2026 Best Value Public Administration Schools in North Carolina

1

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC

Leading the list is University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill, our #1 best value for public administration in North Carolina. Set in the city of Chapel Hill, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,994 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. Typical student debt for public administration graduates is $15,117. Early-career public administration graduates make about $66,534. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 15% of applicants are accepted.

2

Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC

A rank of #2 makes Western Carolina University one of the best values for public administration. Set in the town of Cullowhee, Western Carolina University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,630, while out-of-state students pay about $8,630. Typical student debt for public administration graduates is $18,375. Public Administration graduates of Western Carolina University earn a median of $54,286 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 82%.

3

University Of North Carolina At Pembroke
Pembroke, NC

University Of North Carolina At Pembroke is a great value for students pursuing a degree in public administration, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the town of Pembroke, University Of North Carolina At Pembroke is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,648, compared with $7,648 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for public administration graduates is $27,089. Public Administration graduates of University Of North Carolina At Pembroke earn a median of $46,323 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,089 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Pembroke admits about 93% of applicants.

4

University Of North Carolina At Greensboro
Greensboro, NC

University Of North Carolina At Greensboro came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value public administration schools. Located in the city of Greensboro, University Of North Carolina At Greensboro is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $7,661 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,012. Typical student debt for public administration graduates is $24,977. Soon after graduation, public administration degree recipients from University Of North Carolina At Greensboro generally make around $48,682. Set against $24,977 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%.

5

University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
Charlotte, NC

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of North Carolina At Charlotte earned it the #5 place for public administration. Located in the city of Charlotte, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,239, compared with $22,492 for out-of-state students. Public Administration graduates carry a median of $24,673 in student loans. Public Administration graduates of University Of North Carolina At Charlotte earn a median of $59,111 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,673 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.

6

Appalachian State University
Boone, NC

Appalachian State University came in at #6 for value in public administration this year. Appalachian State University is a very large public school located in the town of Boone. Students from in state pay about $7,579 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,212. Public Administration graduates carry a median of $21,992 in student loans. Soon after graduation, public administration degree recipients from Appalachian State University generally make around $46,655. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%.

7

North Carolina Central University
Durham, NC

North Carolina Central University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value public administration schools. Set in the city of Durham, North Carolina Central University is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,699 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,735. Public Administration graduates carry a median of $31,173 in student loans. Soon after graduation, public administration degree recipients from North Carolina Central University generally make around $51,559. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.

8

East Carolina University
Greenville, NC

East Carolina University placed #8 among the best values for public administration. Set in the city of Greenville, East Carolina University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,361, compared with $23,638 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,747 to complete the public administration program here. Early-career public administration graduates make about $51,931. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%.

9

North Carolina State University At Raleigh
Raleigh, NC

North Carolina State University At Raleigh placed #9 among the best values for public administration. Located in the city of Raleigh, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $8,799 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. Public Administration graduates carry a median of $22,113 in student loans. Early-career public administration graduates make about $51,393. That is a strong return on a $22,113 median debt. The acceptance rate is 42%.

10

University Of North Carolina At Wilmington
Wilmington, NC

University Of North Carolina At Wilmington ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value public administration schools. Set in the city of Wilmington, University Of North Carolina At Wilmington is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,277, compared with $24,152 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for public administration graduates is $23,013. Public Administration graduates of University Of North Carolina At Wilmington earn a median of $50,764 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $23,013 median debt. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted.

11

Gardner Webb University
Boiling Springs, NC

Gardner Webb University came in at #11 for value in public administration this year. Set in the rural area of Boiling Springs, Gardner Webb University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,750. Public Administration graduates carry a median of $25,033 in student loans. Public Administration graduates of Gardner Webb University earn a median of $63,220 early in their careers. Set against $25,033 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%.