Earning one of the Best Online Master’s in Public Administration enables you to improve society while having job security and a high income.
Sometimes you have to change the system from the inside, which is what an MPA program will teach you, as well as the leadership skills needed to run departments and organizations. Systems are complicated, especially those that involve the public, which is why MPA graduates need strong analytical and problem-solving skills to assess and address problems as they arise.
If leadership, problem-solving, and public service excite you, then keep reading to find out more about our top-ranked online master’s in public administration programs!
What Is an Online Master’s in Public Administration?
An online master’s in public administration teaches students how to effectively operate and manage organizations at the local, state, and federal levels. During the course of earning this online degree, you’ll learn the foundations of public administration, as well as how to analyze and change public policies.
These online programs in public administration will teach students how to analyze complex public problems, find solutions to these problems, and implement the solutions you’ve formulated.
Some course examples could include Theories and Concepts in Public Administration, Leadership in the Public Sector, and Finance and the Administration of Public Funds.
How Much Can You Earn With an Online Master’s in Public Administration?
A master’s in public administration (MPA) is an extremely versatile degree; individuals with this knowledge base are able to work in a variety of public and private sectors. The most common career for these graduates is that of an administrative services manager, who earns a median salary of just over $96,000 per year.
Additionally, careers as general and operations managers, as well as medical and health services managers, are also common. General and operations managers can expect to take home around $100,000 per year, while medical and health service managers will earn roughly the same amount.
What Is Required to Attend an Online Master’s in Public Administration?
While most schools vary somewhat in their application requirements, many of the most basic demands overlap. MPA programs usually want to see your official undergraduate transcripts and the transcripts from any college in which you’ve earned credit.
Many MPA programs also ask that students submit a goals statement or a short explanation of why you would like to pursue the MPA degree. This gives schools the opportunity to evaluate your writing skills as well as see if you’re a good candidate for success in their MPA program.
What Are the Most Affordable Online Colleges?
OSR uses six data points: three school-wide and three program-specific. For school-wide, OSR uses student satisfaction, admission rates, and the number of programs the school offers online. For program-specific, OSR checks the median debt of graduates from that program, how many degrees are offered within that program’s umbrella department, and what percentage of students at that school graduated from that department.
The six statistics are displayed by each school. The sliding bar under each statistic represents how that school compares to other U.S. institutions. “Not reported” means a school did not release that information to the U.S. Department of Education. A more detailed description of the OSR process can be found on the methodology page.
Let’s take a look at the 35 Best Online Master’s in Public Administration!
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Purdue University Global
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $8,037 (in state) / 14,358(out of state)
- 55-credit hour program
- $420 per credit hour
School Wide
Program Level
100%OSR ScoreDue to its distinguished faculty and the rigor of its program, Purdue University’s MPA is our highest program on this list. Students can expect to spend around 15 hours per week studying the material in this program, with classes held in ten-week modules. The school offers a program that cuts an entire year off earning an MPA and Executive Juris Doctorate when pursued together.
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Walden University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $11,586(in state) / $11,586(out of state)
- 48-credit hour program
- Accepts up to 23 transfer credits
School Wide
Program Level
92%OSR ScoreThe Master of Public Administration from Walden University gives its students a wide selection of specializations, with seven subjects in which you can concentrate your studies. However, choosing a specialization will tack on another 15 credit hours of coursework. Each credit hour will cost students just under $500.
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Murray State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $8,631(in state) / $26,811(out of state)
- 36-credit hour program
- Five concentration areas
School Wide
Program Level
92%OSR ScoreMurray State University offers a Master of Public Administration entirely online that can be completed in as little as one year of full-time study. Seven courses comprise the core curriculum that every student takes. For students to qualify for unconditional admission into this program, the school looks for students with an undergraduate degree in political science, social science, or business, and who maintained a cumulative GPA of 2.75.
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Post University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $7,500(in state) / $7,500(out of state)
- 37-credit hour program
- Emergency Management and Homeland Security Concentration
School Wide
Program Level
91%OSR ScoreStudents looking for a Master of Public Administration degree program with a strong focus on business education should check out the MPA from Post University. The program requires students to complete 12 credit hours of core business classes and a capstone project that consists of four credit hours. Students can complete this program and move into a new professional role in as few as 18 to 24 months.
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Metropolitan State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $7,472(in state) / $14,944(out of state)
- 40-credit hour program
- Five years to complete this program
School Wide
Program Level
91%OSR ScoreA thorough, well-rounded education is what you’ll receive in the Master of Public Administration program from Metropolitan State University. The program teaches the foundations of public administration along with the leadership and business skills necessary to be successful in a wide variety of careers. At MSU, you’ll be taught by highly educated professors that have held some of the top positions in major organizations, which means you’ll get real-world implementable knowledge.
