2025 Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Public Administration
An affordable online master’s in public administration (MPA) helps professionals grow as ethical, data-informed leaders in government, nonprofit, and public policy roles. While cost is a core factor in our rankings, we also highlight other data to help you make the most informed choice.
Key Takeaways:
- Best for Budget: UT Permian Basin offers the cheapest online MPA, with annual tuition of $4,947.
- Best for Salary: CSU East Bay graduates report median earnings of $81,485 — ranking in the top 19% nationwide.
- Most Popular Online: Despite being last on our list for affordability, Liberty leads with an extensive online enrollment of 45,783 graduate students.
All tuition and enrollment data is manually verified for accuracy by our team at OnlineU. For more on how we rank programs, check out our .
2025 Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Public Administration
Guidance from Experts in Public Administration
From Online MPA to Community Impact: Mark Niemann on Finding Purpose in Public Service
MPA Graduate
I pursued my Master’s in Public Administration with a strong focus on flexibility and long-term career alignment. Affordability played a moderate role, but program quality and online accessibility were top priorities.
The coursework included applied policy analysis and strategic management in public service, which had a direct influence on how I later managed cross-sector teams and implemented impactful community outreach initiatives.
I completed the majority of my coursework online. Success in the virtual environment came down to disciplined scheduling, interactive discussion boards, and strong faculty engagement.
My advice to future MPA students:
Choose a program that aligns with your passion in public service, not just reputation. I am a strong believer that you only become good if you like what you do. We all know that you don't have only perfect days and it helps a lot when you like what you do and see the sense behind it.
Use every applied project as a real-world case study — it’s great for resumes and confidence. Almost the same thing. When it is not only a theoretical exercise it has helped me a lot to find the sense behind the studies.
Develop relationships with both peers and instructors — networking is just as crucial as coursework. Use [your] existing network. Get in touch with people, even it is only with a video call. And long lasting networks to people have one thing in common: you are sharing the same values about a lot of things.
How an MPA Helped Jasmine Charbonier Evolve Her Career
MPA Graduate from NYU
What factors led you to choose an MPA program, and did affordability play a role?
Man, choosing NYU Wagner for my MPA was a game-changer for my career in nonprofit work. After spending years managing operations and doing fundraising at organizations like The Salvation Army and EMpower Foundation, I realized I needed more advanced skills to make a bigger impact.
The program wasn't cheap — I'm not gonna pretend it was. But coming from the nonprofit world, I knew the investment would help me level up my career. Plus, Wagner offered some decent financial aid packages that made it more doable. I'd been watching my budget spreadsheets for months and ran the numbers about 100 times before taking the plunge.
What influenced your career and public service interests?
The nonprofit management and fundraising courses at Wagner completely transformed how I approached my work. No lie, the strategic planning course changed my entire perspective on running campaigns. My capstone project — a deep dive into multichannel fundraising strategies — directly informed the $50M donor program I later developed as Director of Supporter Growth.
My statistics and data analysis classes gave me the confidence to streamline data flow from over 380k donors into our warehouse. That was huge for improving our fundraising efficiency. And the budgeting course — I used those skills to manage a $4.5M budget for offline marketing efforts.
What helped with your success in online classes?
With my nonprofit work schedule in Tampa, the hybrid format at Wagner was a lifesaver. For the online portion, I set up a dedicated workspace in my home office — invested in good lighting, dual monitors, the works. Made a huge difference for those late-night study sessions.
I'm kinda old-school with note-taking though. Even for virtual classes, I stayed super organized with color-coded notebooks & handwritten notes. Somehow that tactile process helped the concepts stick better than just typing away at my laptop. The thing is, you gotta find what works for your learning style.
What's your advice to future MPA students?
Choose a program that aligns with your career goals. Wagner's focus on data-driven decision making and nonprofit management was perfect for my path. Network like crazy with your classmates — some of my best professional connections came through those late-night study groups.
And don't just focus on the academics. Get hands-on experience through internships or part-time work. My background in nonprofit operations made the theoretical concepts way more meaningful. Take advantage of every chance to apply what you're learning to real-world scenarios.
Stay open to new possibilities too. My MPA studies opened my eyes to how technology & data analytics could revolutionize nonprofit operations — something I wouldn't have explored otherwise. Now I'm helping other leaders transform their organizations through those same principles.
Want to earn a bachelor's degree in public administration? Explore your options for the best online public administration programs and the most affordable online public administration programs.
