Most Affordable Online Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) Programs
Getting your MPA doesn’t have to break the bank. Read our guide to learn about top-tier online Master of Public Administration programs you can afford and discover more college cost-savings tips. We’ll also answer your most pressing questions about what can affect the cost of getting your MPA.
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.
Programs that might interest you:
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.
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
1
Laredo, Texas
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
2
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
3
Odessa, Texas
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
4
Carrollton, Georgia
5
Jonesboro, Arkansas
6
Magnolia, Arkansas
7
Wilmington, North Carolina
8
Dahlonega, Georgia
9
Morrow, Georgia
10
Pembroke, North Carolina
11
Dover, Delaware
12
Alpine, Texas
13
Nacogdoches, Texas
14
Milledgeville, Georgia
15
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
16
Greenville, North Carolina
17
Missoula, Montana
18
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
19
Orlando, Florida
20
Monroe, Louisiana
21
San Diego, California
22
Omaha, Nebraska
23
Beaumont, Texas
24
Vermillion, South Dakota
25
Houston, Texas
26
Springfield, Missouri
27
Wichita, Kansas
28
Denver, Colorado
29
Huntsville, Texas
30
Lubbock, Texas
31
College Station, Texas
32
Alamosa, Colorado
33
El Paso, Texas
34
Springfield, Illinois
35
Edmond, Oklahoma
36
Hayward, California
37
Edinburg, Texas
38
Cedar City, Utah
39
Fort Myers, Florida
40
Edwardsville, Illinois
41
Moscow, Idaho
42
Northridge, California
43
Lynchburg, Virginia
44
Carson, California
45
Dekalb, Illinois
46
Terre Haute, Indiana
47
Juneau, Alaska
48
Oshkosh, Wisconsin
49
Jackson, Mississippi
50
Waleska, Georgia
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.