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Jacksonville State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $9,168(in state) / $18,336(out of state)
- The Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) accredited
- $400 per credit hour
School Wide
Program Level
90%OSR ScoreHighly acclaimed professors teach the Master of Public Administration from Jacksonville State University, and students can select between five concentration areas. Most of the students in this program graduate within two years of starting, but the school allows up to four years to complete the degree. You can take classes in this degree program either through traditional day classes, at night, a hybrid option, or entirely online!
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Anna Maria College
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $10,530(in state) / $10,530(out of state)
- 36-credit hour program
- Five specializations available
School Wide
Program Level
90%OSR ScoreAnna Maria College tailors its Master of Public Administration degree to handle all students, wherever they may be in life. The college offers a traditional track program for recent college graduates and a mid-career track option for those with professional experience. The individuals who qualify for the mid-career track option will only have to complete 30-credit hours of coursework to graduate.
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Wayland Baptist University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $11,250(in state) / $11,250(out of state)
- 36-credit hour program
- 18-credit hours of core curriculum
School Wide
Program Level
89%OSR ScoreIndividuals wishing to specialize in dispute resolution will find their perfect program in the Master of Public Administration from Wayland Baptist University. The curriculum is composed of 18 credit hours of specialized training in mediating conflict, which will prepare you for a variety of careers. During this program, you’ll be taught by experts, all with doctorates or terminal degrees in the subject.
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University of Phoenix-Arizona
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $16,713(in state) / $16,713(out of state)
- 36-credit hour program
- $698 per credit hour
School Wide
Program Level
89%OSR ScoreGetting to where you always wanted to be has never been easier than with the Master of Public Administration from the University of Phoenix. Courses are held in six-week intervals, with the school allowing up to nine credit hours to be transferred from another institution. Since the courses are only six weeks in duration and the program only 36-credit hours in length, the program can be completed in as few as 17 months of full-time study.
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Barry University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $17,820(in state) / $17,820(out of state)
- 36-credit hour program
- $14,976 total tuition
School Wide
Program Level
89%OSR ScoreWith six start dates throughout the year, the Master of Public Administration from Barry University makes starting your educational journey a no-brainer. Ten core courses make up the bulk of the degree, accounting for 30-credit hours of the total 36-credit hours. The program is accredited by Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA), which ensures that you’re getting one of the highest quality MPA educations out there.
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Bellevue University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $10,170(in state) / $10,170(out of state)
- 36-credit hour program
- NASPAA aligned curriculum
School Wide
Program Level
89%OSR ScoreThe Master of Public Administration from Bellevue University focuses on the practical skills that students can utilize immediately after graduation. The program offers an accelerated cohort format, so you’ll get to know your individual classmates while earning your degree. If you’ve completed a bachelor’s degree and maintained at least a 2.5 GPA throughout the last 60 credit hours of coursework, you’re eligible for admission into this program.
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Grand Canyon University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $9,737(in state) / $9,737(out of state)
- 38-credit hour program
- Eight-week class modules
School Wide
Program Level
88%OSR ScoreGrand Canyon University offers a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Government and Policy that is ideal for students wanting to prepare for a career in government. The degree consists of ten core courses that account for the 38 credit hours required for graduation. The school has a generous transfer policy that allows up to 12 credit hours of coursework to be transferred from another university.
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Delaware State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $5,160(in state) / $11,376(out of state)
- 36-credit hour program
- Capstone project requirement
School Wide
Program Level
87%OSR ScoreWhat separates Delaware State University’s Master of Public Administration from most programs is its focus on city and community engagement and empowerment. Classes are held in eight-week modules, and the program is designed to give students a certain amount of control over what they learn. An internship is a requirement for the completion of this program for all students with less than three years of management experience.
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University of Illinois at Springfield
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $8,772(in state) / $15,857(out of state)
- 36-credit hour program
- Certificate options available
School Wide
Program Level
87%OSR ScoreYou’ll learn the same material that is taught to the University of Illinois’ on-ground students if you decide to pursue the Master of Public Administration online program. The school offers a dual degree option in which students can earn an MPH and MPA degree simultaneously. To be a competitive applicant to this program, students are expected to have taken an Intro to U.S. Government course and a microeconomics course.
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Park University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $9,036(in state) / $9,036(out of state)
- 36-credit hour program
- Seven areas of concentration
School Wide
Program Level
86%OSR ScoreThe Master of Public Administration from Park University is a rigorous degree designed for the dedicated student that wants in-depth knowledge to excel in their future occupation. Both theory and practice are emphasized during this degree, with the school requiring students to take three theory classes along with three classes involving the integration of theory into practice. Those with less than two years of professional experience are required to complete an internship.