In-Depth Analysis of The Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Public Administration
When it comes to earning an online master's in public administration (MPA), affordability doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality, flexibility, or future earnings. In fact, the schools on this list prove just the opposite. From large public institutions to smaller private universities, each program here offers unique strengths, whether it’s a low tuition rate, impressive financial aid packages, strong student support systems, or meaningful career outcomes.
Let’s dive into what sets these programs apart and how prospective students can weigh the data to find the best fit.
Beyond the Price Tag: What to Weigh When Comparing Online MPAs
Tuition is the headline metric for this list, and rightly so. Public service careers typically aren’t known for sky-high salaries, which makes choosing a program with low tuition essential for long-term financial sustainability.
The top contenders — UT Permian Basin ($4,947), Belhaven University ($4,986), and Florida Gulf Coast University ($5,230) — offer tuition rates that come in far below the national average for graduate degrees. But cost alone doesn’t tell the whole story.
When you also factor in the percentage of students receiving aid and the average financial aid award, schools like Arkansas State (100% receiving aid; average award of $11,225) and Waldorf University (99% receiving aid; $17,359 average) stand out even further.
It's worth noting that online accessibility plays a role too. Institutions like Liberty University, Columbia Southern, and American Public University System enroll thousands of online students, helping reduce costs through scale while also offering a well-established online learning infrastructure. For busy professionals earning an MPA remotely, that means more reliable systems, more asynchronous options, and stronger online communities.
Still unsure if an MPA is the right online degree for you? You may want to take a look at online MBA programs instead. Some even focus on public administration.
Salary Score and ROI: What Earnings Data Says About Your Degree’s Value
Unlike MBAs, MPA grads often go into sectors where passion and impact trump paycheck — but that doesn’t mean earnings should be ignored. Our proprietary Salary Score shows how much graduates from each program earn compared to peers nationwide.
Schools like Columbia Southern (a B- Salary Score) and Cal State East Bay ( A- Salary Score) offer examples of online MPA programs that deliver solid post-grad earnings for their price points. These returns matter for public service professionals who may have to balance student loans on government salaries.
Public service careers often pay less upfront than private-sector roles, so every tuition dollar matters more. You want to know if your degree gives you a competitive edge, even in a lower-paying sector. For online learners especially, outcomes data can act as a quality signal. Without on-campus visits or local networking, you're relying more heavily on the strength of the degree itself.
When comparing online MPA programs, one data point that can be especially revealing is the earnings percentile, a measure that shows how a program's graduate salaries stack up against similar degrees nationwide.
A few schools on our list perform exceptionally well in this regard, while some affordable programs land in the 10th or 20th percentile range, suggesting that graduates may earn less than most of their peers. Though this may reflect the program's alignment with lower-paying but socially impactful fields like nonprofit leadership or ministry. These percentiles don’t tell the whole story, but they do offer a crucial lens for understanding the value a degree might deliver over time.
Here's some earnings percentile highlights:
California State University East Bay lands in the 81st percentile for graduate earnings. That means its MPA grads earn more than 80% of their peers in similar programs—a standout figure, especially considering the tuition remains under $10K annually. For students weighing value, this is a strong example of an affordable program with high financial upside.
American Public University System (APUS) also performs well, in the 78th percentile. This is especially notable given its extremely low tuition of just over $8,000, coupled with one of the largest online student bodies in the nation. For military-affiliated students or career public servants, it signals a solid financial trajectory.
Columbia Southern University clocks in at the 49th percentile, right around the national midpoint. While not as high as some others, it’s still respectable. This is particularly because the school accepts a large number of transfer credits and offers substantial flexibility, which can offset opportunity costs.
On the other end, Belhaven University comes in at just the 10th percentile for earnings. This means its MPA grads earn less than 90% of graduates from similar programs. While tuition is extremely low, students might want to look closely at program outcomes and whether the curriculum aligns more with lower-paying nonprofit or religious-affiliated career paths.
What to Expect from a Strong Online MPA Community
Online learning can be isolating unless the school invests in a supportive virtual environment. Retention and graduation rates offer useful signals here, showing whether students stick with the program and succeed. Programs like Missouri (75% graduation rate) and South Dakota (82% retention) show that students are staying engaged through completion.
High recommendation rates are another sign of a positive learning experience, particularly important when courses are taken remotely.
