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Most Affordable Online Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) Programs

Getting your MPA doesn’t have to break the bank. Learn about top-tier online programs you can afford and discover more college cost-savings tips.

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An MPA degree can equip you with the skills to become a leader in managing programs, offices, and employees in various settings such as federal government, nonprofit organizations, global nongovernment organizations, and private companies. Pursuing an affordable and accredited MPA program online can help alleviate the financial burden that often comes with graduate school. This webpage aims to provide practical advice and highlight the most affordable MPA programs available to help you achieve your goal.

50 Most Affordable Online MPA Programs in 2024

Program emphasis, curriculum content, and the quality of the faculty are significant in choosing an MPA program. For many students, though, affordability is the most important factor. Using data provided by the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), the following rankings of the most affordable MPA programs tell you which schools have ideal combinations of affordability and quality. See the “About the ranking” button below for full details on how we calculate rankings.

About the ranking

College Ranking Methodology

Generate List of Eligible Schools and Programs

To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).

  • Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
  • At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
  • Career placement and academic counseling services.
  • Maximum tuition of $15,000 per academic year.

Assign Weightings

After generating the list of eligible schools, the STEPS data team then assigned weights and ranked schools based on their performance in a variety of key categories. Affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.

Online Learning

  • Number of online programs in subject area self-reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education.
  • Percentage of graduate students at the school taking at least one class online

Affordability

  • Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on in-state tuition for undergraduates per academic year.

Academic Quality

  • Student-to-faculty ratio: Schools with lower ratios ranked higher.
  • Percentage of students admitted. More selective schools ranked higher.

About Our Data

All STEPS rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: August 2023

Accreditation Glossary

ABHE: Association for Biblical Higher Education, Commission on Accreditation

ABHES: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools

ACCJC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges

ACCSC: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges

DEAC: Distance Education Accrediting Commission

HLC: Higher Learning Commission

MSCHE: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

NECHE: New England Commission of Higher Education

NWCCU: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

SACSCOC: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

TRACS: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools, Accreditation Commission

WSCUC: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

The Master of Public Administration at Texas A&M International University prepares individuals to advance their career or to seek employment in public and nonprofit sectors. Students are also prepared to lead and manage public agencies, programs, and projects. Coursework provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities students need for leadership and management roles in a culturally diverse society, teaching students to value public service, think analytically and critically, and communicate effectively. The program and its faculty are committed to innovative teaching, research, and community engagement. The program is fully online with no choices for a minor, but students can take electives that fit their professional interests. They can also choose to complete the Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership & Management, which consists of 12 hours.

Program Highlights:

Master of Public Administration

  • Credits: 42
  • Length: Varies
  • Cost: $3,686 per semester (Resident); $9,572 per semester (Nonresident)
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: NASPAA
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 21:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 82%

2

Tarleton State University

Stephenville, Texas

Tartleton State University's Master of Public Administration equips students with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to pursue careers in public service careers and nonprofit management. Curriculum components are designed to develop leadership capacity and encourage critical thinking and ethical decision making, with emphasis on hands-on learning grounded in real-world experiences. Example of coursework includes Intergovernmental Relations, Organizational Behavior, Human Resource Management, Budgeting and Finance, Public Policy, Organizational Behavior, and Advanced ethics in public administration. Students can complete the program in as few as 18 months and can choose from in-person, hybrid, or online options and between a thesis and non-thesis track.

Program Highlights:

Master of Public Administration

  • Credits: 36
  • Length: 2 years
  • Cost: $509.27 per credit hour (Resident); $775.37 per credit hour (Nonresident)
  • Mode: In person, Hybrid, or Online
  • Accreditation: SACSCOC
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 21:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 97%

The University of Texas Permian Basin's Master of Public Administration program is designed for students who want to begin or advance within a public or nonprofit sector career. Coursework teaches students to address organizational issues and policy questions in a practical, proficient, ethical, legal, and diplomatic manner while supporting the public interest. Graduates seek careers in criminal justice, economic development, fine arts, healthcare, human services, parks and recreation, public safety, and transportation.