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University of Central Florida
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,916(in state) / $25,759(out of state)
- 42-credit hour program
- NASPAA accredited program
School Wide
Program Level
85%OSR ScoreThe Master of Public Administration from the University of Central Florida emphasizes the development of real-world experiences and the creation of community leaders. The school also offers an 18-credit hour graduate certificate in public administration for those not wanting to complete a full master’s degree. Students wanting expertise in non-profit management may want to consider the school’s dual-degree option, which allows them to simultaneously earn an MPA and a Master of Nonprofit Management degree.
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Northwestern University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $52,239(in state) / $52,239(out of state)
- 13-course degree
- Thesis or capstone project option
School Wide
Program Level
83%OSR ScoreNorthwestern University offers a Master’s in Public Policy and Administration that gives a holistic approach to policy change and the administrative challenges you’ll face after graduation. The degree program offers five areas of specialization. Students also have the option to pursue the degree part-time or at an accelerated pace.
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American Public University System
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,300(in state) / $6,300(out of state)
- 36-credit hour program
- Eight-week classes
School Wide
Program Level
83%OSR ScoreAmerican Public University System’s School of Security and Global Studies offers a Master of Arts in Public Administration that consists of 18-credit hours of core courses. The program offers nine areas of concentration, each of which consists of nine credit hours of coursework. The school attempts to decrease the financial barriers of going back to school by offering a tuition discount for those with military grants, no application fees, and no fees to evaluate transfer credits.
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Notre Dame de Namur University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $16,128(in state) / $16,128(out of state)
- 36-credit hour program
- ACBSP accredited program
School Wide
Program Level
83%OSR ScoreThe Master of Public Administration from Notre Dame de Namur University emphasizes a broad knowledge base in public administration with specialized knowledge in either public affairs administration or human resources management. The MPA program focuses on the development of clear communication and presentation to create articulate graduates. Twelve credit hours of coursework compose the concentration in public affairs administration or human resource management.
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Capella University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $14,365(in state) / $14,365(out of state)
- 48-credit hour program
- 12 transfer credits accepted
School Wide
Program Level
81%OSR ScoreThe Master of Public Administration program from Capella University is designed around a practitioner-scholar model, which teaches both the theoretical and real-life skills needed to be successful in public administration. While earning this degree, you’ll take seven core courses, four elective courses, and complete one integrative project. The program enables students to concentrate their studies in Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources (CIKR), Human Resource Management, or Project Management.
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Rutgers University-Newark
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $16,848(in state) / $28,656(out of state)
- 42-credit hour program
- Two start dates each year
School Wide
Program Level
81%OSR ScoreThe Master of Public Administration from Rutgers University is a tried and tested program for producing competent and successful public administration graduates. Students can select between concentrations in Budget and Financial Management, Healthcare Administration, Nonprofit Management, and Public and Nonprofit Performance Management. Each of the concentrations consists of nine credit hours of coursework, which means that the core curriculum consists of 33 credit hours of coursework.
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Brandman University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $11,520(in state) / $11,520(out of state)
- 36-credit hour program
- $660 per credit hour
School Wide
Program Level
81%OSR ScoreThe MPA in Public Administration from Brandman University allows students to concentrate their studies in Organizational Leadership. The Organizational Leadership concentration consists of nine credit hours of coursework, or students can choose from elective courses in accounting, leadership, marketing, and computer science. Students can transfer up to nine credit hours as elective courses into this MPA program.
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The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $5,550(in state) / $13,020(out of state)
- 36-credit hour program
- Two years to complete
School Wide
Program Level
80%OSR ScoreThe University of Texas Rio Grande Valley gives students three ways to finish their MPA degree: a capstone project, thesis, or research grant project. Those wanting to perform research under the direction of graduate faculty may want to choose the research grant project, which requires students to defend their results publically. Students can also concentrate their studies in Management, Community/Public Service, or All Levels of Government.
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Tarleton State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $3,775(in state) / $11,245(out of state)
- 36-credit hour program
- Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
School Wide
Program Level
80%OSR ScoreLeadership is the focus of the Master of Public Administration from Tarleton State University, with students also obtaining a broad extensive foundation in public administration. The school also provides a thesis track for this degree, ideally suited for students who want to pursue a doctorate degree after graduating with their MPA. Students can obtain real-world experience through one of the school’s various internship opportunities.
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University of Utah
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,725(in state) / $23,740(out of state)
- Nine core courses
- Capstone project
School Wide
Program Level
79%OSR ScoreThe Master of Public Administration from the University of Utah allows students to structure their courses into six concentration areas and one open-ended format. The open-ended format allows students to select courses from one of the six concentration areas, so that students can learn exactly what they are genuinely interested in throughout the program. Almost all of the faculty have doctorates or terminal degrees in their respective fields.
