2026 Best Value Public Administration Schools in Illinois

1

University Of Illinois At Springfield
Springfield, IL

Leading the list is University Of Illinois At Springfield, our #1 best value for public administration in Illinois. Located in the city of Springfield, University Of Illinois At Springfield is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,557, with out-of-state students paying around $20,139. Students borrow a median of $24,925 to complete the public administration program here. Public Administration graduates of University Of Illinois At Springfield earn a median of $61,014 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Illinois At Springfield admits about 86% of applicants.

2

University Of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Illinois At Chicago earned it the #2 place for public administration. Located in the city of Chicago, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,949, while out-of-state students pay about $32,009. Public Administration graduates carry a median of $20,115 in student loans. Soon after graduation, public administration degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Chicago generally make around $59,815. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Illinois At Chicago admits about 77% of applicants.

3

Governors State University
University Park, IL

Students looking for strong value in public administration will find it at Governors State University, which ranked #3. Governors State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of University Park. In-state tuition and fees average $12,004. Typical student debt for public administration graduates is $24,990. Soon after graduation, public administration degree recipients from Governors State University generally make around $51,711. Set against $24,990 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 48%.

4

Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL

Students looking for strong value in public administration will find it at Northern Illinois University, which ranked #4. Located in the suburb of Dekalb, Northern Illinois University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,060. Students borrow a median of $25,209 to complete the public administration program here. Public Administration graduates of Northern Illinois University earn a median of $62,849 early in their careers. Set against $25,209 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 70%.

5

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Edwardsville, IL

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a great value for students pursuing a degree in public administration, landing the #5 spot this year. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a large public school located in the suburb of Edwardsville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,092. Typical student debt for public administration graduates is $23,917. Soon after graduation, public administration degree recipients from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville generally make around $51,703. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.

6

National Louis University
Chicago, IL

National Louis University came in at #6 for value in public administration this year. Located in the city of Chicago, National Louis University is a large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $13,245 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $29,242 to complete the public administration program here. Soon after graduation, public administration degree recipients from National Louis University generally make around $53,733. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 95%.

7

Illinois Institute Of Technology
Chicago, IL

Illinois Institute Of Technology landed the #7 spot for public administration value this year. Illinois Institute Of Technology is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. In-state tuition and fees average $52,202. Public Administration graduates carry a median of $26,774 in student loans. Public Administration graduates of Illinois Institute Of Technology earn a median of $71,315 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,774 median debt. The acceptance rate is 55%.

8

Aurora University
Aurora, IL

Aurora University landed the #8 spot for public administration value this year. Set in the suburb of Aurora, Aurora University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $29,170. Students borrow a median of $24,507 to complete the public administration program here. Public Administration graduates of Aurora University earn a median of $42,605 early in their careers. Set against $24,507 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Aurora University admits about 81% of applicants.

9

Northwestern University
Evanston, IL

Northwestern University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value public administration schools. Set in the city of Evanston, Northwestern University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $68,322 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for public administration graduates is $16,616. Soon after graduation, public administration degree recipients from Northwestern University generally make around $73,260. That is a strong return on a $16,616 median debt. Northwestern University admits about 8% of applicants.

10

Depaul University
Chicago, IL

Depaul University earned the #10 position for value in public administration this year. Set in the city of Chicago, Depaul University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $45,405 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for public administration graduates is $25,310. Early-career public administration graduates make about $65,378. That is a strong return on a $25,310 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.