Which schools offer the most affordable Master’s in Public Administration degrees?

The first Master's in Public Administration was created at the University of Michigan in 1913 in response to the overwhelming amount of corruption and inefficiency at the state and federal government levels. Since then, this degree has continued to develop and thrive as the need for public servants with integrity and character remains at an all-time high. This degree is ideal for graduate students seeking to lead in public service through government, non-profit, and private sectors. With such a potential to serve the greater good, some organizations and schools within universities offer huge discounts and financial aid to students seeking these degrees. Here are just a few of the top Master's in Public Administration degrees that feature quality curriculums at affordable prices.

Framed by the scenic Wasatch Mountains, the University of Utah in Salt Lake City offers a remarkable Master's of Public Administration at its College of Social and Behavioral Science. The school receives its excellent accreditation through the NASPAA and has been recognized as one of the nation's best such ranking entities as the Princeton Review and U.S. News and World Report. This MPA has been designed to "expand opportunities for students to participate and lead in professional work and civic affairs, with strong legal standards, ethical commitment, compassion, and appreciation for the roles of other officials and community stakeholders in 21st century governance." Requirements for this program include a completed or waived American Government pre-requisite, nine core courses, five electives, an internship, a major research paper, and the fulfillment of all graduation requirements at least two semesters before graduation. The University of Utah features this MPA at an impressive total tuition rate of just $6,230.

Another high-powered on-campus graduate degree in public service is the Master's of Public Service and Administration featured at the Bush School of Government & Public Service at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. Designed to be completed as a full-time degree in just two years, this program features courses like Foundations in Public Service, Foundations of the Non-Profit Sector, Public Finance, Program Evaluation in Public and Nonprofit Organizations, Budgeting in Public Service, and Management and Leadership of Nonprofits. Receiving its accreditation through the NASPAA, the Bush School of Government & Public Service offers this MPSA at an impressive $5,598. Some students of the school have reported an average early career salary of $68,700, revealing a strong return on the investment of education.

Also located in Texas, is the University of North Texas in Denton, where a full-time graduate student can find a Master's of Public Administration in the College of Public Affairs and Community Service. Recognized as one of the nation's most affordable MPAs, the total tuition fee for this program is just $5,450. This degree, which dates back to 1961 and has prepared over 1,300 alumni currently working in many forms of public service, has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the 13th best in the nation for City Government/Urban Management. UNT has designed this MPA to "prepare leaders for public and nonprofit organizations through an innovative curriculum and dedicated teaching; creating and disseminating knowledge to the field of public administration through interdisciplinary research and professional development activities; and serving the profession and the community in order to promote democratic governance and enhance quality of life."