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University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $3,820(in state) / $14,586(out of state)
- Three start dates available
- Fully online and hybrid options offered
School Wide
Program Level
79%OSR ScoreThere are four different concentrations available at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke’s Masters in Public Administration program. Students can choose to focus on Criminal Justice, Emergency Management, Health Administration, or Public Administration. This allows them to tailor their education to suit their career goals.
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Excelsior College
Quick Facts
- 30-credit hour program
- Seven core courses, two elective courses, and one capstone project
School Wide
Program Level
79%OSR ScoreThe Master’s of Public Administration program at Excelsior College teaches its students practical skills such as how to manage human resources, ethics in government and nonprofit organizations, presentation skills, and more. Aside from working in government, this program prepares graduates to work in the fields of health policy and urban planning. The program ends with a three credit capstone project.
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San Diego State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $7,176(in state) / $16,680(out of state)
- 36-credit hours
- Program ranked No. 5 in California by US News and World Report in 2012
School Wide
Program Level
79%OSR ScoreThe rigorous MPA program at San Diego State University is tailored to those who already hold a position in government or a nonprofit corporation and wish to expand their professional skills. The program is 16 months in duration and taught in six, two-month courses that are taught online. However, there are on-campus requirements at both the beginning and end of the program.
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Johns Hopkins University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $52,170(in state) / $52,170(out of state)
- 16-24 month program
- Rated No. 2 for 50 Best Online Master in Public Administration Programs by OnlineMasters.com
School Wide
Program Level
78%OSR ScoreJohn Hopkins University focuses on teaching the skills necessary to solve real-world government policy issues. Its Master’s in Public Administration can be taken full or part-time and concludes with a capstone project. The program concentrates on the fundamentals of problem-solving, policy-making, financial management, fiscal policy, and other related topics that are needed to fill leadership roles in government and nonprofit agencies.
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Troy University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $7,506(in state) / $15,012(out of state)
- 12 classes in total
- Internship required for those with less than one year of professional experience
School Wide
Program Level
77%OSR ScoreTroy University’s Master’s in Public Administration teaches the skills needed to become a decision-maker in government agencies. The program is also well-suited to careers in grant writing, research, budget analytics, and healthcare administration. There are six specialization options, making the degree highly flexible and personalized.
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University of the Southwest
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $14,376(in state) / $14,376(out of state)
- 36-credit hours
- Taught by practitioner-scholars
School Wide
Program Level
77%OSR ScoreThe University of the Southwest offers an MBA program with a specialization in Public Administration for graduate students seeking to further their careers in government. The program is designed to prepare its graduates to work in all sectors of government managerial positions. Areas of focus include financial management, business analytics, public policy for government, and organizational design and strategy.
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Stephen F Austin State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $4,896(in state) / $12,366(out of state)
- Graduate assistantships available
- Capstone project required
School Wide
Program Level
77%OSR ScoreStudents who seek a combination of theory and real-world experience in their Master’s in Public Administration will be well-suited to the program at Stephen F Austin State University. The program prepares its graduates to work in leadership positions at government organizations as well as nonprofit companies. Types of study include special research projects, internships, and graduate assistantships.
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University of North Dakota
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $7,688(in state) / $20,526(out of state)
- 36-credit hours in total
- Named No. 10 Best Online Master’s in Public Administration by Affordable Colleges
School Wide
Program Level
76%OSR ScoreThe Master’s in Public Administration program at the University of North Dakota can be completed without students ever having to put their careers on hold. The program prepares graduates to take on roles in government or nonprofit companies and covers topics such as ethics, management, leadership. For most students, the program can be completed in two years.
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University of North Georgia
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $4,050(in state) / $16,164(out of state)
- 36-credit hour program
- Open to enroll in any semester
School Wide
Program Level
76%OSR ScoreThe University of North Georgia’s Master’s in Public Administration is geared toward students who wish to further their careers in the public sector, a nonprofit organization, or in a corporate setting. The program is made up of 27 credit hours of core coursework, with nine credit hours of elective courses in the areas of diversity, public affairs, and military leadership. Classes are completely online, and students can enroll in part-time or full-time study.
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University of Southern California
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $43,200(in state) / $43,200(out of state)
- 40-credit hour of coursework
- Two on-campus residencies required
School Wide
Program Level
71%OSR ScoreThe Master of Public Administration from the University of Southern California focuses on developing two areas of managerial competencies: institutions and organizations, and analytics. Students can design their elective courses so that they earn a graduate certificate in either Public Policy or City and County Management. All students, no matter their professional experience, must complete 300 hours of residency to be eligible for graduation.
