Updated
09/26/2023
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 2023
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.
Both the Master of Public Administration (MPA) and the MPA with Social Entrepreneurship Emphasis at Southern Arkansas University (SAU) are completely online and cover vital skills, such as public policy, organizational environment, management of public service organizations, and quantitative and qualitative analysis for decision making. These MPAs draw on critical thinking skills and self-motivation to prepare students for positions of leadership in public service organizations. The MPA with Social Entrepreneurship Emphasis stresses creativity and being mission-focused to address social problems, teaching students to seek change through innovation, collaboration, and new opportunities. Both programs stress technology and strong content knowledge. To graduate, students complete a professional project that puts their program learning into practice by creating a plan for a public service organization or agency. SAU also offers a 4+1 program for earning a BA in Political Science plus an MPA in five years.
Program Highlights:
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
- Credits: 36
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $293/credit (in-state); $459/credit (out-of-state)
- Format: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (school)
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid79%
The fully online and flexible MPA at Missouri State increases your knowledge of fiscal management, public policy, and leadership principles. For the final 12 credits in the program, you’ll choose a concentration in public safety, public policy, public management, local government management, or economic development. These courses in your concentration also earn you a graduate certificate. In addition to core courses, the MPA requires an internship (which can be waived if you have experience) and has a comprehensive exam and a research component. Missouri State also offers an accelerated master’s that allows you to work toward your undergraduate and graduate degrees at the same time.
Program Highlights:
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
- Credits: 36
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $12,913/program (in-state); $23,911/program (out-of-state)
- Format: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (school)
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid59%
While tuition for Columbia Southern University’s MPA program is less than half the price of its competitors, this budget-friendly program rigorously develops students’ knowledge for resolving social and organizational dilemmas. Graduates work in public, nonprofit, and private organizations where they use problem-solving strategies, knowledge of public sector budgets, ethical principles, and public policy management skills. The program offers three asynchronous enrollment options. LifePace Learning allows you to start anytime and take as few as four or as many as 10 weeks per course. Term Enrollment features self-paced assignments within set course start/end times, with terms lasting about nine weeks. The third option is for students with VA education benefits and allows for self-pacing within set start and end dates. In addition to major courses, students complete Project Stakeholders, Managing Complex Projects, Human Resources Management Methods, and Current Issues in Leadership concentration courses.
Program Highlights:
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
- Credits: 36
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $325/credit
- Format: Fully online
- Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (school)
CounselingYes
PlacementNo
Institutional Aid68%
Arkansas State University offers MPA of Public Administration Non-Profit Management and MPA Public Management tracks. Nonprofit professionals aiming for management, director, or executive-level positions find career enhancement through the Non-Profit Management track, while the Public Management track helps those in law enforcement, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and other areas of the public sector. The Non-Profit Management track focuses on skills for safeguarding the public interest, addressing environmental and social concerns, management, strategic planning, and finance. The Public Management track looks at administrative approaches, skills for understanding and navigating the political landscape, and administering governmental revenues, expenditures, and fiscal control within public organizations. Both tracks emphasize rigorous problem analysis, successful collaboration, community and social infrastructure building, and integration of theory. These MPAs are fully online, flexible, and offer accelerated coursework and multiple start dates.
Program Highlights:
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
- Credits: 36
- Length: 18 months
- Cost: $11,412/program
- Format: Fully online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (school); Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (program)
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid67%
A unique focus on civic engagement and community empowerment sets apart Delaware State University’s Master of Public Administration (MPA). In addition to the typical skills in an MPA program, students in Delaware State’s MPA also learn how to work with communities and individuals to help them facilitate their own development. Students practice their skills through engagement with community members and learn to help others become community leaders. In addition to fully online classroom instruction, learning tools include community-based projects and collaboration with nonprofit and government organizations. The program attracts a wide range of students, from those fresh out of an undergraduate program to mid-level professionals looking to upskill and retirees wanting to learn new skills. Students are encouraged to explore their unique interests. An internship is required for those with less than three years of managerial experience.
Program Highlights:
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
- Credits: 33 + 3 for internship if required
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $464/credit
- Format: Fully online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (school)
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid61%
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid64%
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid78%
CounselingYes
PlacementNo
Institutional Aid52%
CounselingYes
PlacementNo
Institutional Aid100%
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid54%
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid89%
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid37%
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid80%
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid69%
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid64%
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid48%
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid88%
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid45%
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid53%
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid69%
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid48%
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid50%
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid49%
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid57%
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid44%
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid39%
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid9%
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid15%
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid58%
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid39%
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid67%
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid100%
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid83%
CounselingYes
PlacementNo
Institutional Aid97%
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid82%
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid83%
CounselingNo
PlacementNo
Institutional Aid77%
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid40%
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid100%
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid54%
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid59%
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid65%
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid49%
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid9%
CounselingYes
PlacementNo
Institutional Aid24%
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid41%
CounselingYes
PlacementNo
Institutional Aid100%
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid48%
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid33%
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Institutional Aid58%
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.