Program Highlights:

Master of Public Administration

  • Credits: 36
  • Length: Varies
  • Cost: $14,075.64 program tuition
  • Mode: Online
  • Accreditation: AACSB
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 13:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 87%

4

University of West Georgia

Carrollton, Georgia

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 19:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 92%

5

Arkansas State University

Jonesboro, Arkansas

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 14:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 83%
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 15:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 96%

7

University of North Carolina Wilmington

Wilmington, North Carolina

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 16:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 78%

8

University of North Georgia

Dahlonega, Georgia

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 18:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 80%

9

Clayton State University

Morrow, Georgia

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 19:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 97%

10

University of North Carolina at Pembroke

Pembroke, North Carolina

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 15:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 93%

11

Delaware State University

Dover, Delaware

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 16:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation MSCHE
Online Students 47%

12

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 11:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 87%

13

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 84%

14

Georgia College & State University

Milledgeville, Georgia

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 16:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 92%

15

Southern University and A & M College

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 20:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 16%

16

East Carolina University

Greenville, North Carolina

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 18:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 73%

17

The University of Montana

Missoula, Montana

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 15:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation NWCCU
Online Students 30%

18

Southeast Missouri State University

Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 20:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 81%

19

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 30:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 51%

20

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 18:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 66%

21

San Diego State University

San Diego, California

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 26:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation WSCUC
Online Students 33%

22

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 15:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 63%

23

Lamar University

Beaumont, Texas

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 18:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 94%

24

University of South Dakota

Vermillion, South Dakota

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 14:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 51%

25

Texas Southern University

Houston, Texas

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 15:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 24%

26

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 19:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 68%

27

Wichita State University

Wichita, Kansas

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 19:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 47%
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 54%

29

Sam Houston State University

Huntsville, Texas

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 20:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 68%

30

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, Texas

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 21:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 52%

31

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 19:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 24%

32

Adams State University

Alamosa, Colorado

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 11:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 95%
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 20:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 49%

34

University of Illinois Springfield

Springfield, Illinois

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 12:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 89%

35

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 16:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 32%

36

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 24:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation WSCUC
Online Students 65%
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 20:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 72%

38

Southern Utah University

Cedar City, Utah

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 23:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation NWCCU
Online Students 97%

39

Florida Gulf Coast University

Fort Myers, Florida

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 22:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 60%

40

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 15:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 63%

41

University of Idaho

Moscow, Idaho

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 16:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation NWCCU
Online Students 51%

42

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 26:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation WSCUC
Online Students 75%

43

Liberty University

Lynchburg, Virginia

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 17:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 97%
Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 25:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation WSCUC
Online Students 66%

45

Northern Illinois University

Dekalb, Illinois

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 15:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 58%

46

Indiana State University

Terre Haute, Indiana

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 16:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 66%

47

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 9:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation NWCCU
Online Students 90%

48

University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

Oshkosh, Wisconsin

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 21:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation HLC
Online Students 74%

49

Belhaven University

Jackson, Mississippi

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 10:1
Tuition (In-State) $$
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 84%

50

Reinhardt University

Waleska, Georgia

Academic Counseling Yes
Career Placement Yes
Student-to-Faculty Ratio 12:1
Tuition (In-State) $
Accreditation SACSCOC
Online Students 65%

5 Ways to Make Your Online MPA Degree Cheaper

While your top priority is finding the program that’s right for you, you’ll also want to consider how to minimize the cost of your online MPA degree. Check out these five ideas, which could save you big bucks.

1

Apply to scholarships, grants, and fellowships created for MPA students.

