2026 Best Value Public Administration Schools in Michigan

1

Oakland University
Rochester Hills, MI

Oakland University tops our 2026 list of the best value public administration schools in Michigan. Set in the suburb of Rochester Hills, Oakland University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,167, while out-of-state students pay about $24,735. Public Administration graduates carry a median of $25,972 in student loans. Public Administration graduates of Oakland University earn a median of $55,254 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,972 median debt. Oakland University admits about 88% of applicants.

2

University Of Michigan Flint
Flint, MI

University Of Michigan Flint came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value public administration schools. University Of Michigan Flint is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Flint. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,236, compared with $27,790 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for public administration graduates is $31,016. Early-career public administration graduates make about $62,493. Set against $31,016 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 70%.

3

Wayne State University
Detroit, MI

Wayne State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in public administration, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Detroit, Wayne State University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,159, with out-of-state students paying around $34,650. Students borrow a median of $30,750 to complete the public administration program here. Early-career public administration graduates make about $50,539. Set against $30,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 81%.

4

Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Central Michigan University earned it the #4 place for public administration. Set in the town of Mount Pleasant, Central Michigan University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,480 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for public administration graduates is $27,500. Public Administration graduates of Central Michigan University earn a median of $56,767 early in their careers. Set against $27,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Central Michigan University admits about 90% of applicants.

5

Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MI

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Eastern Michigan University earned it the #5 place for public administration. Located in the suburb of Ypsilanti, Eastern Michigan University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $16,990 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $28,781 to complete the public administration program here. Early-career public administration graduates make about $60,337. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.

6

Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI

Grand Valley State University came in at #6 for value in public administration this year. Set in the town of Allendale, Grand Valley State University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,502 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,894 for out-of-state students. Public Administration graduates carry a median of $25,697 in student loans. Soon after graduation, public administration degree recipients from Grand Valley State University generally make around $46,843. Set against $25,697 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Grand Valley State University admits about 83% of applicants.

7

Northern Michigan University
Marquette, MI

Northern Michigan University landed the #7 spot for public administration value this year. Located in the town of Marquette, Northern Michigan University is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $14,322 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,944. Typical student debt for public administration graduates is $22,608. Public Administration graduates of Northern Michigan University earn a median of $40,508 early in their careers. Set against $22,608 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northern Michigan University admits about 84% of applicants.

8

Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI

Western Michigan University came in at #8 for value in public administration this year. Western Michigan University is a large public school located in the city of Kalamazoo. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,987, with out-of-state students paying around $19,952. Public Administration graduates carry a median of $27,981 in student loans. Early-career public administration graduates make about $58,501. Set against $27,981 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Michigan University admits about 85% of applicants.