[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Public administrators promote urban development, implement public policies, and protect public safety. With a public administration degree, graduates can work in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Public administration programs prepare you for a career in public service. During a public administration degree program, you’ll take courses in government, business, and nonprofit management. While many public service majors work in federal, state, or local government roles, the degree also leads to opportunities in nonprofit organizations and private businesses.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’re interested in public service careers related to finance, public health, emergency management, and nonprofit management, you can benefit from the interdisciplinary approach of a public administration program.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is a Public Administration Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As an academic and professional field, public administration covers the management and distribution of public resources, including taxpayer funds, government employees, and social programs. In a public administration degree program, you’ll learn about the intersecting concepts that impact public resource management.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can earn a public administration degree at any level, from associate to doctorate. Key subjects you’ll cover include:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Policy analysis[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Budget management[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Regulatory compliance[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Organizational behavior[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Public administration degree programs develop strong leadership and communication skills, ensuring you can adequately support your community’s needs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Types of Public Administration Concentrations[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can study public administration as a generalist degree or specialize in a concentrated area. Concentration tracks become more readily available at the graduate level, starting with master’s degrees. Some particularly common and popular concentration options include:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Emergency Management: [/hen-ui-text]Emergency management programs train students to respond to natural and human-made disasters. You’ll learn to manage and optimize the critical resources during crises.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Financial Management: [/hen-ui-text]Financial (or fiscal) management concentrations emphasize the controls and oversight mechanisms public administrators use to ensure the compliant distribution and tracking of taxpayer funds.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Public Policy[/hen-ui-text]: Concentrations in public policy focus on data-driven, research-backed methods for analyzing the fairness and effectiveness of government initiatives. They combine aspects of data science, economics, political science, and sociology.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Health Policy[/hen-ui-text]: A health policy specialization will take an interdisciplinary approach to making healthcare systems more accessible, affordable, efficient, and equitable.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Public Administration Degrees: From Associate to Doctorate[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Colleges and universities offer public administration degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Each degree introduces you to core and advanced public administration concepts and prepares you for different [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/public-administration/”]career opportunities[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For example, a bachelor’s in public administration prepares you for entry-level public sector jobs, while a master’s degree opens doors for supervisory and leadership roles. This section introduces the different types of public administration degrees and describes the career opportunities of each pathway.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Associate Degree in Public Administration[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Program Length[/hen-ui-text]: 2 years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Potential Jobs[/hen-ui-text]: Accounting clerk, administrative assistant, records clerk[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An associate degree in public administration introduces you to the responsibilities of public administrators at different levels, including local administrators like city managers, state administration jobs, and federal public sector jobs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You take courses in American government, state and local government, nonprofit management, and program assessment. At the associate degree level, you also build foundational skills in communication, mathematics, and business.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]With a [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/”]two-year associate degree[/hen-ui-link], you can work as a city clerk, accounting clerk, or administrative assistant. You can also transfer into a four-year program to pursue a bachelor’s degree.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Program Length[/hen-ui-text]: 4 years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Potential Jobs[/hen-ui-text]: Budget analyst, fundraising specialist, human resources specialist, research associate[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A bachelor’s degree in public administration prepares you for entry-level roles in public, private, and nonprofit sector jobs. The degree builds strong research, analytical, and critical thinking skills. As a public administration major, you study policy analysis, public financial management, and public program evaluation. Some programs offer concentrations in emergency management, public management, and financial management.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Bachelor’s in public administration programs typically take four years to complete. In addition to public administration courses, you’ll complete general education requirements that build critical thinking and problem-solving skills. After earning your degree, you can find work as a case manager, regional planner, policy analyst, and budget analyst.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Master’s Degree in Public Administration[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Program Length[/hen-ui-text]: 2 years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Potential Jobs[/hen-ui-text]: Compliance officer, healthcare administrator, policy analyst, social or community services manager[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-public-administration/”]master of public administration[/hen-ui-link] (MPA) offers focused, graduate-level training for public service careers. During a master’s program, you learn how to evaluate public policies, research community needs, manage public sector budgets, and design strategic plans. The degree builds strong analytical skills through research projects and a master’s thesis.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning an MPA typically takes two years of full-time study. MPA graduates can work as city managers, community service managers, emergency planners, and public health administrators.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Doctorate in Public Administration[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Program Length[/hen-ui-text]: 4-5 years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Potential Jobs[/hen-ui-text]: Municipal manager, program director, public administration professor, public policy researcher[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”https://thebestschools.org/rankings/doctorate/”]doctorate in public administration[/hen-ui-link] prepares you for academic, research, and leadership roles in the field. You focus on theoretical or applied public administration and conduct research in your focus areas. Some programs train you as a practitioner, while others focus on training you for careers in research and academia.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Each doctoral candidate must pass examinations and write a dissertation. The degree typically takes 3-4 years. After earning your doctorate, you can work as a city manager, program director, public administration professor, or public policy researcher.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What to Consider Before Applying to a Public Administration Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Before you spend time and money preparing your public administration degree application, ensure the program aligns with your expectations. Prioritize these three factors in particular:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Accreditation for Public Administration Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When researching public administration programs, you should always choose a degree program from an [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]accredited college[/hen-ui-link]. [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/transferring-credits-and-school-accreditation/”]Regionally accredited schools[/hen-ui-link] meet the highest educational standards for granting degrees.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition to college accreditation, you should also pursue accredited public administration programs. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.naspaa.org/accreditation/” target=”_blank”]National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration[/hen-ui-link] grants accreditation to public administration programs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Ensure Your Area of Interest Is Offered[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you want to pursue a career in a specific area, such as emergency management or public policy, review the curriculum to see which specializations the program supports. Many schools offer pre-planned concentration tracks, but you may have the option of self-designing a specialization by using your electives strategically.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In the latter case, review elective course offerings to see how well they align with your learning goals. Also, check to see how many elective slots the curriculum allows.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Admission Requirements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Undergraduate students typically require a high school diploma or the equivalent, plus an academic record that meets the school’s standards. A background in mathematics may benefit you, especially for programs involving coursework in government accounting, data analytics, and/or finance.