The recommendation rate in our rankings is derived from hundreds of verified student surveys collected across the institutions we evaluate. These aren’t anonymous reviews scraped from third-party sites. They come directly from graduates who have completed their degrees and can speak firsthand about their experiences.
Each recommendation rate reflects the percentage of students who said they would recommend the school to others, offering a valuable, ground-level perspective that goes beyond brochures and marketing language.
So while tuition and earnings are important, the recommendation rate adds a human layer. It’s a real-world litmus test for whether a program is actually working for the people it serves.
Final Thoughts
Choosing an online MPA program is a financial decision as well as a personal and professional investment in how you want to lead, serve, and grow. While affordability is crucial, especially in public service fields, it’s equally important to consider student satisfaction and success alongside earnings potential.
At OnlineU, we believe that metrics like earnings percentiles and recommendation rates offer a deeper look into long-term value and real student experiences. The best-fit program won’t necessarily be the cheapest — it’ll be the one that aligns with your goals, supports your schedule, and helps you thrive in the career you’re building.
FAQs About Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Public Administration
What Are Online MPA Degrees?
A Master in Public Administration (MPA) program is designed to prepare future leaders and administrators to assume management roles in public-sector operations, such as government agencies and community service organizations. When you enroll in an online public administration degree at the master's level, you'll study the structure and functioning of local, state, and federal governments as well as fundamental managerial concepts.
MPA courses include assignments and projects that mirror real-world scenarios so you can develop essential technical skills. For example, you may be assigned to draft policy proposals, devise strategic community outreach programs, or analyze budgetary concerns for public projects. As you complete your coursework, you'll acquire soft skills in leadership, effective communication, and ethical decision-making.
An online master's in public administration program typically requires the completion of 33-39 credit hours. Full-time students often earn their degree in two years, but part-time students may need three years. In order to enter an MPA program, you must hold a bachelor's degree in human services, a business administration degree, or preferably one in public administration. If you studied some other subject as an undergraduate, you may still be accepted, but you will likely need to pass a few prerequisite courses before starting the master's program.
What Are Some Common Courses in an Online MPA?
Some of the specific core courses often found in an online master's in public administration program include:
- Public Policy Analysis: Students in this course delve into techniques for evaluating and formulating public policies, considering both quantitative data and qualitative assessments.
- Public Budgeting and Finance: By covering the intricacies of public funding, this course teaches students to plan, analyze, and manage public budgets, ensuring financial sustainability.
- Program Evaluation: This course covers methods for assessing the efficacy of public programs, ensuring they meet objectives and offer value to the community.
The curriculum of an online public administration master's degree program often combines diverse courses on public policy, business administration, data analysis, and law. Most online MPA programs require either a capstone project or thesis, and some include an optional or mandatory internship.
How Do You Fund an Online Public Administration Degree?
Since cost is a major factor in deciding whether to earn a public administration master's degree, you may want to begin your journey by estimating your expenses. For example, to determine the appropriate tuition fees, you can multiply a school's per-credit tuition rate by the number of credits required for the master's degree. Be sure to use the master's degree tuition rate, which is often different from the undergraduate tuition rate.
Whether you've decided to earn your master's degree online or on campus, you can apply for financial aid if you're enrolled in an accredited program. Financial aid experts recommend that all prospective students fill out and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Many students skip this step in the belief that their financial circumstances will prevent them from receiving aid, but it's best to let financial aid officers determine your eligibility.
Among the various types of financial aid are grants, fellowships, and scholarships funded by the federal and state governments and by the schools. If you obtain any of these types of aid and complete your program on schedule, you won't have to repay them.
If you don't obtain enough grant and fellowship money to cover the entire cost of an MPA, you will likely be offered some type of student loan — either a federal student loan or a private student loan. With either type, however, the interest can significantly inflate the cost of the degree. Before accepting a loan, use a student loan repayment calculator to determine the price of the loan and all the interest, and then compare that to your initial budget.
Private fellowships and scholarships may also be available, and these are often based on factors other than financial need. These are often funded by community and civic organizations, corporations, and nonprofits to support specific types of students. This explains why these funds may be awarded based on factors like career goals, academic achievement, level of community service, or family background. Just remember that private funding is not part of the FAFSA system, so you'll need to submit separate applications for each opportunity.
What Can You Do With an Online Public Administration Degree?
Once you've earned an online public administration degree, you can pursue many different roles, primarily in government agencies and community-focused organizations. Some possibilities include city managers, public policy analysts, public works managers, and public affairs specialists.