Many schools provide extensive financial aid information and opportunities such as scholarships, grants, and fellowships for their MPA students. For example, Missouri State University-Springfield offers department-specific financial aid in addition to aid offered to all students. You’ll also find scholarship and award opportunities through professional organizations such as the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs, Section for Women in Public Administration, and the American Society for Public Administration. Finally, the STEPS financial aid guide and scholarships and resources guide for public administration students provide even more ways to discover scholarships, grants, and fellowships.

2

Investigate tuition reimbursement programs.

Many employers, including the federal government, offer tuition reimbursement programs to help offset tuition costs for their employees. Some employers require a certain grade or that you commit to working for them for a specific amount of time in return for reimbursing your tuition. While there is no limit to how much you can receive in tuition reimbursement, many employers cap the maximum yearly amount at $5,250 since you’ll have to pay taxes on anything beyond that. Review the guide How to Use – and Ask for – Employer Tuition Reimbursement Benefits, then check with your company’s human resources department to see if your workplace has a tuition reimbursement program.

3

Maximize tax credits, deductions, and other benefits.

The guide Tax Benefits for Education summarizes tax credits, student loan interest deductions, savings plans, deductions for work-related education expenses, and more. Plus you’ll learn how scholarships and fellowships impact your tax return. (Spoiler alert: Typically tuition and mandatory enrollment fees qualify for tax credits, but you must subtract any scholarships or educational assistance such as an employer’s tuition reimbursement.) In practice, maximizing these benefits can be confusing, so consulting a tax professional can be a good idea to get the best results.

4

Check into student loan options.

Student loans include those from the federal government and private loans from banks and other financial institutions, such as Sallie Mae. Federal loans, which you apply for by filling out a FAFSA, include Federal Direct Loans and Direct Graduate PLUS loans. Your credit score affects your ability to obtain a private loan without a cosigner, and terms vary depending on the type of loan. Most college websites have loan information; as an example, take a look at info from Southern Arkansas University, which details not only how to apply for loans but also how to manage debt and even apply for loan forgiveness.

5

Consider public service loan forgiveness.

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program cancels loans for full-time public service employees who work for the government and nonprofit organizations. Qualifying loans include those through the Direct Loan Program, the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program, and the Federal Perkins Loan Program. Additional criteria include having a repayment plan and making a minimum number of qualifying payments. While this may not yet apply to your online MPA, it could help with past student loan debt and clear the way for you to better afford your MPA.

What Impacts the Cost of an Online MPA Program?

When selecting a top-quality and affordable MPA program, it is important to consider various factors that may affect the total cost of your degree. These costs may not be immediately apparent but can significantly increase the program’s overall price tag if not taken into account. However, anticipating these costs can help you plan accordingly and avoid any financial surprises down the line.

Length of Program

The less time you spend in school, the lower your overall costs will be. This is particularly beneficial for those who must limit their work hours while taking classes, as spending less time in school can mean more income. Additionally, obtaining your MPA degree sooner can also enable you to move into higher-paying positions sooner.

Residency Status

While some schools now charge the same tuition rate regardless of residency, traditionally in-state tuition costs are significantly less than (sometimes even half!) out-of-state tuition. Pay close attention to tuition for each program you consider and spend a little extra time evaluating programs in your home state.

Miscellaneous Fees

Finding a great tuition rate certainly matters—but not if the miscellaneous fees are considerable. Be sure to look at overall program cost and not just per credit or per course tuition rates before you make a final decision on which MPA program to choose.

Transfer Credits

If you’ve already completed some master’s level coursework, be sure to check if schools you are considering allow you to transfer credits. The savings in time and money can be substantial, especially at schools like Columbia Southern, which allows MPA students to transfer up to 18 credits.

Making Connections

Most MPA students hope to obtain an executive-level position, which means they need connections. So in addition to a high-quality curriculum, flexibility, and affordability, choose a program that provides networking opportunities. For example, the program at Delaware State University emphasizes engagement with the community, providing lots of opportunities to work with local leaders. Remind yourself that, if the program you’re looking at doesn’t lend itself to meeting the people who might hire you, you could end up taking a lesser position and reduce your overall income in the long term.