed the #8 spot in our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. Average graduate tuition and fees at SLU are $22,074, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read more about Public Administration & Social Service at Saint Louis University

#22

University of Kansas

Lawrence, Kansas
#6 in overall quality

University of Kansas did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #22. KU is a large public school situated in Lawrence, Kansas. It awarded 247 masters’s public administration and social service degrees in 2019-2020.

KU also took the #6 spot in our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” ranking. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at KU are $25,007.

Read more about Public Administration & Social Service at University of Kansas

#23

Hamline University

Saint Paul, Minnesota
#7 in overall quality

Hamline University did quite well in the 2022 Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking, coming in at #23. This small school is located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and it awarded 39 masters’s public administration and social service degrees in 2019-2020.

Hamline also made our “Best Public Administration & Social Service Master’s Degree Schools in the Plains States Region” list, coming in at #7. Although you might pay more or less depending on your area of study, average graduate tuition and fees at Hamline are $11,577.

Full Hamline University Public Administration & Social Service Report

#24

Wichita State University

Wichita, Kansas

Wichita State University ranked #24 on this year’s Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k list. This fairly large school is located in Wichita, Kansas, and it awarded 65 masters’s public administration and social service degrees in 2019-2020.

Average graduate tuition and fees at Wichita State University are $15,112, but some majors have different tuition rates.

Read full report on Public Administration & Social Service at WSU

#25

Newman University

Wichita, Kansas

Newman University landed the #25 spot on the 2022 Best Value Public Administration & Social Service Schools for a Master’s in the Plains States Region For Those Making $0-$30k ranking. Wichita, Kansas is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out masters’s public administration and social service degrees to 49 students in 2019-2020.

Average graduate tuition and fees at Newman University are $8,484, but you may pay more or less depending on your major.

Read full report on Public Administration & Social Service at Newman University

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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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