Depending on your prior work experience, you may need to begin with more of an entry-level position and work your way up to higher-paying management positions. Although many public administration jobs don't specifically require a master's degree, an MPA is likely to make you a more competitive job candidate and allow you to command higher salaries.
With enough experience, you may become a , who oversees a program or organization that provides services to a community. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these managers earn a median annual salary of $77,030, and demand for trained professionals is expected to grow by 8% over the next decade.
perform a similar role in organizations that support public health. These professionals earn a median annual salary of $110,680. The BLS expects job openings for this occupation to increase by a whopping 29% through 2033.
Beyond a master's degree, students can further their expertise by pursuing a PhD in Public Administration. This advanced degree offers a deeper exploration of research methodologies and theories, which is ideal if you aspire to work in academia, high-level governmental advisory roles, or think tanks.
How Do I Choose a Master's in Public Administration?
There are many factors to consider when you're choosing an online master's in public administration. Naturally, you'll want to examine each program's curriculum, learning objectives, and faculty to make sure the program fits with your career goals. You may also want to explore each school's tuition, student resources, and financial aid availability.
Institutional accreditation is also an important consideration, as it shows that a school has met national standards for academic excellence. All of the schools on our list of the most affordable master's in public administration degrees have earned institutional accreditation. Some MPA graduate programs have also earned program-level accreditation from the (NASPAA).
Is an MBA or a Master's in Public Administration Better?
The choice between an MBA and an MPA largely depends on career goals. An MBA offers a broad overview of business concepts applicable across industries, with some courses specifically devoted to the management of public organizations. An MPA, on the other hand, is tailored to roles in public service, focusing on governance, policy, and public-sector management. You may want to evaluate your short-term and long-term professional aspirations to determine which type of degree is best for you.
Student Reviews of Online Public Administration Programs
I need to choose a new grad program and I wanted to continue working in public sector. I decided to give U of Phoenix a try, and I am so happy that I did. I believe that this program was a great fit and that it allowed me to pace myself throughout the six week of each course. I believe that these six weeks are enough time to fully grasp the courses and to understand the objectives. The professors really want you to succeed and always provide well in-depth feedback on how to make progress. I have... Read More
Review Date: 8/11/2025
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I had a great experience with TUW. I recently completed the MPA program. The faculty and staff engaged to ensure there were no communication gaps. It is a great model for busy professionals. All of the professors were responsive and knowledgeable. The tuition is affordable and has allowed me to further my education. TUW has been one of my best educational experiences. I highly recommend TUW.
Review Date: 10/26/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Overall experience was great. Some professors stood out more than others. Some lifetime friendships with classmates and professors were made. Both my BS and MPA capstone professors could have done a better job with grading to give students a better chance of improving.
Review Date: 7/9/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I chose Purdue University Global because of its reputation and permitted me to transfer of graduate credit from my previous graduate work. What surprised me was the weekly synchronous online seminar which helped connect to my professors to clarify concepts or theories. The assignments, asynchronous weekly posting on the blackboard and weekly seminars enable me and other students to have multiple mode for the subject/theme of the week. My professors in Public Admin qualified and credentialed with... Read More
Review Date: 3/5/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Until financial aid and the bursar office can get it together, stay away. I have issue after issue with the financial department. From them keeping disbursement funds from summer and not figuring it out until fall after being told, to classes almost over before disbursements go out. When you have to buy books and supplies or new laptop with those funds, they put you in a bad position to be successful. They used to be really good but like everything COVID is an excuse for awful service that breaks... Read More
Review Date: 9/8/2021
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I have been highly satisfied with Arkansas State University so far. I was drawn to this school due to the affordable tuition costs. The online program is amazing and really helpful for a non-traditional student like me. It was essential for me to find a fully online program since I have two little ones at home. I love the shorter term for each class only being 7 weeks long because I feel like I accomplish so much in a short time. The admissions process was easy and I had people contacting me along... Read More
Review Date: 2/15/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
This school has given me a second chance in public education. Online classes are fast paced but the faculty makes it easy to contact and are involved. You always have support from any department that can guide or help you at all times. I would definitely recommend this school for military and adult learners.
Review Date: 2/10/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Texas A&M Commerce has been a wonderful experience so far. I was nervous to attend the Masters program, but the staff has been very helpful. The professors on campus and online have all had great communication in class and through emails. Great school.
