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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value General Public Policy Analysis Schools in Pennsylvania

2 Colleges in the United States
$23,844 Avg Student Debt
$82,482 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value General Public Policy Analysis Badge [General Public Policy Analysis](/majors/social-services-public-administration/public-policy/public-policy-analysis-general/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong general public policy analysis education at a price that pays off.

College Factual analyzed 23 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value general public policy analysis schools.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value General Public Policy Analysis Schools in Pennsylvania

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in general public policy analysis, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value General Public Policy Analysis Schools

1
Temple University crest
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA

For return on investment in general public policy analysis, no school beat Temple University this year. Temple University is a very large public school located in the city of Philadelphia. Students from in state pay about $23,005 in tuition and fees, compared with $38,805 for out-of-state students. General Public Policy Analysis graduates carry a median of $26,259 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general public policy analysis degree recipients from Temple University generally make around $54,910. That is a strong return on a $26,259 median debt. Temple University admits about 80% of applicants.

2

University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general public policy analysis, landing the #2 spot this year. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Pittsburgh. Students from in state pay about $21,926 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,430. Typical student debt for general public policy analysis graduates is $24,958. Soon after graduation, general public policy analysis degree recipients from University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus generally make around $56,926. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus admits about 58% of applicants.

3
University Of Pennsylvania crest
University Of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA

Students looking for strong value in general public policy analysis will find it at University Of Pennsylvania, which ranked #3. Located in the city of Philadelphia, University Of Pennsylvania is a very large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $68,686. General Public Policy Analysis graduates carry a median of $16,155 in student loans. Early-career general public policy analysis graduates make about $99,682. Set against $16,155 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 5%.

4

Pennsylvania State University Main Campus came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value general public policy analysis schools. Set in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $20,644 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,790. Median earnings reach $63,435 ten years out. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted.

5
Lehigh University crest
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA

Lehigh University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in general public policy analysis, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Bethlehem, Lehigh University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,980. General Public Policy Analysis graduates carry a median of $23,008 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general public policy analysis degree recipients from Lehigh University generally make around $70,321. Set against $23,008 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 26%.

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6
Drexel University crest
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA

Drexel University earned the #6 position for value in general public policy analysis this year. Located in the city of Philadelphia, Drexel University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $62,412. Typical student debt for general public policy analysis graduates is $28,838. General Public Policy Analysis graduates of Drexel University earn a median of $67,556 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted.

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Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 23 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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