2026 Best Value Public Administration Schools in Alabama

1

Troy University
Troy, AL

Leading the list is Troy University, our #1 best value for public administration in Alabama. Troy University is a large public school located in the town of Troy. Students from in state pay about $10,176 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,352. Typical student debt for public administration graduates is $26,439. Early-career public administration graduates make about $51,555. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 96%.

2

Auburn University At Montgomery
Montgomery, AL

Students looking for strong value in public administration will find it at Auburn University At Montgomery, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Montgomery, Auburn University At Montgomery is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,700, while out-of-state students pay about $20,668. Students borrow a median of $29,746 to complete the public administration program here. Public Administration graduates of Auburn University At Montgomery earn a median of $44,249 early in their careers. Set against $29,746 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted.

3

Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, AL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Columbia Southern University earned it the #3 place for public administration. Set in the town of Orange Beach, Columbia Southern University is a very large private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,224. Typical student debt for public administration graduates is $25,447. Early-career public administration graduates make about $63,643. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

4

Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville, AL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Jacksonville State University earned it the #4 place for public administration. Set in the suburb of Jacksonville, Jacksonville State University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,894 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $23,334. Public Administration graduates carry a median of $24,751 in student loans. Early-career public administration graduates make about $45,361. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%.

5

University Of South Alabama
Mobile, AL

University Of South Alabama came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value public administration schools. University Of South Alabama is a large public school located in the city of Mobile. In-state tuition and fees average $10,116, compared with $19,092 for out-of-state students. Public Administration graduates carry a median of $26,513 in student loans. Public Administration graduates of University Of South Alabama earn a median of $51,592 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,513 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted.

6

University Of Alabama At Birmingham
Birmingham, AL

University Of Alabama At Birmingham came in at #6 for value in public administration this year. Located in the city of Birmingham, University Of Alabama At Birmingham is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $9,098 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,562. Students borrow a median of $26,162 to complete the public administration program here. Public Administration graduates of University Of Alabama At Birmingham earn a median of $48,736 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%.

7

The University Of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL

The University Of Alabama placed #7 among the best values for public administration. Set in the city of Tuscaloosa, The University Of Alabama is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,180, compared with $34,172 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for public administration graduates is $24,496. Soon after graduation, public administration degree recipients from The University Of Alabama generally make around $50,740. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.

8

Auburn University
Auburn, AL

Auburn University earned the #8 position for value in public administration this year. Located in the city of Auburn, Auburn University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $12,890, while out-of-state students pay about $34,922. Students borrow a median of $22,803 to complete the public administration program here. Public Administration graduates of Auburn University earn a median of $55,422 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,803 median debt. The acceptance rate is 46%.