Review Date: 3/28/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I just currently enrolled at ASU to earn my Masters in Public Administration. So far my experience has been wonderful. They have staff that will follow up with you during the application process. Their job is to be there to answer any questions and to make sure things are running smoothly so you get the application in on time. The financial aid office has been very helpful and reminding me what to complete so there are no issues paying for my classes. I've loved my experience so far and cannot wait... Read More
Review Date: 9/22/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Baruch College is affordable and offers a great bang for your buck. The tutoring center has limited availability and the class selection could definitely be better. The classes are rigorous and the professors are extraordinarily passionate and professional. The neighborhood is little bit inconvenient and I wish that the college offered more online classes, but they are working on expanding into online learning a little bit more.
Review Date: 12/20/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I am currently enrolled in the MPA@UNC program, meaning all of my classes are online. I was skeptical of this method of instruction at first, but I have found it to be very interesting and engaging. While the asynchronous material (the videos and readings you do outside of class) appear like stereotypical online learning, the actual class time is revolutionary. The platform they use allows everyone in the class to see everyone else's face. Professors often split us up into small groups to work on... Read More
Review Date: 12/30/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
University of Delaware is one of the nations leading research universities. The faculty is committed and and the online MPA program is flexible and allows me to work full time. The MPA program has definitely prepared me to make a difference in the nonprofit world.
Review Date: 3/18/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
As a current federal employee, I decided to go back to school to obtain my master degree. ASU offered a complete online MPA which has allowed me to continue working and being a full time mom of 2. ASU has been nothing but helpful in every aspect in returning to school. I originally graduated from ASU in 2006 with a BS in Business Administration and I knew that I wanted to return to ASU for my graduate degree. With the MPA being fully online, it better fit in with my hectic schedule. The professors... Read More
Review Date: 1/31/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at Clemson focuses on research and public policy involving social equity. The MPA program closely mirrors my work in public policy and address aspects of social determinants that affect the health of an entire community. I desired a deeper understanding of societal problems and to analyze, if not inspire, solutions. Clemson offers the opportunity to develop expertise in public policy programming, research, evaluation, data collection, networking and... Read More
Review Date: 2/1/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I am a current student in the School of Pubic Affairs obtaining my MPA. The staff are very helpful and professional. The coursework is very vigorous and I feel like it is preparing me for my field of choice. It is an expensive program, but worth the investment. The standards and expectations are high and I enjoy the feeling of meeting and exceeding them. I am enjoying my coursework right now; although it is a heavy caseload at times. I know I will be more informed and well educated once I complete... Read More
Review Date: 12/30/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The degree plan for the Public Administration program has been enlightening so far. I have been challenged thoroughly due to the amount of open ended responses I have been allowed. Professors seek to create open dialogs among peers as to promote a more life like working structure with different ideals. It has been a challenge balancing out the acceptance of others opinions on situations that have influenced me and information that I have brought into the program. I enjoyed the quantitative theories... Read More
Review Date: 1/18/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
CSUDH offers an online distance learning MPA. Overall, the program is very well organized and formatted. A great pro is you are put in a group cohort (classes are pre-chosen for you and often many of the same students). I also love that the classes are 8wks long, but this also makes the courses VERY intense. Professors within the program have all been amazing and very supportive. They realize that we are working professionals trying to continue education.
Review Date: 12/11/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Working in the fire department means that I have an unusual schedule which is not favorable to gaining a college education. I am attending Arkansas State University's online Masters of Public Administration program and am scheduled to graduate in December 2017. This program has been great, especially for students with abnormal schedules. The curriculum is challenging and the university staff is extremely helpful in assisting you towards your academic goals. I would highly recommend this program.
Review Date: 2/27/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The pros of graduate study is that its a once in a lifetime opportunity for an individual to further their education in order to become a more productive citizen in the seculiar professional path. In addition, it can efinitely pay off in the long run your opportunities can be more vast and expanded. The cons are that many individuals do not relaize that if you are too busy to go to the traditional classroom , he or she can always utilize the resources to complete the degree online it may be more... Read More
Review Date: 4/9/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Liberty University's online graduate program in public administration had many benefits. First, I could access it whenever and wherever I wanted to. Second, the workload was manageable for most classes. Third, the academic advising department was helpful and responsive. Fourth, the cost of tuition was reasonable. Fifth, all classes place a heavy emphasis on APA formatting. While this in itself is minor, it has become second nature to follow APA as a result. The drawbacks of the program are: It appears... Read More
Review Date: 1/24/2015
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No