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduate public administration programs often accept applicants from diverse academic backgrounds. However, an undergraduate public administration degree may strengthen your application. You may also benefit from holding a degree in a related area, such as accounting, economics, finance, political science, or sociology.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Common undergraduate application requirements include:[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Letters of recommendation[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Standardized test scores, such as the ACT or SAT[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A personal statement or essay[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Can You Do With a Public Administration Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Public administration graduates often work in public service roles, including at the state and local levels. After earning the degree, you can find work in government, social services, regional planning, public relations, and public policy roles. Some popular career paths include city manager, budget analyst, public administration consultant, and community service manager.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Since these programs also help you develop strong communication and analytical skills, you can find [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/business-jobs/”]opportunities in business[/hen-ui-link] and education. And depending on your public administration focus area, this degree can open the door to careers in emergency management, disaster response, and public health administration.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]10 Careers You Can Pursue With a Public Administration Degree[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Public Administration Career[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Annual Salary (2024)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Projected Job Growth (2023-33)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Minimum Degree Required[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Compensation and Benefits Managers[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Public Administration Career”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/compensation-and-benefits-managers.htm” target=”_blank”]$140,360[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/compensation-and-benefits-managers.htm” target=”_blank”]+2%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-33)”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Human Resources Managers[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Public Administration Career”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/human-resources-managers.htm” target=”_blank”]$140,030[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/human-resources-managers.htm” target=”_blank”]+6%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-33)”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Public Relations and Fundraising Managers[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Public Administration Career”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/public-relations-managers.htm” target=”_blank”]$132,870[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/public-relations-managers.htm” target=”_blank”]+7%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-33)”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Top Executives[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Public Administration Career”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/top-executives.htm” target=”_blank”]$105,350[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/top-executives.htm” target=”_blank”]+6%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-33)”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Medical and Health Services Managers[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Public Administration Career”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm” target=”_blank”]$117,960[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/medical-and-health-services-managers.htm” target=”_blank”]+29%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-33)”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Administrative Service Managers[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Public Administration Career”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/administrative-services-managers.htm” target=”_blank”]$106,880[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/administrative-services-managers.htm” target=”_blank”]+6%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-33)”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Postsecondary Education Administrators[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Public Administration Career”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/postsecondary-education-administrators.htm” target=”_blank”]$103,960[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/postsecondary-education-administrators.htm” target=”_blank”]+3%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-33)”]Master’s degree[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Social and Community Service Managers[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Public Administration Career”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/social-and-community-service-managers.htm” target=”_blank”]$78,240[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/social-and-community-service-managers.htm” target=”_blank”]+8%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-33)”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Public Relations Specialists[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Public Administration Career”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/public-relations-specialists.htm” target=”_blank”]$69,780[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/public-relations-specialists.htm” target=”_blank”]+6%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-33)”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Public Administration Career”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/property-real-estate-and-community-association-managers.htm” target=”_blank”]$66,700[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2024)”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/property-real-estate-and-community-association-managers.htm” target=”_blank”]+3%[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Projected Job Growth (2023-33)”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Public Administration Degree Salary[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The salary you can earn with a public administration degree varies widely according to factors including your position title, experience, location, and the dynamics of your local labor market.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As the table below illustrates, your degree level can also impact your earning potential. According to 2023 data analyzed by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), professionals with a master’s degree in public administration earn a [hen-ui-link href=”https://naceweb.org/job-market/graduate-outcomes/first-destination/class-of-2023/interactive-dashboard” target=”_blank”]25% higher starting salary[/hen-ui-link], on average, than professionals with a bachelor’s degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Average Starting Salaries for Public Administration Majors[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Public Administration Degree Level[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Mean Starting Salary for Public Administration Majors (2023)[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Public Administration Degree Level”]$49,570[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Master’s[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Public Administration Degree Level”]$62,290[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Much Does a Public Administration Degree Cost?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The average cost of tuition for a bachelor’s public administration degree ranges from about $7,800 to $10,300, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), depending on whether the program is online or campus-based. However, as with any degree, costs can vary significantly based on several factors, including:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Degree level[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]School status as a public or private institution[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]School prestige and program demand[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Delivery format can also impact both tuition rates and your cost of attendance, with online programs tending to offer significant savings. Explore data and details in the table below:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Public Administration Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is public administration a business degree?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]No. While public administration and [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-business-administration/”]business degrees[/hen-ui-link] overlap in their coverage of accounting, finance, human resources, organizational management, and leadership, public administration is not generally considered a business field due to its policy-based emphasis on the public sector.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What’s the difference between public administration and public policy?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Public policy is a specialized subfield of public administration that focuses on the data-driven analysis of government policies and their community-level impacts. Public administration is a broader field concerned with the general management of organizations in the public sector.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What does a public administrator do?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It depends on their precise job role, but public administrators generally manage publicly funded budgets and programs while ensuring compliance with applicable laws. They also work to improve organizational efficiency, manage personnel, and ensure the accountability of public finances.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is public administration a good degree?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’re interested in a [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/career-guide/politics/”]career in government[/hen-ui-link], a public administration degree makes an excellent match. For example, the master of public administration (MPA) degree can be the public-sector equivalent of a master of business administration (MBA). Like MBAs, MPA degrees can open paths to management-level career opportunities.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Discover More College Resources” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1493,1468″][/hen-ui-article-row]